BYD Atto 2 review

Yet another model from Chinese manufacturer BYD – or Build Your Dreams, to give it its full name – in its continued attempt at worldwide automotive domination. It’s called the Yuan Up in its homeland, but over here it’s called the Atto 2, where it sits below the Atto 3 crossover.

You’ll likely be familiar with BYD by now: it’s no less than the largest manufacturer of electrified vehicles these days, and alongside the Atto pair we’ve also got the Dolphin Surf supermini, Dolphin hatchback, Seal saloon, Seal U SUV and Sealion 7 crossover-coupe thing on our shores. And make no mistake, this is just the start.

The bigwigs at BYD clearly thought there was something missing though, because they've now decided to introduce a compact crossover in the shape of the Atto 2. And while it was initially only available as a full EV, you’ll soon be able to have it as a plug-in hybrid too.

Plenty of strong competition already for the electric one, including the Renault 4, Kia EV3, Ford Puma Gen-E, Jeep Avenger, Fiat Grande Panda, Volvo EX30, and Smart #1 to name but a few. 

Fewer rivals for the cheaper PHEV though – as a dinky plug-in hybrid its main competitors are probably cars like the Mazda MX-30 R-EV and the soon-to-die Jeep Renegade 4xe. Then you’ve got hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf eHybrid, the Vauxhall Astra in PHEV form and the Peugeot 308, although it’ll undercut all of those other PHEVs significantly on price.

SO WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ATTO 2?

Right, let’s start with the powertrains. The entry Atto 2 EV pairs a 174bhp electric motor with a 51.1kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, for a range of up to 214 miles. Maximum charging speed is 65kW on a DC charger.

That was initially your lot at launch, but there’s now also a 201bhp version paired with a bigger 64.8kWh battery that’ll do a claimed 267 miles of WLTP range. It also supports charging speeds of up to 155kW. Much better. All versions do at least get a heat pump as standard, which BYD reckons can extend your range by 10-20 per cent in winter.

WHAT ABOUT THIS PLUG-IN HYBRID SYSTEM THEN?

Well, BYD refers to it as a ‘Super Hybrid’ so it had better be good. Again, there are two different setups, although both get a the same 1.5-litre 4cyl petrol engine at their hearts. The entry level Active trim then gets a 7.8kWh battery for 25 miles of all-electric range, while the Boost trim deploys a much more useful 18kWh battery for 56 miles.

The latter can also charge faster (6.6kW for Boost vs 3.3kWh for Active), although neither can actually rapid charge so you’ll be plugging into a wallbox overnight. You do get more power in the top trim too, with a system output of 209bhp. The entry level PHEV makes do with 164bhp.

JUST ME THAT’S SEEING A HONDA E:NY1 FROM THE FRONT?

A what? Oh yes, we’d forgotten that exists. And this isn’t exactly any more memorable. It’s a mini-clone of its bigger Atto brother, only with a slightly boxier shape. There’s lots of plastic body cladding, which will likely please any urban types. Hints of the Citroen C4 Cactus air bumps? Possibly.

It’s exactly 14.5cm shorter and 4.5cm narrower than the Atto 3, which should help it squeeze down any narrow streets and within any width restrictors too. It feels quite small to drive too. And from the rugged exterior traits to the dimensions, it feels like it’s been tailored to the city.

Design highlights – if we can call them that – include LED headlights and slim daytime running lights, a full-width light bar (2025’s must have) that splits the ‘Chinese knot’ tail-lights, and 16 or 17in alloys on each corner.

WHAT ABOUT THE CABIN?

A quick look at the picture above tells you everything you need to know: tech dominates in here. Did you expect anything else from a Chinese car?

Directly in front of the driver sits an 8.8in display, while the centrepiece of the dashboard is the 12.8in touchscreen. Side note: that screen used to swivel, but BYD has now ditched that old party piece because nobody bothered to use it. Other than a karaoke app there are few gimmicks, and the operating system fees pretty well sorted and responsive. Which is good news given the absolute dearth of any proper physical buttons. Still far too many sub-menus.

There’s a good amount of space, thanks to the 2.6-metre wheelbase, which lends itself to comfortable levels of room in the rear, and you still get a decent-sized boot too. Yep, even in the plug-in hybrids.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Prices are yet to be confirmed for the plug-in hybrids, but they’ll be cheaper than the full EVs. We’re talking between £25,000 and £28,000 depending on spec.

The smaller battery EV is £30,850, or you’ll pay £34,950 for the bigger motor, battery and faster charging version. Not quite the bargain basement, rival undercutting figure you might have been expecting. Particularly when most of those Euro-spec rivals qualify for the Electric Car Grant on our shores for even more money off. 

The compact crossover sector is one of the most heavily congested markets in the UK, which means to stand out you’ve got to have some kind of USP, some kind of differential to every other car out there. The Atto 2 didn’t have that until its plug-in hybrid powertrain arrived.

Completely forgettable to look at, lacking in dynamic flair and thoroughly uninspiring to anyone who has even the slightest interest in cars, the EV is pretty dreary. At least it has a spacious cabin and generous kit list.

The PHEV is a much better proposition. Not only is it cheaper than the pricey EV, but it offers something different for buyers and has few rivals as a result. If you’re not quite ready to go electric but want a small car that still plugs in, the Atto 2 could be a neat little stepping stone. It doesn’t even lose much boot space, and it drives like an electric car the majority of the time too.