BYD Atto 2 Reviews

BYD is on a roll with unprecedented growth and a knack for innovation consumers didn’t know they wanted.But how does its least-expensive small SUV EV, the new Atto 2, stack up?Offered in two grades from $31,990 (all are before on-road costs) for the Dynamic and $35,990 for the Premium as tested here, the Kia Seltos-sized Atto 2 screams its value proposition from the rooftops, given the low pricing, high specification and family-friendly proportions.However, the BYD delivers less power at 130kW, a smaller battery at 51.3kWh and a lower battery range of up to 345km (all figures quoted are WLTP) than its immediate competition.For instance, Chery’s Jaecoo J5 EV with 150kW and 58.9kWh battery starts from where the Atto 2 leaves off at $35,990, but boasts a 402km range, while its 150kW E5 (previously Omoda) Urban cousin with a 61kWh battery and 430km range is just $1000 extra.Still, none can touch the Dynamic’s $32K starting price. And that’s no Les Mis spec either, with keyless entry/start (driver’s side only though), rear camera and parking sensors, climate control air-con, rain-sensing wipers, 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and digital radio. But cloth would be nice rather than the standard vinyl trim.There’s also a decent wedge of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) tech, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.Paying $4.0K for the Premium’s 360-degree camera set-up, 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, heated/vented front seats with powered adjustability for the driver, an audio upgrade, glass roof (thankfully with sunshade) and roof rails are nice rather than must-haves.It also scores a trusted tyre brand (Kuhmo) in lieu of mysterious Westlake items. Speaking of which, neither offer a spare wheel. That’s unacceptable in Australia.Which is a pity because it is clear BYD’s engineers created a compact SUV that is stupendously user-friendly, starting with its effortless ease of entry/egress afforded by big doors and a high roofline.After taking in the airy and attractive cabin presentation, you’ll also likely be impressed by the various and very-welcome switches on what is an invitingly clean and high-quality dash.The layout is still heavily screen-based, but at least most of the oft-used functions have hard buttons to press. They’re neatly arranged and natural to learn, meaning the Atto 2 sidesteps the alien feel of most other software-based interiors from China. And when using the electronic displays, they’re slick, responsive and logical.Indeed, most of the touchpoints look and feel good, from the big cupholders and inclined phone charger pad in the driver’s eye line, to the simple column shifter and equally delightful detailing that’s prevalent in a lot of the complementing textures deployed throughout.BYD has also looked after the big stuff, starting with a commanding driving position that helps with good all-around vision, ample (electronic) instrumentation, strong ventilation, a large glove box and all the storage you’re ever likely to ask for.Reflecting its role as a family car (or ride share staple), the lofty rear seat is equally complete in execution, with unimpeded access, stacks of space even for taller adults, a pleasantly-angled fixed backrest and sufficient (outboard) cushion support.If you’re into box ticking, this BYD’s got you covered out back, with a folding centre armrest containing cupholders, USB A and C ports, a (single) rear vent, map pockets with segmented device storage, overhead lights and grab handles. Clearly, the Atto 2’s been designed from the inside out.Further behind is a practical, sensible boot area that’s a cinch to load and unload, with the somewhat high-set floor at least hiding extra storage underneath for cables and such. Capacity is rated at 380 litres, or 1320L with the 60/40 backrests folded down.Push the start button and select Drive, and the BYD continues to stand out amongst its Chinese compatriots by being a surprisingly decent drive.Depending on which mode you’re in, performance ranges from adequate to energetic, with the front wheels chirping in 'Sport' mode if you’re in enough of a hurry. BYD says 0-100km/h takes 7.9 seconds.Power delivery is smooth, quiet and assured, as you’d expect from an EV, with our Premium’s Kuhmo rubber keeping things under control in heavy rain conditions when tested. Speaking of which, our trip computer showed we averaged around 16.3kWh/100km during our time with the BYD, which seems about average.The Atto 2’s steering is also set up to feel light for low-speed parking ease, yet precise enough when the turns become tighter, displaying notable levels of roadholding grip. Feedback from the wheel is a bit too muted for enthusiasts to get excited about, and there is some rattle from the rack through bumpy bits, but the suspension (struts up front and a torsion beam out back) does a good job isolating its occupants from the rough stuff. So far, so good.But push on harder, say through a faster corner, and over a rougher patch of bitumen, and the soft suspension starts to feel wallowy, with a disappointing heaving motion that discourages any sort of sporty driving.Meanwhile, the ADAS will keep trying to apply steering correction. The little stabs of pull become incredibly tiresome, with the steering feeling sticky and artificial, instead of smooth and fluid, on a straight road at speed as a result. A driver should not have to turn off the safety functions to avoid fighting off tiring, distracting electronic interference.Great around the suburbs, the Atto 2 thus is flawed as a highway cruiser. The solution is an Aussie road tune. A back-to-back drive in the far-more-sophisticated Kia EV3 will reveal what’s possible.That said, the BYD is 33 per cent cheaper and that will be more than enough for most EV buyers to put up with any dynamic inadequacies.

The Premium sits atop the two-model Atto 2 range, listing at $35,990, before on-road costs. It's important to note it shares its motor, battery and driving range with the cheaper Dynamic, so what you're paying for is more included features.

The BYD Atto 2 Dynamic is the cheapest electric SUV in Australia, listing at just $31,990, before on-road costs.

If you instantly associate electric vehicles with an inflated price tag it's time to think again. The compact BYD Atto 2 SUV has taken the crown of Australia's most affordable new EV and we've had a revealing first drive.