BYD ATTO 2 DM-i Review: The £30k Plug-In Hybrid SUV with 621 Miles of Range
The BYD ATTO 2 DM-i is a new hybridised version of the popular ATTO 2 EV. The new model is being described as a crossover between a supermini and an SUV, and John Marcar has driven it to see what it's like.
What is a Supermini SUV?
Depending on how you look at things, BYD has either done something quite bizarre or actually been quite clever with this new model. The designers and engineers have taken two of the most popular new car segments, the 'supermini' and the 'SUV', and merged them.
Typically, a supermini and an SUV are two very different cars. On the new-car wishlist for the average SUV buyer, 'small and compact' is usually a factor that doesn't make the cut. Likewise, for buyers of small superminis, the letters S, U and V aren't likely to be thrown into the decision equation, and yet we are with BYD's latest model, which does exactly that.
Active vs Boost
At launch, the ATTO 2 DM-i is available in either 'Active' or 'Boost' trim levels. Visually, there's not much to tell them apart from the opposite side of the road; however, Boost does offer a few creature comforts and upgrades from the entry-level Active.
The obvious upgrades on the Boost vs Active are marginally larger wheels (17-inch vs 16-inch), vegan leather seats vs cloth upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, a wireless phone charger, a multifunction steering wheel, and tinted rear windows.
The less obvious but significant upgrades on the Boost trim include a larger 18kWh battery (7.8kWh in the Active), 55 miles of electric-only range (25 in the Active), a marginally faster acceleration time (0-62 mph 9.1s vs 7.5s) and the ability to charge the battery at a rate of 6.6kW (3.3kW in the Active).
Engine and Battery
As with other DM-i models, the ATTO 2 DM-i is a plug-in hybrid, though it's better described as a range-extended EV. 'DM' signifies dual-mode (engine and battery power), so, just like the Seal 6 DM-i and Sealion 5 DM-i we've reviewed recently, the powertrain consists of a 95-hp 4-cylinder 1.5L petrol engine and a 165- or 194-hp electric motor, depending on the trim chosen. Despite the SUV aesthetic, all power is sent to the front wheels.
Combined and EV-only Range
In active trim, the ATTO 2 DM-i can drive up to 577 miles on a full charge and with a brimmed petrol tank. In Boost trim, the combined range climbs to 621 miles, which would reward a drive from London and the Scottish Highlands without the need to stop for fuel or charging.
For those wishing to use their ATTO 2 DM-i as an EV, the Active trim offers an electric-only range of 24 miles, while the Boost offers 55 miles. Once the battery power is exhausted, the petrol engine starts generating electricity for the motor.
Prices and options
The big talking point for the DM-i version of the ATTO 2 is that it significantly undercuts the electric-only variant by a few thousand pounds. Prices for the all-electric ATTO 2 start at £30,800 and increase to almost £35,000 for the higher trim level.
In hybrid DM-i form, the more basic Active trim is available for £26,995, whereas the upgraded Boost is only a few thousand more at £29,995. BYD knows that the vast majority of its buyers will opt for a finance package over a one-off cash purchase, and with a £2,000 deposit, there's only a £30 difference in monthly payments between the two trims (£269pm vs £299pm). The only optional extra to pick on both trims is colour, with anything other than grey costing £750.
What's it like to drive?
The ATTO 2 DM-i, much like its larger Sealion 5 DM-i sibling, offers pretty much everything anyone would need in a small SUV. There's nothing particularly inspiring about the driving dynamics, comfort or style, but on the same merit, there's nothing particularly wrong with any of it either. The ATTO 2 DM-i unashamedly falls into the category of 'perfectly fine car' with a distinctly average ride quality, steering feel and performance.
Since it's a range-extended EV rather than an engine-first powertrain with a backup motor, the ATTO 2 DM-i accelerates like an EV. It feels punchy from a standing start and happily works its way up to motorway speeds with ease. The downside of hard acceleration from a standing start is that, to cover the required extra oomph to reach 70mph, the EV powertrain's silent start is very much interrupted by the sound of the petrol 4-cylinder revving sky-high to generate the extra power.
For the money, the ATTO 2 DM-i feels surprisingly refined. The road rumble and wind noise are typically average for a vehicle of its size, and, in practical terms, there are equally few complaints. There are ample storage options inside the cabin, along with a 425-litre boot which expands to 1,333 L if the rear seats are folded flat.
As standard in both trims, intelligent cruise control is included, which uses a radar system to maintain a safe following distance to leading vehicles and also enables additional safety features, including emergency braking, collision avoidance, driver monitoring systems and start-stop traffic assist.
Space and Comfort
Despite its compact size, the ATTO 2 DM-i offers versatile space for both front and rear passengers. In the Boost trim, the vegan leather feels luxurious, and the heated seats are a big perk for the winter months. In the rear, the headroom is very generous for taller passengers and thanks to the panoramic roof, the interior feels very spacious.
Worth considering?
Despite the potential identity crisis of what it is (small car vs SUV), the ATTO 2 DM-i is bound to tick many boxes for many people. I think BYD will forgive me for not including adverbs like sleek, dynamic, or engaging in my review because that's not what the model is about. The ATTO 2 DM-i is for those who want to spend less than £30k on a practical, compact new car with a warranty and the best of both worlds in terms of petrol and electric power.
words by John Marcar
photography by Henry Faulkner-Smith
