When it comes to astronomical rises, there are few car brands that have achieved as much success in a short time as BYD. Its first product, the Atto 3 small SUV, was a medium burner but later additions like the Shark 6 ute and Sealion 7 electric midsize SUV have taken market segments by storm.
Following the initial explosion onto the market, BYD — now imported by the factory, rather than through distributor EVDirect — is strengthening its position with fresh trims and an official new model announcement, the Atto 2 small SUV.
Chasing Cars was invited to China to sample various products, including the Atto, in Chinese-market trim ahead of their locked-in (or potential) launches in Australia. Of the 10 cars we drove over two days, the Atto 2 seemed the most potential-packed, along with the Toyota Prado-sized Denza B5.
European left-hand drive markets have already started to get Atto 2s, which are known as the Yuan Up in China. There are some distinct differences to the Atto 3 we know at home which is part of the Ocean series, where the Atto 2 is a Dynasty car, meaning more restrained design language.
Under the skin, the Atto 2 uses BYD’s ePlatform 3.0 with cell-to-body battery construction technology that should give it a leg up in body stiffness and safety areas against rivals like the Kia EV3, MG S5, Renault Megane E-Tech, and others.
Australian-market Atto 2s will be equipped with the larger of the available two battery packs, offered globally at 45.1kWh, which equates to a modest 312km WLTP driving range.
Compared to above rivals, the Atto 2 may be at a disadvantage here. The Kia EV3 Air, for example, has a 436km driving range, while the MG S5 gets 425km.
The Atto 2’s proprietary ‘Blade’ lithium-iron phosphate (LDFO battery has limited DC fast-charge pace, too, at 65kW (European models) for a 10-80 percent in just under 40 minutes.
But the Atto 2 may carry one big advantage over competitors: price.
BYD was not forthcoming with final pricing, yet reading between the lines we can expect a lower trim Atto 2 to start at around $37,000 (or just above Dolphin) with a better equipped model somewhere around the $40K mark, leaving space for the larger Atto 3. Both would handily undercut rivals.
Both examples on the day were finished in Hiking Green, a sort of sandy Pistachio hue. At a whisker over 4.3 metres long, the Atto 2 is bigger than a Nissan Juke, but still a lot smaller than a Toyota Corolla Cross or its Atto 3 sibling.
The Atto 2 has a leg up on the Atto 3 for mass appeal inside, with a more conventional interior design that does away with the guitar strings and dumbbells in favour of classic broad lines. The 12.8-inch still rotates, though.
Stand-out build quality was evident in this left-hand-drive that was flogged over two days of test driving. The plastics didn’t creak or rattle and most materials appear hard wearing, yet without sacrificing soft touch. It’s quite impressive.
Commenting on the multimedia system’s usability is a bit pointless because this writer doesn’t understand Chinese.
That said, there are a few handy features. For example, the Atto 2 has the ability to adjust the HVAC settings through the digital driver’s display, which is neatly nestled into the dashboard with a cowl to minimise glare.
Rear seat accommodation is good. Even though it’ll be classed as a small SUV, the Atto 2 should easily have room for families. Expect three top tether actors and Isofix on two outboard seats.
Our example was fitted with a light cream synthetic leather interior which added to the sense of space. A flat floor, map and device pockets in the back of both front seats, and two USB ports round out the equipment — there are no air vents in the Atto 2.
Boot size is yet to be confirmed for Australia and it doesn’t look like a spare tyre will be possible to package. On initial inspection the space isn’t huge, with a low-set but sturdy cargo cover. The boot floor has two positions, too, which adds to flexibility.
Time to turn a wheel, though it’s worth pointing out our test drives were very brief. About a minute — though as many runs as we could fit in — around a carpark motorkhana course. A slalom, S-bends, speed humps and a braking test were included for extra depth.
With 130kW sent to the front wheels the Atto 2 is brisk enough to get out of its own way, with Euro examples quoting a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds. Being light helps — the Atto 2 only tips the scales at 1430kg.
That means its simple suspension set-up, comprising struts up front and a torsion beam at the back with coil springs and passive dampers, should cut the mustard.
The Atto 2 has some classic Chinese car traits, with soft suspension and light control weights. The steering seemed a little heavier than usual, for the better, and the handling was pleasantly predictable through the slalom and corners.
Ride quality seemed decent over the speed humps, too, though there was plenty of body roll which may translate to feeling a bit at-sea and disconnected on Australian roads.
Worth pointing out that Aussie Atto 2s will run the tune fitted to European-delivered models, rather than the Chinese market models we drove.
All this is to say, the Atto 2 is a little electric car that shows potential from a brand that’s on a trail to success in Australia.
Will the Atto 2 be best in class? Slow charging, a small battery and boot may hamper its chances, but if BYD can bring this fairly stylish little crossover in at a super sharp starting price, then it may be onto a winner.
