BYD Atto 2 Hybrid Review & Prices

The BYD Atto 2 DM-i is a plug-in hybrid version of the brand’s small electric SUV, and it’s something of a rarity in its segment. It’s an alternative to cars such as the Toyota Yaris Cross, Renault Captur and Volkswagen T-Cross, but none of those cars offer a plug-in version.

It’s a bit like one of those speakeasy bars which looks the same as all the other shopfronts on the outside, but behind the door it’s packing something unique.

The exterior design won’t turn many heads, because it’s quite an unassuming SUV. The slim headlights and full-width light bar look smart, but a Peugeot 2008 is much more eyecatching.

That theme continues on the inside, where you find a simple dashboard layout. Everything feels pretty solid, and the materials are plush for an affordable car like this, but it does have the vibe of an unfurnished bachelor pad with nothing but a big TV on the wall.

At least that TV is a good one. The Atto 2’s 12.8-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, and it has a few clever shortcuts. You can change the temperature and fan speed using three-finger gestures, which almost makes up for the distinct lack of buttons inside.

Storage is pretty good as well. The door bins are massive, you get a big cubby under the central armrest and there’s even more space beneath the centre console, where you’ll find a couple of USB ports. There’s also a handy wireless phone charger beneath the screen, right next to the big cup holders.

There’s plenty of space in the back seats as well. This is quite a tall and boxy car, so even taller adults can get comfy in the back and the bench is wide enough to fit three across as well. It’s annoying that there’s no central armrest though, and the ISOFIX anchor points are a bit of a faff to access.

The 425-litre boot is nothing to shout about either. It’s a practical, square shape and there’s additional storage under the flat floor, but a Ford Puma offers 456 litres of space. The Atto 2 does best the Toyota Yaris Cross by around 25 litres, though.

Out on the road, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i is pretty inoffensive. The 1.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid engine is smooth, quiet and efficient, offering up to 55 miles of pure-electric range in top-spec cars or 24 miles in basic models with a smaller battery.

We also managed to get almost 60mpg from the Atto 2 DM-i during our test, which took in a variety of different roads. That’s not quite as impressive as the Toyota Yaris Cross, but it’s more than a Volkswagen T-Cross will manage. It does feel a bit sluggish when you put your foot down though, so overtaking manoeuvres require careful planning.

It’s easy to drive in town thanks to excellent all-round visibility, and you get a handy 360-degree camera on the flagship Boost version. The suspension does get a bit jiggly over broken surfaces though - a Volkswagen T-Cross is more comfortable.

And if it’s B-road thrills you’re after, you won’t find them here. The Atto 2’s steering is really light and devoid of much feedback. It’ll go where you point it, but a Ford Puma is more fun. That suspension doesn’t get much better on a twisty road either, because it’s quite wobbly over bumps.

All versions of the Atto 2 get adaptive cruise control to make long journeys easier. It can maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and steer to keep you in lane, but the presence of a fair amount of wind noise makes it a bit less relaxing over great distances than a Toyota Yaris Cross.

Verdict

Plug-in hybrid tech aside, the BYD Atto 2 doesn’t do a lot to stand out from alternatives. It’s just an affordable, spacious, unassuming small SUV with plenty of standard kit. If you’re after a small PHEV which is great value for money, it’s worth adding to your shortlist.

Choosing the right BYD Atto 2 DM-i is easy, because there are only two to choose from. The entry-level Active gets cloth seats, a reversing camera, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, a digital driver’s display and LED headlights. It also has the smaller of two hybrid battery options, giving you 24 miles of electric range. 

Upgrading to the Boost model costs an extra £3,000, but for that you get heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera system and wireless charging, as well as 55 miles of EV range. 

All this costs about the same as a mid-spec Volkswagen T-Cross or Toyota Yaris Cross, neither of which have the same level of standard equipment. The Atto 2 DM-i offers a lot for your money.