Car review: BYD Atto 2 a new and improved subcompact crossover

SINGAPORE – Call it vanity, but it feels pretty good when my criticisms of a car are addressed by a manufacturer, even though the changes may well be purely coincidental.

In its new Atto 2, BYD has made several such enhancements which add up to a more refined and complete vehicle. The area between the A-pillar and front window is glass instead of opaque plastic, making turning visibility better.

Lane-keeping aids can now be switched off permanently, eliminating the need for drivers who dislike such interferences and their accompanying annoying chimes to turn them off each time they start a new journey.

Space packaging, which is not always a strong suit among Chinese carmakers, is amazing in the Atto 2. Despite having a shorter wheelbase than the diminutive

BYD Dolphin

, its second row is roomier.

Measuring 4,310mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,675mm tall with a 2,620mm wheelbase, the Atto 2 is slightly bigger than the Dolphin. As a result, its boot is 35 litres larger at 380 litres, which is spacious for a car of its footprint.

Although around 50kg heavier on account of its size and bigger battery (51.1kWh versus 44.9kWh), the Atto 2 is efficient. Driven between Sport and Eco modes, the test car averages 13.6kWh/100km, which gives it a range of 375km. This is comparable with the Dolphin, which, incidentally, is not nearly as quick.

Being an Android phone user, I am glad the Atto 2 has Android Auto, although the connection in the test car is intermittently patchy. Another standard issue feature is wireless phone charging. The Dolphin at the time of testing two years ago did not have either feature.

There are no frivolous frills such as altimeter, inclinometer or air quality monitor. Keyless lock and unlock is still accessible only on the driver-side door – not a big issue, really. I am happy that BYD sticks to conventional interior door handles, which are visually and tactilely pleasing.

The Atto 2 is noticeably more polished on the move than both the Dolphin and

Atto 3

. Its ride is more settled, with rebounds better controlled. It is a perky car, often taking off with playful wheelspins if you are hard on the pedal.

Another vast improvement lies in the car’s adaptive cruise control, which is so sophisticated that it outshines even those in luxury models.

For instance, it responds quickly and smoothly when it detects a stationary vehicle which comes into view suddenly when a followed vehicle veers to another lane. This is a common occurrence here, as drivers feel they need to get as close to a junction stop as possible. Most cars with adaptive cruise control fail to respond as adequately as the Atto 2.

Equally smooth is how the Atto 2’s brake energy recuperation is meted out. I drive the car with a high recuperation setting, as the low setting is practically a free coasting mode.

All these changes answer a question I had before I saw the Atto 2: “Why bring in a car which is about the size of the Dolphin and which has a shorter wheelbase?”

Clearly, the Atto 2 is a more evolved car.

Evolution, however, has left the car’s styling fairly untouched. The Atto 2 looks less funky and youthful than the Dolphin, both inside and out.

This is a tad surprising since the Atto 2 is specifically targeted at young, first-time car owners. The model was launched at Zouk to underscore its market positioning.

Like the Dolphin and Atto 3, the Atto 2 does not have a frunk.

Nevertheless, the car looks somewhat more contemporary than the Atto 3, which is relatively long in the tooth now.

If you value function over form, then you will not mind the stark difference in design between the Atto 2 and Dolphin (known as Atto 1 elsewhere).

What you might mind is the price. At close to $230,000, including certificate of entitlement (COE) and before discounts, the Atto 2 is well beyond the reach of many first-time car buyers.

If, however, you qualify for all the applicable discounts, the car is $161,888 – $7,000 lower than the Dolphin after similar discounts.

So, it appears BYD has made a better car cheaper, all within two years. Which makes me wonder what will emerge in 2027, if not sooner.

BYD Atto 2

Price: $229,888 with COE, before applicable discounts
Motor: Front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous with 51.1kWh battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Power: 100kW
Torque: 290Nm
0-100kmh: Nine seconds
Top speed: 160kmh
Power consumption: 17kWh/100km
Charging capacity: 7kW AC; 82kW DC
Agent: E-Auto
Rating: ★★★★☆

Comparable considerations

Smart #1 Pro ($286,888 with COE)
This is probably the most youthful pick among electric subcompacts. Besides its funky design inside and out, it is entertaining at the wheel. The cabin is spacious, but stowage is limited. Unlike the Atto 2, most of its switches are embedded in its infotainment system.

Zeekr X RWD

($209,999 with COE)
The X boasts an exceptionally high level of fit and finish for its segment, and a long equipment list. It has a young, edgy design, although this has a slightly adverse impact on rear quarter visibility. It is pretty sizeable, too, but its boot is a tad smaller than the Atto 2’s.

Volvo EX30 Plus

($205,000 with COE)
This is the Atto 2’s keenest competitor. The Volvo ticks all the crucial boxes with flourish and is priced very close to the BYD. But it is slightly thirstier and hence has a shorter range. This is not an issue if you have easy access to chargers. Although owned by China’s Geely group, Volvo has preserved its inimitable Scandinavian feel in the EX30.