BYDAtto 2

The BYD Atto 2 (from £30,875) is the top version of the BYD Atto 2, an electric SUV. It offers a claimed range of 267 miles, 204 hp and 0–62 mph in 7.9 s.

The Atto 2 is BYD’s compact electric SUV, 4,310 mm long and pitched against small crossovers such as the Jeep Avenger. It sits between the Dolphin and Atto 3 EVO in the UK line-up and comes in two trims: Boost from £30,875 with a 51.1 kWh battery, and Comfort from £34,975 with a larger 64.8 kWh pack.

Battery, range and charging

Boost is rated at 214 miles WLTP and Comfort at 267 miles, with city figures of 302 and 375 miles. Charging is where the two really differ: Boost peaks at 82 kW DC (30–80% in 29 minutes), while Comfort accepts up to 155 kW, taking 30–80% in 19 minutes and 10–80% in 25. Both have an 11 kW on-board charger and a heat pump as standard.

Performance and driving

Both drive the front wheels. Boost has 130 kW and 290 Nm, Comfort 150 kW (204 PS) and 310 Nm, and both reach 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and top out at 99 mph. The Atto 2 has a tight turning circle and a raised driving position that suit town work, and it can tow a 750 kg unbraked trailer.

Interior and space

The boot holds 400 litres in Boost and 450 litres in Comfort, expanding to 1,340 and 1,370 litres with the seats down. Rear headroom and legroom are good for the class thanks to the flat-floored e-Platform 3.0. Vegan leather seats, electric front seat adjustment and a panoramic roof feature in the cabin.

Technology and safety

BYD’s rotating touchscreen comes with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control and over-the-air updates, plus NFC key cards. Every Atto 2 has a 360-degree camera, Vehicle-to-Load and a full suite of driver-assistance systems including adaptive cruise and automatic emergency braking.

Who is it for?

Families and commuters who want a compact, easy-to-park electric SUV with a decent boot. The Comfort is the one to pick if you do regular motorway trips. Rivals include the Jeep Avenger Electric, Kia EV3 and MG ZS EV.