The new BYD ATTO 2 DM-i Plug-in hybrid SUV isn’t trying to be sporty and it isn’t trying to reinvent the family SUV. Instead, it’s focused on making everyday driving as simple, comfortable and stress-free as possible. After spending time behind the wheel, I’d say that’s exactly what it does.
The clever thing about this is that ATTO 2 is BYD have perfected the drive system. For most of the time it drives and feels like a pure EV. The petrol engine acts more like a generator than a conventional engine, supplying power when needed, while the front wheels are driven by the electric motor.
I’ll start with the looks. My only real criticism is the styling. I actually like its clean, understated design, but it won’t turn many heads. If you’re looking for an SUV with huge road presence, there are more eye catching alternatives available.
The doors open wide and the interior oozes luxury. However, what you’re looking at is, in marketing speak, “vegan leather” or, as I prefer to call it, synthetic leather. It looks and feels like leather, but it isn’t. It features attractive yellow stitching, which adds to the premium look and feel.
I found it very easy to get into a comfortable driving position. You’re immediately greeted by a 8.8 inch digital driver’s display, which is clear and easy to read, featuring a white background with crisp graphics. There is also a wealth of driver information available on the screen.
The main focal point of the interior besides the “vegan leather seats” is the enormous 12.8 inch central touchscreen, which dominates the cabin. The display is clear, the colours are crisp, the display follows my commands quickly.
There was plenty of space for both the driver and passengers in the cabin. The front seats are broad, supportive and, most importantly, very comfortable, even after spending several hours behind the wheel.
There’s also plenty of room in the rear, with enough space for three adults to sit comfortably. The flat floor makes the middle seat far more usable than in many rivals, while the boot has 425 litres seats up and which can be extended to 1,335 by folding the rear seats, that is generous enough to swallow plenty of luggage or even accommodate the family dog.
Considering this SUV in the Boost specification starts at just under £30,000, the quality of the cabin genuinely surprised me. The build quality feels solid, the technology is well integrated and overall, it gives the impression of a vehicle costing considerably more.
Driving
Setting off is easy. As soon as you open the door, the car is ready to go. It is a simply case of selecting Drive and moving off, which it does in fully electric mode.
One standout feature for me was the indicator sound. Rather than the usual click, it has a pleasant two-note chime.
All round visibility is good and the Boost version comes with a 360-degree camera and parking sensors as standard.
The steering is light at lower speeds but weights up nicely once you’re above around 50 mph. By no means is this a sports SUV, so don’t expect a thrilling drive. However, it feels very competent over our poorly patched-up roads and provided me with a pleasant, relaxing drive through built-up areas, effortlessly dealing with 20 mph speed limits and speed bumps.
Even at motorway speeds, it is well insulated from the outside world, with very little wind or tyre noise. It’s a real cruiser. I happened to glance at the dashboard and to my amazement, it was still showing a combined range of just over 600 miles. The official combined range is 621 miles.
There was one point on an A-road, climbing a particularly steep hill, where the 1.5 litre petrol engine cut in. The engine revs don’t necessarily match the road speed. It’s a slightly unusual sensation at first, but you soon get used to it.
The 18 kWh battery can offer up to 55 miles of pure electric driving.
Make no mistake, this BYD ATTO 2 DM-i SUV is no slouch and is more than capable of keeping up with most traffic on the road. It offers the usual drive modes. I believe Normal or Eco is more than sufficient. If you’re coming from a petrol or diesel vehicle, this will feel like it has more than enough performance for everyday driving.
However, the thing I suspect will attract most customers to the new ATTO 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid is its starting price. This model comes in at just £29,999. For that, you also get a 17 inch alloys, panoramic roof, wireless phone changing, electric rear windows, privacy glass, 6 year warranty and a 8 year warranty on both the battery and drive motor, giving buyers plenty of peace of mind. On top of that, BYD currently has some attractive finance offers available.
So, is it worth the money?
Considering this SUV starts at just under £30,000 and comes generously equipped with technology, I’d say yes. The build quality feels solid, the refinement is impressive and the driving experience is far more polished than you might expect at this price point. I’d go as far as saying it feels like a vehicle that should cost considerably more.
It may not be the most exciting SUV on the market and its understated styling won’t appeal to everyone, but it is comfortable, practical, refined and extremely easy to live with. Above all, I’m most impressed by its innovative plug-in hybrid powertrain. It delivers the smooth, effortless driving experience of an electric vehicle while removing much of the range anxiety that still puts some buyers off making the switch.
To view my video review, head below.
About the author
Sheridan is an independent automotive editor and founder of We Blog Any Car. With over 30 years’ experience in the motor industry, his work focuses on market insight, buying signals, and real world automotive analysis, with a particular interest in the modern classic market.
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