Plug-in Hybrid Options come to the BYD ATTO 2
The BYD ATTO 2 was sold only as a battery electric car … until now, but BYD have added not just one plug-in hybrid variant, but two.
For the first time that I can recall, a plug-in hybrid comes with a choice of a standard EV only range or a longer EV only range via two battery options.
Drivetrain
The ATTO 2 DM-i ‘Super Hybrid’ starts from £26,995 in Active trim with a smaller 7.8 kWh LFP Blade battery for 24 miles of EV only range, whilst the Boost trim - starting from £29,995 - gets an 18 kWh LFP Blade battery that more than doubles the EV only range to 54 miles.
There’s also a difference in power output between the trim levels with the entry level Active trim producing 165 PS that will see the ATTO 2 sprint from 0-60 mph in a respectable 9.1 seconds, whilst the Boost gets a more beefy 212 PS motor providing a faster 7.5 seconds 0-60 mph sprint. However, both version have the same 300 Nm of torque.
BYD claims a combined electric and petrol range of 577 miles in the Active, with the Boost managing 621 miles on the WLTP test cycle.
Equipment Levels
Google Automotive Services (GAS) is equipped as standard on the ATTO 2 DM-i regardless of the trim level and is equipped with a 12.8-inch touchscreen.
Native Google Maps becomes the primary navigation system complemented by a built-in Google AI Assistant. There’s also a wide range of apps available via the Google Play store to tailor the car to each individual’s needs.
Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ are standard on both trim levels.
Active Trim
The Active trim gets 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, tail lights and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, fabric seat upholstery, four USB ports, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
There’s no wireless charging pad, instead BYD has added two front USB-C ports, rated at 60W for fast mobile phone charging with the other port rated at 18W. There are also two rear USB sockets.
The Active gets a 3.3 kW onboard AC charger which will replenish the battery in 2.7 hours.
Boost Trim
The Boost adds 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, rear privacy glass and panoramic sunroof. Front parking sensors, and electrically folding door mirrors are added.
The Boost’s interior also comes with a vegan leather trimmed steering wheel and seats, both of which are heated.
But, the Boost adds a 50 W wireless charging pad to the front, along with the two USB-C ports and the two rear charging ports.
There’s the addition of lighting for the vanity mirrors, and rear seat passengers, and for easier parking, the Boost trim introduces a 360-degree-view camera.
The Boost has a 6.6kW onboard AC charger but also adds Vehicle-to-Load capability. Charging should be completed in around 3 hours, according to BYD.
Dimensions
The compact SUV targets a core audience looking for a spacious car, and the ATTO 2 hits that target at 4,330mm long, 1,830mm wide (excluding door mirrors) and 1.675mm tall.
And thanks to those dimensions, it offers plenty of interior space in the front and rear with the boot swallowing a competitive 425 litres - useful for families and their paraphernalia.
UK order books open on 2nd June, with first deliveries expected in August.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.