mReview: BYD ATTO 2 – Proof That Entry-level Doesn't Have To Be Basic

The BYD ATTO 2 is a new compact SUV offering from BYD, adding to their ever-increasing lineup of cars on our sunny shores.

After a year of frankly unbelievable sales figures, the last thing BYD is doing is resting on their laurels. With big hits like the Sealion 7 and Sealion 6 DM-i already released, they introduced the ATTO 2, a compact SUV that sits at the lower end of their product range. 

The ATTO 2 features the dragon-face design language, the same one used by the ATTO 3, though the overall design of the ATTO 2 looks and feels more modern and up to date. While the ATTO 3 had smoother, curvier lines, the ATTO 2 features a stronger, more robust look, with straighter body lines and a more defined shape. 

There are, of course, still LED headlights and daytime running lights as standard and rather interestingly designed taillights. BYD say that the taillights are modelled after the Möbius strip and meant to symbolise endless wealth and prosperity for the owner. I’d like that very much, please. 

Very clean, very modern.

Despite its compact SUV bodystyle, there is actually very decent room on the inside, especially in the rear. Even my 1.8-metre-tall self is able to comfortably sit in the back with knee, head, and foot room to spare. The floor is fully flat as well, which makes all three back seats viable to sit in.

Up front, the dashboard follows the newer generation of BYD interior design, featuring a Mercedes-style, stalk-mounted gear shifter as opposed to the crystal-look, centre-console-mounted gear levers in other BYD models. This also means that the centre console has been freed up to house the wireless charging pad, cup holders, and a large storage cubby.

A spacious rear cabin despite the ATTO 2's size.

Still present is the 12.8-inch rotating centre display screen that houses all of the infotainment functions and as well as many of the car’s settings. The wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are also accessed through the screen. Thankfully, BYD has also included ventilated front seats for cooling your bum on those hot Singapore days.

The updated interior feels a lot more current and modern than you might perhaps feel in the ATTO 3, Dolphin, or Seal, which while still completely functional, can feel a little outdated. The ATTO 2 (and similarly designed Seal 6) has a much more premium feel to it as well thanks to the revamped cabin.

Powertrain-wise, the ATTO 2 is available in only one variant in Singapore, and it comes in Cat A COE trim. Power output measures in at a fairly standard 100kW (134hp) and 290Nm of torque, though at 9 seconds, the ATTO 2 is actually one of the quicker Cat A cars to 100km/h, with many others falling in the 10 second range.

It also has great visibility over its squarish body and a high seating position for easy driving around town. The ride quality is also pretty good, keeping the occupants from bouncing around too much. Wind noise is rather noticeable at speeds above 80km/h or so though, so while city driving is calm and quiet, expressway driving is calm and slightly less quiet. One downside of the ATTO 2, however, is its range. 345km on a full charge is not that much nowadays but the average Singaporean driver would probably find it adequate. 

A small frunk would've been a nice addition.

Like all BYDs, the ATTO 2 comes as standard with the full range of driver assistance and safety systems like intelligent cruise control and every manner of pre-warning of an impending accident, adding to the safety and value proposition of the car. 

Value is a big deal for BYD, with many of its cars coming in at highly competitive price points, and the ATTO 2 is no different. It’s the new entry level model in the BYD range, opening up the world of electric mobility to a wider audience in a more modern and stylish way than before.

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