BYD Atto 2 DM-i PHEV now on sale in South Africa

BYD (or Build Your Dreams, if you prefer) is one of the world’s leading producers of new-energy vehicles (hybrids and EVs). The Chinese automaker has been drip-feeding new models in the SA market for the better part of two years. While some are niche (such as full EVs) or premium SUVs. However, we believe its newest arrival will be its most popular yet. The BYD Atto 2 DM-i PHEV made its debut in Msanzi this week.

What is it?

The Atto 2 is a small SUV in the same mould as, say a VW T-Cross or Hyundai Venue. The five-seater is a shade under 4,5 metres long and 1,7 metres wide. That should make it pretty easy for most drivers to handle and live with the Atto 2. The car has BYD’s typical design cues with slim LED daytime running lights and a skinny centre grille.

Two Options

BYD SA is introducing the range with two derivatives. These are called Comfort and Dynamic. They are fairly well equipped, especially considering the price point (see bottom of post). Standard features across the range include: keyless entry and start, digital key, climate control, parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring, navigation, wireless mobile connectivity, multiple airbags, multi-function steering wheel and many others beside.

What’s Under the Hood?

The most important aspect of the Atto 3 is what lies under the bonnet. BYD has fitted the Atto 2 DM-i with a 1,5-petrol engine. In addition the ICE is mated with an electrical motor. That motor is powered by a 7,8 kWh battery. The battery allows for a pure electric range of 40 km.

The battery can be charged from an EV charger (the plug-in part of its name). Battery charge can also be recuperated under breaking or when coasting. Total system power is rated as 122 kW with a peak of 300 N.m of torque. All of it is fed to the front wheels through an automatic transmission. BYD quotes a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5,1 L/100 km, which is pretty darn impressive for a petrol car.

A Quick Drive

We had a quick drive of the Atto 2 DM-i at the national ride and drive event. The little SUV sets off in EV mode, which is great if dealing with traffic or pootling along low speed. The car has a good ride quality and held its four occupants in a good level of comfort.

We made a bee-line for the motorway where the petrol engine was called into duty. It seemed happy travelling at the speed limit, but it did take a while to get up to speed. One has to really lean on the gas pedal to get up to speed, or make a quick overtake. That sensation is amplified somewhat in the thin air of Gauteng.

Priced Right

BYD drops the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Comfort version into the market at an extremely competitive R449 900. As as result this is the cheapest PHEV available on the SA new-car market. Opt for the Dynamic derivative and the price rises by R40 000 to R489 900.

For those who worry about their fuel bills and, let’s face it, who doesn’t, the Atto 2 will be an attractive proposition, especially if you happen to live quite close to you place of work or have a short-ish daily commute. With that in mind, we suspect this will be the brand’s top-selling model.