The Atto 2 was launched for a surprising RM100,000, making it one of the most affordable fully imported EVs available. It is larger than the smaller BYD Dolphin and just a tad smaller than the popular BYD Atto 3.
The Atto 2 is built on the BYD Intelligent e-Platform 3.0 architecture with BYD’s Blade Battery Technology and comes fitted with a 51.13 kWh battery pack providing an NEDC range of up to 410 km. When we picked up our test car it was at 99 percent battery and 403 km driving range on the drivers 8.8-inch instrument cluster which has a much needed ‘cowl’ above it to block sunlight.
Even at the selling price, the Atto 2 comes well-equipped. Features include a large 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen (like with all other BYD models), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, and a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
BYD in Malaysia offers a robust warranty package that provides peace of mind, with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty for the Blade Battery, additional 8-year/150,000 km warranty for the EV drive unit and a 6-year/150,000 km warranty for the vehicle.
Atto 2 Battery Technology
We found the Atto 2 to be an engaging and comfortable car, particularly in urban settings. With 130 kW of power and 290 Nm of torque, it has a quick 0–100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds.
Its 51.13 kWh Blade Battery provides a real-world WLTP range of approximately 350 km, which is highly practical for daily commuting and short weekend trips along the PLUS highway.
Despite its compact SUV size, the Atto 2 has a spacious cabin with ample head and legroom for a car in its segment. It offers a respectable 400 liters of boot space, expandable to 1,320 liters with the rear seats down. Rear passenger room for 3 adults is good with a flat floor offering decent room for 3 sets of feet.
The cabin includes modern amenities like a wireless 50W fast charging pad and type C sockets in front and in the rear. Rear A/C vent in the centre is appreciated and the adjustable rear headrests are soft and comfortable. The cabin feels solidly built with good quality materials, including synthetic leather seats and soft touch panels.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality is included, allowing you to power external devices from the car’s battery.
Driving The Atto 2
We love the fact that BYD engineers are using a keyless door opening that DOES NOT start up the car and waste battery power. You need to press the Start-Stop Button on the centre console to ignite the battery power. This saves battery power.
Plus, the cabin designers have kept physical buttons for driving mode selector, volume control, 360 parking and AC vent control. Older drivers will love this.
Front electric seats are very comfortable with soft material and good height adjustments. In SPORT mode the acceleration is decent (7.9 seconds) and spirited and mid-range power delivery is very good. With the latest platform having the Lithium Iron Phosphate battery built into it, the chassis offers better rigidity and also safety and the have this Atto 2 lighter at 1400 kgs only.
Sound insulation is great with only slight wind noise at high speeds and negligible noise from the WESTLAKE 17-inch tires.
The updated screen has quick response and is easy to navigate and there is nothing lacking in function and APPs.
Atto 2 Conclusion
We are sure a below RM99k price will be suggested (pre-registered) by dealers holding stock in the coming months as Atto 2 sales keep climbing fast.
BYD Atto 2 Specifications
Electric Motor: 130 kW (174 hp) electric motor
AC Charging: 7 kW (0-100% change in 5.5 hours)
DC Charging: Up to 82 kW (10-80% charge in 37 minutes)
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): 3.3 kW support for external devices
Torque: 290 Nm
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds
Battery: 51.13 kWh BYD Blade Battery
Driving Range: 410 km (NEDC rated)
Selling Price: RM100,000 with offer just RM86,500
