Malaysia is incidentally the first right-hand drive market to receive this compact all-electric BYD crossover.
For those who find the Atto 3 just a bit too big, BYD now has a new option to consider. Such is as the Chinese automaker has just officially launched the Atto 2 locally, offered in a sole Premium variant priced at RM 100,000.
Size-wise first, this compact crossover neatly slots between its larger Atto 3 sibling and the smaller Dolphin hatchback. It comes in at 4,290 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, while riding on a 2,620 mm wheelbase.
In terms of exterior styling, the Atto 2 features a slightly chunkier overall aesthetic than its bigger brother. Up front are automatic LED headlights, while at the rear is a full-width LED light bar with BYD’s signature infinity ring taillight design (reminiscent of what’s found on the Dolphin). Completing the look meanwhile are 17-inch alloy wheels and traditional pull-up door handles.
As for what lies under the hood, the Atto 2 is powered by a single front-mounted motor producing 177 PS and 290 Nm of torque. BYD claims that the compact crossover can muster the century sprint in a claimed 7.9 seconds, before eventually running out of puff at 160 km/h.
Juicing this setup is BYD’s proprietary 51.13 kWh Blade battery, which offers up to 410 km of range on the NEDC cycle (or 350 km on the more realistic WLTP standard). Charging is made possible via a 7 kW onboard AC charger, while DC fast charging is supported at up to 82 kW — taking just 28 minutes to go from 30% to 80%.
Moving along inside now, the Atto 2 comes with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a familiar 12.8-inch rotating infotainment display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with a 50-watt wireless charging pad integrated into the centre console.
Other interior highlights of the Atto 2 include ventilated front seats, automatic climate control with rear air vents, a column-mounted gear selector, as well as an 8-speaker audio system complete with BYD’s in-car karaoke function. Also included are automatic wipers, a 360-degree surround view monitor, six airbags and a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
Three exterior colours will be available with the Atto 2 at launch: Ski White, Harbour Grey, and Breeze Green. All of which will be paired to a black vegan leather interior within.
For peace of mind, the Atto 2 is backed by a 6-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty, and an additional 8-year/150,000 km warranty for the EV drive unit. Buyers will also receive a complimentary vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter and a Type 2-to-three-pin plug charging cable.
Early adopters will enjoy even more perks, with the first 800 buyers in Malaysia entitled to a launch ownership package worth RM13,500. This includes zero instalment payments for the first six months (when financed via a Sime Motors panel bank), a complimentary home wall charger, and for those living in high-rises, a free 12-month Sime Platinum 4+ by Power Up subscription. This package covers up to four mobile charging sessions per month, hand wash and vacuum services twice a month, tyre shine, and up to two free EV rescue services a year.
All said however, one does have to wonder about the Atto 2’s place in the local market. The larger, more powerful, and longer-range Atto 3 can after all be had for just a few thousand ringgit more (or even less when there are promotions).
Not to mention, Perodua is expected to soon also enter this exact segment with its own fully-electric and significantly more affordable offering in the coming months. Also for those who don’t mind using a little bit of jungle juice, Chery has also just revealed locally its rather efficient electrified Tiggo Cross CSH.
