BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium review: an EV blend with just a drop of ICE

BYD has come a long way from being a relatively obscure name in New Zealand to becoming one of the country's most significant electrified-car brands.

While its early success here was built largely on fully electric models such as the Atto 3, the company has increasingly recognised that not every buyer is ready to ditch petrol altogether. Enter the DM-i plug-in hybrid, a technology that is now proving particularly popular with Kiwi buyers.

The Atto 2 is the latest chapter in that story. Introduced into New Zealand as a fully electric model, the Atto 2 built on the foundations laid by the larger Atto 3 and gave BYD a more affordable entry into the increasingly competitive small SUV segment. Now, the addition of the Atto 2 DM-i brings a very different proposition: a small SUV that boasts electric driving for everyday journeys, backed up by a petrol engine for longer trips.

In China, the Atto 2 EV is known as the Yuan Up, and sits within BYD's “Dynasty” family of vehicles below the Yuan Plus, the model exported to New Zealand and other markets as the Atto 3.

There's one important distinction with the Atto 2 DM-i, however: while the electric Yuan Up is sold in China, the plug-in hybrid version was launched only for export markets, initially under the Atto 2 DM-i name in Europe, rather than being offered in its home market.

And it seems BYD has struck a nerve here with the Atto 2 DM-i; it has rapidly become its biggest-selling model in New Zealand. That's a significant development for a company that initially made its name here selling battery-electric vehicles.

On the outside: what are the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium's main design features?

You'll need to look rather closely to distinguish the Atto 2 DM-i from its fully electric sibling. BYD has kept the exterior styling largely unchanged, with only subtle differences separating the two.

It's compact enough to feel manageable in town, while the relatively upright body gives it the practical stance buyers expect from a small SUV.

That's no bad thing, because the Atto 2 is a handsome little SUV. Its clean, modern front end manages to look distinctive without resorting to an enormous grille or an assortment of unnecessary creases.

The proportions are particularly well judged. It's compact enough to feel manageable in town, while the relatively upright body gives it the practical stance buyers expect from a small SUV.

Around the rear pillars, the contrasting roofline and sculpted D-pillar lend the Atto 2 a slightly European flavour, with hints of the design language used by Mini and Smart. The overall appearance remains recognisably BYD, though, and avoids looking futuristic simply for the sake of it.

My only real criticism concerns the colour palette. The dark metallic blue of our test vehicle looks smart enough, but the Atto 2's cheerful proportions could handle something more adventurous. A brighter colour with a contrasting white or black roof would give it more personality in a segment dominated by shades of grey and silver.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium's cabin like?

Like the exterior, the DM-i doesn't really look in any way different from its full-electric sibling and, overall, the Atto 2 takes a refreshingly sensible approach to cabin design. Where some earlier BYD models, particularly the Atto 3, experimented with more flamboyant styling, the Atto 2 is considerably more restrained.

The Atto 2 feels like a properly useful small SUV rather than a slightly raised hatchback trying to convince you it's something more substantial.

The dashboard is clean and cohesive, while material quality is impressive for the class. There are hard plastics in places, as you'd expect at this end of the market, but the main touchpoints feel pleasant and the overall construction gives a solid impression.

As usual with BYD, the central touchscreen handles much of the vehicle's functionality, including some climate-control settings. A permanent digital dock along the bottom of the display makes frequently used adjustments relatively painless, although I'd still prefer a few more conventional buttons for everyday functions.

A panoramic glass sunroof brings plenty of light into the cabin in our top-spec Premium model, which feels surprisingly spacious for such a compact vehicle. Front-seat occupants have ample room, and the seats offer enough adjustment to make finding a comfortable driving position straightforward.

The compact exterior dimensions inevitably limit passenger and luggage space, but the packaging is effective, and the Atto 2 feels like a properly useful small SUV rather than a slightly raised hatchback trying to convince you it's something more substantial.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium like to drive?

The most impressive thing about the Atto 2 DM-i is just how much it feels like an EV. Well, the Premium model does at least.

The engine is so well insulated that you may barely notice it running unless you demand a substantial burst of acceleration.

The range-topper gets a substantially larger 18.03kWh battery compared with the Essential's 7.85kWh unit, increasing its claimed electric-only range from 40km to 90km, which makes it considerably more useful for drivers wanting to complete their daily commute without firing up the petrol engine.

The trade-off is acceleration: the Premium takes 8.9 seconds to reach 100km/h, compared with 7.8 seconds for the Essential, largely because the bigger battery adds weight.

On the other hand is that it also endows the Premium with a considerably more EV-like nature, and around town, the Atto 2 responds smoothly and quietly, with the petrol engine operating in the background rather than constantly announcing its presence.

Under normal hybrid operation, the transition between electric drive and petrol-powered generation is remarkably well managed, and there's little vibration or drivetrain shudder, and the engine is so well insulated that you may barely notice it running unless you demand a substantial burst of acceleration, and even then, it generally produces little more than a distant hum.

There is one exception, however: force the system into battery-saving or recharging mode and the petrol engine becomes more noticeable, with slight vibration through the floor and accelerator pedal, accompanied by a faint mechanical drone. It's hardly intrusive, but it reminds you that there's a combustion engine beneath the bonnet.

The comfortable ride, predictable handling and generally well-calibrated driver-assistance systems make it an easy vehicle to live with.

Ride comfort is another of the Atto 2’s strong points. The suspension absorbs road imperfections effectively without allowing the body to become unsettled. It's not a particularly sporty setup, but the Atto 2 isn't trying to be a hot hatch in SUV clothing.

The steering has a reassuring weight, although its feedback is largely artificial rather than particularly communicative, and the Atto 2 feels predictable and secure through corners.

The driver-assistance systems are generally well calibrated, although the lane-keeping assistance can occasionally deliver a slightly heavy-handed steering correction. Fortunately, the relevant systems are straightforward to adjust or switch off.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium's warranty and servicing situation?

BYD New Zealand backs its vehicles with a 6-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160,000km warranty for the high-voltage battery, along with 8 years of roadside assist. The service intervals are scheduled for every 12 months or 20,000km.

On the whole: what do we think of the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium?

The BYD Atto 2 DM-i is a convincing addition to the small SUV segment, combining handsome styling, a well-finished cabin and comfortable road manners with a plug-in hybrid system that delivers much of the appeal of an electric vehicle.

Its greatest strength is powertrain refinement; around town, it drives quietly and smoothly, with the petrol engine largely disappearing into the background. The comfortable ride, predictable handling and generally well-calibrated driver-assistance systems make it an easy vehicle to live with.

For buyers curious about EV ownership but not quite ready to make the full transition, the Atto 2 DM-i makes a strong case for itself. It's practical, comfortable and well equipped, with a powertrain suited to everyday driving.

BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium FAQs

What kind of car is the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium?

A compact plug-in hybrid range extender SUV.

Does the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium have hybrid or EV technology?

The Atto 2 uses BYD's DM-i plug-in hybrid system that uses a petrol engine to supply charge to the batteries.

What’s the fuel economy of the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium?

BYD claims a combined average of 5.1L/100km for the Atto 2 DM-i.

Is the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium safe?

The Atto 2 has not been tested by either ANCAP or Euro NCAP, however it has been awarded a 5 Star Vehicle Safety Risk Rating (VSRR) estimate. It features dual front, side and curtain airbags.

What safety and assistance features does the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium have?

What are the BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium's main rivals?

• Leapmotor B10 Ultra Hybrid Design ($42,990): Similar range, equipment and battery, but cheaper.
• Geely Starray EM-i ($45,990): Significantly larger, with a bigger EV range.
• Chery Tiggo 7 Ultimate Super Hybrid ($43,990): Larger, but not as refined or well-finished.
• Forthing Taikon Super Hybrid Luxury ($39,990): Larger and cheaper, but painfully slow.
• Mitsubishi Outlander Sport VRX ($46,990): Not a PHEV, but promises similar consumption on paper.