Is the BYD Atto 2 excellent value for Malaysians
Just weeks ago in Malaysia, the Atto 2 was launched for a surprising RM100,000, making it one of the most affordable fully imported EVs available. In other markets like Australia, it is anticipated to be aggressively priced between the smaller BYD Dolphin and larger BYD Atto 3.
Malaysia is also the first country to get this RIGHT HAND DRIVE version. The European and Chinese domestic market gets a left hand drive version with a gearshift on the centre console.
We get a gearshift on the steering column on the right hand side of the steering wheel. It easy to use and similar to many other EV’s in the market today.
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.
Performance & Practicality
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.
Behind The Wheel
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.
Conclusion
As a price-friendly EV, it faces strong local competition from cars like the soon to launch Proton eMas 5 (target price to be just below RM79k) and Perodua’s EV (target price to be below RM78k). But it is the MGS 5 priced from RM115k and the Leapmotor C10 which is now priced at RM124k that should be on the radar. Why? Well, both EV’s are not selling well and we are quite sure heavy discounting for the MGS 5 and C10 will be coming before Christmas.
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.
Direct petrol powered rivals include the Honda HR-V, Chery Tiggo Cross, Proton X50 and the Toyota Corolla Cross.
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
