WHEN the world’s largest maker of EVs and PHEVs hit UK shores a few years ago, people were saying “BYD who?”

Not so now, as the brand is firmly established as an importer with an ever growing range of cars on offer to UK motorists.ATTO 3 started the invasion and there have been a significant number launched here between then and the ATTO 2 under scrutiny here.

BYD is a big concern. They’re opening a plant in Hungary later this year, had considered one for the UK but were put off by the cost, and the jungle telegraph has hinted at a future involvement in Formula One, though how full electric sits in that scenario is one to ponder.

ATTO 2 EV in Comfort trim pairs up its electric motor with a 64.8kWh battery that does 267 miles of WLTP range. 
The Boost version comes with a 51.1kWh lithium-ion phosphate BYD battery, for a range of up to 214 miles. On a DC charger it’ll take 25 minutes to get from 10 to 80 percent with the bigger battery. 

BYD’s lithium-iron-phosphate Blade batteries have higher levels of safety and durability compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries, and are also 100 per cent free of cobalt, a material that has raised ethical and environmental concerns in the mining industry and elsewhere.

All versions get a heat pump as standard, which BYD claims can extend your range by 10-20 per cent in winter.

Its looks have garnered some criticism, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the Atto 2 attracted a fair amount of admiring comments during our spell with the car.
It has a bit of a rugged exterior look to it, especially along the sills, in contrast to where it is undoubtedly at its best – around town. 

It feels quite compact to drive too. You’ll immediately notice that the steering is very light. Fine when you’re manoeuvring easily around at low speeds in traffic, but perhaps needing a bit more weight when travelling a tad quicker.

Exterior features include LED headlights and slim daytime running lights, a full-width light bar that splits the ‘Chinese knot’ tail-lights, and 16 or 17 inch alloys depending on selected trim.  Directly in front of the driver sits an 8.8in display, while the centrepiece of the dashboard is the 12.8in touchscreen. The operating system feels pretty well sorted and responsive.  

Vegan leather seats (whoever thought they would be a must-have?) and decent quality materials finish off the inside.

At 4.3 metres long, for a compact SUV it’s surprisingly spacious. With a 2.6 metre wheelbase, it lends itself to comfortable room in the rear, and you still get a decent-sized boot too. Rear seats down and your golf clubs and trolley can be accommodated and there’s more space under the boot floor if you need it.

BYD ATTO 2 Comfort

Price: £34,795
Engine: 64.8kWh BYD Blade battery
Power: 201bhp
Torque: 229 lb/ft
Transmission: single speed
Top speed: 99 mph
0-62mph: 7.9 seconds
Range: 267 miles
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km

©️ wheelwrite.co.uk 2026