BYD, the world’s leading new energy vehicle manufacturer, has its sights firmly set on being the biggest in South Africa, too, and it isn’t playing around.
With an ever-growing product line-up and aggressive plans to expand its 40 South African dealerships to 80 in the coming months, the company is seemingly on track to be one of the bigger disruptors going forward.
A case in point is the launch of the new Atto 2 DM-i, which lands as the country’s cheapest plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). As a compact SUV, it might be part of the most competitive segment in the market, but it’s one that brings volume and brand awareness to the roads.
Bang for your buck
South African customers get to choose between two derivatives: the well-equipped Atto 2 DM-i Comfort at R449 900, and the full house Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic at R489 900.
The cheapest Corolla Cross HEV is the XS at R501 100, while the Chery Tiggo Cross CSH starts at R439 900 for the Comfort. However, note that both these cars are hybrids and not PHEVs like the Atto 2 DM-i.
Interior tech
The BYD Atto 2 DM-i is a decent-looking compact SUV, in the same mould as almost all the other compact SUVs available today. It’s also packed with digital screens and other tech on the inside.
An 8,8” instrument cluster offers the driver all the info one could want on a cluster, while a 12,8” touchscreen is home to the infotainment system.
As is the norm with Chinese offerings, it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50W wireless charger, and four USB-C ports.
A safe bet
With 425ℓ of boot space, there’s enough room inside the BYD Atto 2 DM-i for a small family’s needs.
Where the vehicle scores highly is on the safety front. A full suite of advanced driving aids is available, including driver, passenger, and side airbags; vision assistance and a 360° camera system; intelligent cruise control; and automatic headlights.
Frugal sipper
The Atto 2 DM-i offers the latest in BYD’s Blade Battery technology, and a 7,85kWh battery powers an electric motor that’s paired with a 1,5ℓ naturally aspirated petrol engine.
The combined output is rated at 122kW of power and 300Nm of torque, which is driven down to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. The numbers are pretty decent on paper, but to be blunt, it never quite feels like it gets there when on the road.
Where the Atto 2 DM-i bounces back is with claimed fuel consumption. According to BYD, the vehicle should average 5,1ℓ/100km and achieve a pure electric range of 40km. This equates to 930km on a 45ℓ tank of fuel and a full battery.
We were only offered a very short drive at the BYD Atto 2 DM-i media launch event, and we look forward to spending more time with it in the future.
Vehicle pricing
Atto 2 DM-i Comfort – R449 900
Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic – R489 900
Pricing includes a five-year/150 000km warranty, five-year/150 000km roadside assistance, a four-year/60 000km service plan, and an eight-year battery warranty.
