The Atto 2 arrived with one headline: for now, it is the cheapest electric SUV on sale in Australia. The more interesting question is whether a price leader can also be a good car. Largely, yes.
Price and range
Two grades: the Dynamic from $31,990 plus on-road costs and the Premium from $35,990. Both use the same 51.13kWh Blade lithium-iron-phosphate battery with a claimed 345km WLTP range, and both get the same single front motor producing 130kW and 290Nm — enough for 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.9 seconds.
That undercuts rivals including the Chery E5, Leapmotor B10, MG S5 and Kia EV3, though several of those offer more range or more power for the extra money.
Inside
This is where the Atto 2 punches above its price. The cabin feels genuinely well finished, the dashboard is clean and — refreshingly for a modern EV — retains physical switches for commonly used functions rather than burying everything in the screen. Access is easy thanks to big doors and a high roofline.
Boot space is 380 litres, expanding to 1320 litres with the rear seats folded, with a dual-level floor and useful side storage. Two adults fit comfortably in the back; three is a squeeze, as it is not a wide car. There is no front boot and the tailgate is manual.
A heat pump and vehicle-to-load capability are standard on both grades, which is generous at this price.
The compromises
It is down on power and slower to charge than key rivals, and the claimed range is shorter. More significantly, it does not carry an ANCAP safety rating and lacks a driver monitoring system, which would count against it if tested. For some buyers that alone will be decisive.
Ownership
BYD covers the Atto 2 with a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, which is competitive.
Verdict
A well-resolved, easy-to-live-with small EV at a price that is hard to argue with — best suited to city and suburban driving where 345km is plenty. If long trips or a safety rating are priorities, spend the extra on a rival.