According to reports coming out of Europe, BYD’s new fully electric Atto 2 has just debuted in the UK and Europe and will soon follow into Australia. But when can Malaysia expect to see it? Known as the Yuan Up in China, the small electric SUV is the newest member of the Atto family, following the Atto 3 and slotting into a space between the BYD Dolphin and the Atto 3.
The BYD Atto 2 will start at about GBP27,000 (about RM150k), which is about the same price as the MG4 in the UK and Europe. However, pricing has not yet been verified in these regions. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the starting price of the MG4 is RM103,999.
The Atto 2’s dimensions are approximately the same size as the MG4, except that it is substantially taller thanks to its crossover proportions, as opposed to a more traditional hatchback profile of the MG4.
At launch, the Atto 2 will be offered in Europe in two trim levels—Active and Boost. The Active spec will employ 17-inch alloys, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, a rearview camera, rear parking radars, six speakers, and airbags.
In the meantime, the Boost trim level incorporates eight speakers, a 12.8-inch screen, heated seats and steering, an additional parking radar up front, and a surround-view camera system. Later in 2025, a third “Comfort” type is expected to be added to the lineup.
Like the Dolphin and Atto 3, the BYD Atto 2 is based on the e-Platform 3.0. The Atto 2’s front-wheel drive electric motor, which is only available in a single motor configuration, produces 174 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque, enabling the small crossover EV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 km/h.
The Atto 2 Will Deliver Up To 312km Of Range
In Europe, the 45.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack powers both the Active and Boost models, giving them the same 312 km WLTP-rated range. However, a 50 kWh battery pack will provide UK buyers with a little more range while a Comfort spec is expected to get an even bigger battery for much more range.
The only model in the “Atto” family that is presently available for purchase in Malaysia is the Atto 3, which was the brand’s first model to be introduced there. Only one “Extended Range” version is available, costing RM149,800. It has a single front motor that produces 201 horsepower and 310 Nm, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.
A 60.48 kWh battery pack, with a WLTP-rated range of 420 km, provides the electric juice. As for charging, up to 7 kW of AC power and 88 kW of DC fast charger power are supported for charging.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Expected to knock horns with the likes of the compact Volvo EX30, the Atto 2 debuted at the Brussels Motor Show last month to positive reviews. During a press conference at the show, BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, said the smaller (B-SUV) SUV segment is “critical” in Europe, and the Atto 2 is “poised to attract a large number of potential customers.” To be honest, the Atto 2 does look a little sharper and better proportioned that the Atto 3 which will work in its favor.