BYD Atto 2 Review: The Little EV With a Lot of Atto-tude

If you’re new to the world of cars and the thought of driving something the size of a 3-room HDB stresses you out, BYD’s new Atto 2 might just be your new best friend. It’s small enough to squeeze into those impossibly tight multi-storey car park spaces, yet big enough to swallow your weekly NTUC haul, your mother-in-law, and your over-ambitious dreams of a minimalist lifestyle.

Let’s start with the basics. The Atto 2 is compact, measuring 4,310 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall, with a 2,620 mm wheelbase. In car-speak, that means it’s technically a “small SUV”; but in practice, it feels much larger inside than it looks outside. You could say it’s punching above its weight, standing toe-to-toe with competitors like the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG4 Electric, and even the Mazda CX-30 if you stretch the comparison a little.

Roomier Than Expected

Step inside, and you’ll probably wonder how BYD managed to carve out so much space. The rear seats are genuinely roomy - even if your army buddy who still does push-ups for fun sits there, he won’t be brushing knees against the front seat. The boot space is equally impressive: 380 litres with the rear seats up, and a massive 1,320 litres when folded flat. That’s enough room for groceries, luggage, and possibly a small IKEA bookshelf (unassembled, of course).

It’s the kind of practicality that first-time car buyers and small families will appreciate. Whether you’re sending the kids to school, running errands, or doing the usual “let’s go JB to wash car and eat seafood” run, the Atto 2 handles it all without breaking a sweat.

Comfort Where It Counts

The driving position is well-judged. You sit high enough to feel like a boss, but not so high that you need a ladder to climb in. The front passenger seat is - for lack of a better word – huggable; it’s nicely contoured, making long drives (or long jams) a lot more tolerable. Add to that the ventilated front seats, which, in our weather, are nothing short of a blessing.

At the back, passengers get their own USB-A and USB-C ports, because let’s face it, no one wants to argue over charging cables anymore. Up front, there’s a 50-watt wireless charging pad, and both wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - so yes, your Spotify playlist and Google Maps tantrums are well-supported.

Built With Thought

BYD deserves credit for how well put together the Atto 2 feels. The materials don’t scream “budget”, the switchgear has proper heft, and the screens - crisp, bright, and sensibly laid out - are easy to read. The centre display rotates (yes, rotates) between portrait and landscape orientation, which feels more like a party trick than a necessity, but it’s undeniably cool to show off when you give your friends their first EV joyride.

Smooth Operator

Under the bonnet - or what passes for one in an EV - the Atto 2 is powered by a 100 kW (134 bhp) motor and produces 290 Nm of torque. It’s not going to throw you back in your seat like a Tesla Model 3 Performance, but it’s more than enough for city driving. Acceleration is seamless, with a smooth, linear pull that feels well-suited for Singapore’s start-stop traffic.

Power comes from a 51.13 kWh Blade Battery, which BYD proudly says is one of the safest in the industry. It delivers a WLTP range of 345 km, though in my own testing, I managed something closer instead, which is pretty respectable for a daily runabout. Of course, with the air-con perpetually on “Antarctica mode” (have you seen our weather lately?!), don’t expect to hit the full range figure, but it’s still more than enough for a week’s worth of typical commuting.

On The Road

Drive it around town and you’ll find the Atto 2 easy to live with. Steering is light, visibility is good, and parking - even in those claustrophobic HDB carparks which also happen to be dimly lit - is a breeze. It soaks up bumps well, and road noise is kept to a minimum, giving it a surprisingly premium feel for its price point.

The Final Word

For what it costs, the BYD Atto 2 makes a strong case for itself. It’s practical, easy to drive, comfortable, and generously equipped - all wrapped up in a package that feels mature and refined. Sure, the range could be better, but for a budget-conscious buyer looking for a first EV or a versatile family car, it hits the sweet spot.

Think of it this way: the Atto 2 is like that dependable friend who always shows up on time, never complains, and still manages to surprise you with how much they can carry. Not flashy, not intimidating; just quietly competent. And in Singapore’s busy, space-starved motoring landscape, that’s perhaps the most sensible thing you could ask for.

Photos by Azfar Hashim

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