BYD ATTO 2 - Derry Motoring with Jim Mc Cauley
The Chinese company floated onto UK shores with the promise to ‘Build Your Dream’ which they have now realised in their range of all-electric and plug-in hybrid models.
BYD’s Blade battery is recognised as one of the world’s safest for electric and hybrid vehicles. It is also more space efficient and holds good for over 5,000 charging cycles.
Integral in the ATTO 2 is the company’s e-Platform 3.0 which is also part of the supporting architecture in both the all-electric and hybrid models. The ATTO 2 is a plug-in hybrid model, offering the best of both world for those not yet committed to full electric propulsion. But more importantly is provides an economy we all chase as fuel prices rise.
Powering the ATTO 2 is a combined petrol / electric power source allowing the car to travel for a short distance on electric only power, with petrol only, or a combination of both.
Heart of the car is a 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine rated at 97PS and along with a single electric motor takes the total system power to 212PS. Drive is to the front wheels and provides a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds with a given maximum speed of 111mph.
On road, and the ATTO 2 delivers well on its expectations once you get over the initial nervousness of being in a car that is ready to go once you open the door. There is no starting button, and all it takes is a push on what in most cars is the traditional wiper stalk to select direction, and you’re off.
In the ATTO 2, at just over 4.3 metres long and with one of the best turning circles in class, it is a car that offers a sensible solution for a range of family needs. Smooth throttle progression and well meshed interaction between the two drive sources makes it an easy drive as does the braking balance between manual and regenerative application. A range of four drive modes is offered changing throttle and steering responses to suit.
For the driver, the 8.8 inch instrument panel is on the small side, overcrowded with graphics but with a clear digital speed display. The infotainment screen is sensibly sized at 12.8 inches and has Google built-in with navigation and maps.
A long wheelbase of just over 2.6 metres allows for a roomy cabin with generous rear room complementing that in the front. Driver and passenger front seats have power adjustment and are heated, as is the steering wheel.
In terms of specification, there are no extras as the equipment levels are so comprehensive. This includes a mid-passenger front airbag in addition to the standard six side protectors.
However, the final element of this plug-in hybrid is its range, officially at an official WLTP figure of 621 miles, but more realistically a down to earth combined 55.39 miles with a useful all-electric commuting range of 55 miles.
This translates to a CO2 emissions of13gms/km, tempting business users to have a car that is rated at only 8% BIK. The ATTO 2 review model is in ‘Boost’ specification and in standard metallic paint is listed at £29,995. BYD warranty is six years / 90,000 miles with 8 years / 150,000 miles on the drive battery.