This is the new cheapest plug-in hybrid SUV in South Africa
BYD has officially launched the new Atto 2 DM-i in South Africa.
The Atto 2 is a new crossover SUV now available in two specifications – the Comfort and the Dynamic – at a starting price of R449,900.
This makes it the brand’s second cheapest car, only losing out to the R341,900 Dolphin Surf.
However, the Surf is a pure electric vehicle, while the Atto 2 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), meaning it is the cheapest hybrid offered by BYD in South Africa.
Furthermore, it is the most affordable PHEV in the country, as this title was previously held by a different BYD – the Sealion 5.
The Sealion 5 currently asks for a minimum of R509,900, which means the Atto 2 has effectively slashed the starting price of plug-in hybrids in South Africa by R60,000.
Powertrain
The core of the new BYD is a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is mated to a front-mounted electric motor and a 7.85kWh Blade battery.
Altogether, this gives the crossover an output of 122kW and 300Nm, which is reasonably powerful for its price segment.
Thanks to its hybrid underpinnings, the Atto 2 can travel 40km using just the battery, which should prove to be enough for a typical motorists’ daily commute.
Combined with a 45-litre petrol tank, the plug-in hybrid has a total range of around 930km.
Interesting to note is that the Atto 2 is also available as a battery electric vehicle in China, but this version has yet to be confirmed for South Africa.
Features
The Comfort and Dynamic have the same engine and battery, which means the differences come down to their equipment sheets.
The base-level Comfort kicks things off with 16-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights and taillights.
It also features keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, a digital driver display, and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Additionally, the Atto 2 comes standard with tyre pressure monitoring, six airbags, lane-keep assist, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
Upgrading to the Dynamic will then add an electric driver’s seat, artificial leather upholstery, heated front seats, auto-folding side mirrors, a 50W wireless charger, and a larger 12.8-inch touchscreen.
This version also has an expanded driver assistance suite with lane-keep assist, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the new BYD Atto 2 DM-i is as follows:
This includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and an 8-year/200,000km hybrid battery warranty.
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