/ Review

First Drive Impressions: BYD Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic

This subcompact crossover is shaping up to be another hit for the Chinese automaker.

Jerome Tresvalles
BYD Atto 2 Dynamic

When the BYD Seal 5 DM-i hit the market in 2024, it ticked all the boxes a sensible driver could want from a car: a spacious interior, modern tech, and, most importantly, fuel efficiency. It also packed an absurd amount of power for a sedan that started at just under P1 million, helping the Seal 5 DM-i set a new benchmark for affordable hybrids.

Fast-forward a couple of years, and the refreshed Seal 5 DM-i has arrived alongside the Atto 2 in both EV and DM-i forms. If the Seal 5 DM-i changed the game for affordable sedans, can the Atto 2 DM-i do the same for subcompact crossovers? We’ve been handed the keys to the entry-level Dynamic variant, and here are our initial thoughts.

BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Exterior 1
BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Exterior 2
BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Exterior 3

The best way to describe the Atto 2’s styling is that it's the convergence of the styling of the Atto 3 and the Seagull. Which isn’t really surprising since the Atto 2 belongs in the Yuan Series, same as its bigger brother. Take the front fascia, for example: the headlights and center bar appear to be inspired by the Atto 3, while the edges of the bumper with the side air vents look similar to the Seagull. Around the sides, there’s plastic cladding around the wheels and along the lower portions of the doors, giving it a bit of mass to complement the clean and sleek body.

BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Exterior 4
BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Exterior 5
BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Exterior 6

At the back is where the Atto 2 diverges in style a bit. Instead of the sharp taillights you’ll find on the Atto 3, there’s a more rounded taillight and center light bar combination complete with an infinity pattern that looks gorgeous at night. 

BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Exterior 7

Overall, while the front fascia seems a bit uninspired in the sea of crossovers, the rest of the Atto 2 looks and feels unique. It manages to appear sporty thanks to features like the spoiler and the chunky plastic cladding without compromising the clean lines of the car and making it tacky.

BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Cargo Bay

Open the rear door, and it will reveal 433 liters of cargo space. Enough for a couple of medium-sized pieces of luggage with a bit more room to spare. Folding the 40/60 split rear seats will give 1,335 liters of space. Two cubby holes flank the side of the cargo area compartment for small items, while the false floor can be lifted to reveal space for other essentials like the tire inflator, early warning device, and the tow hook.

Not that it’s any surprise, but the Atto 2 with BYD’s DM-i powertrain means it can get up and go quickly while at the same time just sipping fuel. In terms of raw numbers, the Atto 2 DM-i has 163 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The engine, which just serves as the generator, is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 7.9 kWh battery that can provide up to 45 km of electric-only driving. 

Sprinting from zero to 100 km/h takes 9.1 seconds; it isn’t as fast as the Seal 5 DM-i, but hey, it will likely be able to embarrass most subcompact crossovers on the road at the lights.

According to BYD, charging the battery from 10 to 100 percent takes just two hours using an AC charger. In our experience, while the charging speeds are right on the money, with a full load of people and the standard Metro Manila traffic, expect the 45 km of pure EV range to be a bit lower in real life. Though we haven’t given it a try yet, we’re confident that the Atto 2 can achieve 1,000 km on one tank.

BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Interior 1
BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Infotainment
BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Vent

For P1,048,000, you get a surprising amount of kit with the Atto 2 DM-i. First on the list is the 10.1-inch touchscreen, which comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a six-speaker sound system. Like other cars in BYD’s lineup, the Atto 2 can be started and unlocked remotely via the BYD app.

Other features include automatic headlights, cruise control, a stop-start button, speed-sensing door locks, and charging ports for both the first and second rows. For the driver, a fully digital 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster displays key vehicle information.

The Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic’s feature set is pretty well-rounded for the asking price, though it’s not without its faults. For starters, the instrument cluster tries to display too much information at once. Details such as the speed and current gear are displayed in a font that’s too small, so while the fully digital screen delivers crisp imagery, we find ourselves straining to locate them while driving. Second, because the shifter is located where the wiper stalk would usually be, the left stalk is shared by the wiper functions and turn signals. If you want to change your headlight settings while driving, tough luck. You’ll have to dig through the screens to access them.

On the flip side, while the Dynamic variant only gets a rear camera instead of the full 360-degree set, its image quality is clear and lag-free. Paired with its compact dimensions and rear sensors, parking the Atto 2 is a breeze, even in the tightest of spaces. The screen, meanwhile, is clear and lag-free, making it easy to navigate as long as you have the usual gestures down pat. 

BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Exterior Steering Wheel

The Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic also comes with a fairly comprehensive safety package for its price. It gets front and side airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, ISOFIX, traction and stability control, ABS with EBD, hill descent control, tire pressure monitoring, and a brake override system. On the driver-assistance side, the Dynamic gets a rear-view camera and four parking sensors, along with cruise control.

In our short time with the Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic, we managed to drive it through the streets of EDSA, Aguinaldo Highway, as well as a bit of expressway time on MCX and Cavitex. Ride comfort is generally supple as long as the road is smooth, but on the more damaged portions of EDSA, even the minor cracks and craters tend to upset the Atto 2, especially at low speeds. NVH insulation is acceptable, with minimal wind noise entering from the windshield and doors at high speeds. Tire noise does tend to enter the cabin at speeds higher than 90 km/h but it's more of a low buzz than a resounding drone that will drive you crazy after a few hours behind the wheel. On the upside, there are virtually no rattles from the interior trim to note, a testament to the build quality of modern BYD cars. The seats, while upholstered in fabric, provide decent support and thanks to tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, finding the right driving position is easy. The second row of the Atto 2 is liveable and decently equipped. The seats have just the right amount of bolstering for support while also freeing up the middle for a third passenger. There are charging ports and a single air vent for comfort and convenience and a pair of bottle holders by the doors. There's no center armrest for the back but we think that can be forgiven.

BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic Seats

Behind the wheel, the Atto 2 provides a reasonably good drive. The steering wheel, while it uses electronic power steering, provides decent road feedback and adapts to the speed you’re travelling, light at low speeds and stiffening up as you get faster. Driving dynamics are perfectly average; it won’t light a fire in your soul if you chuck it in a corner, but you probably won’t find anything to complain about it either. 

Despite our limited time with the Atto 2 Dynamic, we walk away satisfied with what it provides. It’s a frugal PHEV that is just as capable in the city as it is on the highway. Driving the Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic won’t inspire you to push it to its limits, but that’s perfectly okay. It’s meant to be a versatile, well-equipped crossover that gives you a lot for your money, and it does that role very well.

BYD Atto 2 DM-I Dynamic

Speaking of price, the Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic starts at P1,050,000, undercutting many of its internal-combustion rivals on the market. Going back to the question we posed in the introduction, can the Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic be another game changer, this time for the subcompact crossover segment? We think it can be.

Specifications

Engine

1.5 L

Fuel Type

PHEV

Performance

163 hp @ 0 rpm

Transmission

Automatic

Summary

Name BYD Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic
Body Type Crossover
Price ₱1,048,000
Transmission Category Automatic

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

Colors

BYD Atto 2 DM-i - Midnight Blue Midnight Blue
BYD Atto 2 DM-i - Ski White Ski White
BYD Atto 2 DM-i -Harbour Grey Harbour Grey
BYD Atto 2 DM-i - Cosmos Black Cosmos Black

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