Atto2 Electric SUV Is BYD's Next Big Launch For India: All You Need To Know About Hyundai Creta EV Challenger
Chinese EV maker BYD is doing fairly well in sales and now has four models on sale in India- the Atto 3, eMax 7, Sealion 7 and the Seal. The next big launch from BYD will be an affordable electric SUV- the Atto 2. On the carmaker's Indian portfolio, it will sit below the Atto 3.
BYD has lately been conducting road trials of the Atto 2 in India. Several spy shots have surfaced in the past few months. When launched, the Atto 2 will compete with the Hyundai Creta EV and the upcoming Maruti eVitara.
BYD already sells the Atto2 in many international markets like China, Brazil, and Europe, where it has gained acceptance as an affordable-yet-practical electric SUV. A video review from Singapore shows the Atto 2 in detail. There, it has a price of SG$159,388.
The host starts by showing the exterior design. He says that the Atto 2 shares a lot of its design cues and 'characteristics' with the Atto 3. He further adds that the Atto 3 is one of the most popular cars in Singapore. As it does on the Atto 3, the charging port sits on the front fender, on the Atto 2 as well. The vehicle supports AC fast charging of 7kW and upto 65 kW DC charging. The design of the profile and rear also resemble the ones seen on the Atto 3.
In dimensions, it spans 4,310 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height. The wheelbase stands at 2,620 mm. The EV has a tall, upright stance. As confirmed by the spy shots, it wil have connected LED taillights, LED headlamps and a raised rear spoiler. Some images have also revealed a faux diffuser at the rear.
The Atto 2 is the most suitable for city drives, according to the host. It has a WLTP range of just over 345 km per charge. In Singapore, the Atto 2 gets four colour options.
Later in the video, we see the host explaining the interior design and giving a quick tour of the feature list. The India-spec is expected to get a large 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, multifunction steering wheel, 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a crystal-style drive selector, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, ambient lighting, C-type charging ports, 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS. Many of these are missing on the car featured in the video. Maybe it is a lower variant.
Expected Powertrain
On the powertrain front, a 45.1kWh battery pack is likely to be offered. It will use the Blade cell technology which is claimed to excel with its safety levels and energy density. The Atto 2 will have a single-motor setup that produces around 177PS ad 290 Nm- very similar to the output of the MG ZS EV. It will have a top speed of 160 kph. The standard variant is likely to have a claimed range of 380 km per charge, lower than most of its rivals.
After driving it, the host here says that the Atto 2 feels like a 'more fun sized SUV'. He describes the drive as 'easy, smooth and comfortable'. Overtakings, he says, are effortless. The braking feels smooth and precise as well. In his closing remarks, this host says that the Atto 2 is a great starter EV.
Expected Price Range
BYD has managed to pull off attractive prices to almost all of its products in India. We expect the same to be the case with the Atto 2 as well. It is likely to be priced in the range of Rs 18-25 lakh, ex-showroom. This will give it the perfect positioning to compete with the Creta EV which currently has its ex-showroom prices in the 18 - 24.4 lakh bracket.