BYD Atto 2

Fast-growing Chinese EV specialist takes aim at one of Europe's key growth segments This era of the high-rise electric superminis that we’re living through is showing no sign of stalling. We now have a class packed with all kinds: premium ones (Volvo EX30, Alfa Romeo Junior), sporty ones (Mini Aceman, Ford Puma Gen-E), avant-garde stylish ones (Kia EV3) and retro stylish ones (Renault 4, Fiat Grande Panda Elettrica). What should a brand like BYD do to make its entrant stand out? Not much, apparently. The BYD Atto 2 seems to be on a mission simply to blend in. It looks very much like a shrunken-down BYD Atto 3 – although it also trades on cues obviously borrowed from the likes of the Smart #1 and Mercedes' EQ cars. It’s practical, broadly pleasant, well-equipped and inoffensive both to use and to drive. It’s fine, in other words. Passable. Competitive, if you like. But it isn’t the sort of car you're likely to notice or remember, aiming instead to meet every reasonable expectation without notably exceeding any particular one.