The BYD Atto 2 has emerged as the standout Chinese car after a journalist test-drove six new models. Priced at £26,995, the compact urban SUV impressed with its sharp and responsive steering during a two-hour test drive.
BYD Atto 2 Leads the Pack
The Atto 2 improves on its predecessor, the Atto 3, in almost every way. It offers a comfortable 450-litre boot space, expandable to 1,350 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the interior lacks some finesse, and the lane-keeping assistance tools were found to be intrusive. Despite these drawbacks, the Atto 2 was described as probably the best Chinese car driven so far.
Jaecoo 7: Premium but Imperfect
The Jaecoo 7 has become one of the UK's best-selling new cars. It features a premium interior with a 14.8-inch screen, ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Super Hybrid System offers over 750 miles of range, backed by a 7-year or 100,000-mile warranty. However, the ride quality was disappointing, and the driver distraction system was infuriating.
BYD Atto 3: Quirky Interior, Smooth Ride
The Atto 3 is known for its unique interior, including an aeroplane-style joystick and guitar-string door handles. The Design trim includes a rotating 10.25-inch touchscreen and 440 litres of boot space. With a 201bhp motor, it accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, offering soft handling and a smooth ride.
Omoda 9: Long Range, Minor Flaws
The Omoda 9, following the success of the Omoda 5, features Chery's Super Hybrid System, offering over 700 miles on one tank and 92 miles on EV power from its 34/5kWh battery. Priced at £44,000, it has some cheap interior plastics and imperfect driving aids, but is generally a good car.
MG3 Hybrid+: Affordable Entry Point
The MG3 Hybrid+ starts at £19,495, making it one of the most affordable Chinese models. It includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors, and driver assistance tools. A 75kW petrol engine combined with a 100kW electric motor produces 143kW, achieving 0-62mph in eight seconds. It serves as a gateway to the hybrid market for budget-conscious buyers.
BYD Seal: Flagship Performance
The BYD Seal, priced at £45,730, is the brand's flagship model in the UK. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and offers a premium interior. However, it suffers from a sharp drop in range and frustrating speed limit warning chimes.
According to the journalist, Luke Chillingsworth, the BYD Atto 2 is the best Chinese car he has driven, highlighting the growing threat Chinese brands pose to traditional automakers.
