A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
ATTO 2 DM-i and Carens are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Carens starts ZAR 49,905 cheaperATTO 2 DM-i from ZAR 449,900 · Carens from ZAR 399,995
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
Maximum Power
ATTO 2 DM-i72 kW @ 6000 rpm
Carens85 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
ATTO 2 DM-i122 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Carens250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
Engine Size
ATTO 2 DM-i1498 cc
Carens1493 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
ATTO 2 DM-i19.6 km/l
Carens18.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
ATTO 2 DM-i160 mm
Carens180 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BYD ATTO 2 DM-i
Dynamic DM-i
Hagalu editorial rating
4.3/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
7-seat layout with sliding second row (EX+), 10.25-inch touchscreen (EX+), panoramic sunroof (SX), ventilated front seats (SX), digital cluster (SX), full ADAS suite (SX), 6 airbags
Boot Space Seats Down
-
1660
Seat Belt Warning
-
Yes
Leather Accented Seat Trim
-
Leather
Driver Seat
-
8-Way Power
Seat Fold Type
-
Yes
Armrest Front
-
Centre Armrest
Armrest Rear
-
Yes
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
-
Yes
Interior Colours
-
Black
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
-
Yes
Front Shoulder Room
-
1421 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1441 mm
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
Climate Control
Automatic
Yes
Power Windows
Standard
Yes
Keyless Entry
Standard
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
AC Type
Automatic
Yes
Intercooler
-
Yes
Rev Matching
-
No
Performance Data Logger
-
No
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Drag Coefficient
-
0.34
Roof Load
-
50 kg
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1660 l
Stabilizer Bar
-
Yes
Steering Response
-
Normal
Skid Plates
-
No
Side Steps
-
No
Spare Wheel
Tyre repair kit
Temporary Spare
Tyre Repair Kit
-
No
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
-
Yes
Hill Start Assist
-
Yes
Speed Limiter
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
-
Yes
Surround View Monitor
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
-
No
Voice Command
-
Yes
Voice Command Support
-
Yes
Digital Speedometer
-
Yes
Driver Display
-
Digital Cluster
Heads Up Display
-
Yes
Tachometer
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Multi Function Steering
-
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
-
Yes
Air Conditioning
Automatic
Yes
Climate Zones
-
2
Rear Air Conditioning
-
Yes
Glovebox Cooling
-
No
Seat Type
-
Leather Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
-
Yes
Rear Seat Split
-
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
-
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Remote Engine Start
-
No
Remote Start
-
No
Remote Central Locking
-
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Remote
Boot Opener
-
Remote
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Heated Mirrors
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
-
Yes
Remote Side Mirror
-
Yes
Auto Dimming Irvm
-
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Rear Defogger
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
Tail Lamps
-
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
-
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Yes
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Panoramic Roof
Panoramic
No
Roof Antenna
-
Yes
Rear Wing
-
Yes
Aero Kit
-
No
Chrome Grille
-
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
-
No
Ride Mode Selection
-
Yes
Powered Tailgate
-
No
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Accelerator 0 100
-
11.5 sec
Common Rail Injection
-
Common Rail Direct Injection
Diff Lock
-
No
Difflock
-
No
Vdc
-
Yes
TPMS
Standard
Yes
Sonar
-
Yes
Automatic High Beam
-
Yes
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Telescopic Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Bottle Holders
-
4
Glove Box
-
Yes
Manual Aircon
-
Yes
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
Yes
Passive Entry Start
-
Yes
Wireless Charger
Standard
Yes
Lift Gate
-
No
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
-
Yes
Power Socket 12v
-
Yes
Sound System
6
8
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
Yes
Mirror
-
Electric
Stabilizer Bar Front
-
Yes
Stabilizer Bar Rear
-
Yes
Sub Frame
-
Unibody
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
carens
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Unlocking
Standard
Yes
Walk Away Lock
-
Yes
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Yes
Rear LED Combination Taillights
-
Yes
Front Wiper
-
Yes
Front Wipers Type
-
Yes
Rearview Mirror Inside
-
No
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
-
Yes
Reading Lights Rear
-
Yes
Centre Console
-
Centre Armrest
Side Impact Bars
-
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1660 l
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.3
Engine Warranty
-
5 Years / Unlimited km
Rim Size
16
215/55 R17
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
Infotainment System
12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
Yes
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
4
Infotainment Screen
12.8
12.3
Touchscreen
12.8
12.3
Infotainment Display
-
12.3
Infotainment Screen Size
12.8
12.3
Navigation System
-
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Rear Usb
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
No
Wi-Fi Hotspot
-
No
Premium Audio
-
Yes
FM Radio
-
Yes
Radio
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
Head Up Display
-
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Multi Information Display
-
Digital
Display Audio
-
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Yes
Connected Services
-
Yes
Audio Speakers
6
8
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
4
Voice Control
-
Yes
Audio
-
Yes
Audio System
-
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Yes
Roof Rails
Standard
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Obsidian Black, Midnight Blue, Time Grey, Skiing White
Multiple
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
No
Body Type
-
MPV
Wing Mirror Type
-
Electric
Rear Wiper
-
Yes
Led Headlights
Standard
Yes
DRL
LED
Yes
Led Taillights
-
Yes
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
-
Yes
Roof Type
-
Standard
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Body Cladding
-
No
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
No
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Colour
Exterior Colour Options
-
5
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Auto Headlights
-
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
-
Yes
Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Headlight Type
Standard
Yes
Exterior Mirror Folding
-
Yes
Headlamp Levelling
-
Yes
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Yes
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Exterior Door Handle Colour
-
Body Colour
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Electric Blind Sunroof
-
Standard
Front Overhang
-
830 mm
Rear Overhang
-
940 mm
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Alloy
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
Approach Angle
18 deg
16 deg
Departure Angle
23 deg
18 deg
Wading Depth
342.95 mm
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Snow
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Available
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
16.0 deg
16 deg
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
16 deg
Ramp-over Angle
-
14 deg
Recovery Hooks
-
No
Underbody Protection
-
No
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Ground Clearance Min
-
185 mm
Ground Clearance Max
-
185 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
16 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
18 deg
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
Tyre Size
R16
215/55 R17
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Temporary Spare
Wheel Rim Size
16
215/55 R17
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electronic
Front Brake Disc Diameter
-
300 mm
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
-
262 mm
Parking Brake Type
-
Electronic
Front Tyre Width
-
235 mm
Rear Tyre Width
-
235 mm
Wheel Type
-
Alloy
Tyre Type
-
Radial
Tyre Load Index
-
107
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Spare Tyre
Tyre repair kit
Temporary Spare
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Display
-
Yes
Hydraulic Brake Assist
-
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Brake
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Spare Wheel Size Type
-
Temporary Spare
Electric Park Brake
-
Electronic
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
-
Yes
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Leather
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Leather
Brakes
-
Ventilated Disc
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
-
Yes
Cornering Brake Control
-
Yes
Auto Brake Hold
-
Electronic
Brake Type Front
-
Disc
Wheel Diameter
16
215/55 R17
Wheel Material
-
Alloy
Wheels
-
Alloy
Wheel Size Type
-
215/55 R17
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Coupled Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
-
Unibody
Front Spring Type
-
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
-
Coil Spring
Shock Absorber Type
-
Telescopic
Front Anti-Roll Bar
-
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
-
Yes
Power Steering
-
Yes
Steering Column
-
Adjustable
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Suspension
-
MacPherson Strut
Shock Absorbers
-
Telescopic
Chassis Material
-
Unibody
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
1563 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1587 mm
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion beam
Coupled Torsion Beam
Rear Axle Type
-
Coupled Torsion Beam
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
CO2 Emissions
69 g/km
139 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
B7 Diesel
Variable Valve Timing
-
No
Particulate Filter
-
DPF
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
No
Green NCAP Rating
-
4
Start Stop System
-
Yes
Euro Emission Standard
-
Euro 6
Noise Level
-
67 dB
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
139
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
139
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
Service Plan
4 years/60000 km service plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
Alternator
-
Yes
Engine Oil Capacity
-
4.5 l
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
4 years/60000 km service plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Plan Distance
4 years/60000 km service plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Interval
-
15000
First Service At
-
15000
Approx Service Cost
-
R3,800 per service
Anti-Rust Treatment
-
Yes
Service Intervals
-
15000
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
Ownership Role
higher-equipment derivative
Flagship
Price Zar
489900 ZAR
599995 ZAR
Pricing Role
higher-equipment derivative
Current official retail price
Starting Price
489900
599995
Starting Price Zar
489900
599995
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
Warranty
5 years/150000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/150000 km drive unit
5 Years / Unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 years/150000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/150000 km drive unit
5 Years / Unlimited km
Warranty Years
5 years/150000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/150000 km drive unit
5 Years / Unlimited km
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years / Unlimited km
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years / Unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years / Unlimited km
Spec
ATTO 2 DM-i
Carens
Real-world City Mileage Min
-
12.5 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
-
16.2 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
-
19.1 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
-
22.3 l/100km
In depth: how these cars differ
This ATTO 2 DM-i and Carens comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: ATTO 2 DM-i 37 vs Carens 39.
Efficiency index: ATTO 2 DM-i 81 vs Carens 72.
Safety-equipment index: ATTO 2 DM-i 92 vs Carens 93.
Practicality index: ATTO 2 DM-i 56 vs Carens 56.
Ownership-cover index: ATTO 2 DM-i not separately scored vs Carens 54.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
ATTO 2 DM-i and Carens image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
ATTO 2 DM-i leads by 3 points
ATTO 2 DM-i and Carens are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
ATTO 2 DM-i
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
81/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
56/100
Carens
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
56/100
Ownership
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBYD ATTO 2 DM-i
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 62 pts for Carens
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, ATTO 2 DM-i leads. However, Carens may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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