BYD Atto 2 vs Renault Megane E-Tech

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the BYD Atto 2. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BYD Atto 2 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.8-inch digital dash, while the Renault Megane E-Tech gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BYD Atto 2 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Renault Megane E-Tech. The Renault Megane E-Tech counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, BOSE audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The BYD Atto 2 uses a Electric producing 130kW and 290Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.

The Renault Megane E-Tech responds with a Electric making 160kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The Renault Megane E-Tech has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 130kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Renault Megane E-Tech is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 51.3kWh (BYD Atto 2) vs 60kWh (Renault Megane E-Tech), giving WLTP ranges of 345km and 454km. DC fast charging peaks at 82kW (BYD Atto 2) vs 130kW (Renault Megane E-Tech).

Space & Comfort

The BYD Atto 2 measures 4,310mm long on a 2,620mm wheelbase, 110mm longer than the Renault Megane E-Tech at 4,200mm (2,685mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Megane E-Tech generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 380L in the BYD Atto 2 and 440L in the Renault Megane E-Tech, giving the Renault Megane E-Tech a 60L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the BYD Atto 2's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 10.5 m against 10.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BYD Atto 2 costs about $806 a year (16.8 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Renault Megane E-Tech about $768 a year (16 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $38 a year less for the Renault Megane E-Tech.

Warranty: 6 years / 150k km (BYD Atto 2) and 5 years / Unlimited (Renault Megane E-Tech).

Where each one leads

The BYD Atto 2: the longer warranty (6 years against 5).

The Renault Megane E-Tech: more power (160kW against 130kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (440L against 380L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($768 a year against $806).

The Verdict

Renault Megane E-Tech scores higher, 75 vs 72

The Renault Megane E-Tech scores 75 to the BYD Atto 2's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 8 of the 9 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: safety (Renault Megane E-Tech ahead by 27 points), reliability (BYD Atto 2 ahead by 10 points), value (BYD Atto 2 ahead by 9 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Renault Megane E-Tech costs about $38 less (16 kWh/100km against 16.8 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 380L in the BYD Atto 2, 440L in the Renault Megane E-Tech. Warranty: 6 years on the BYD Atto 2, 5 on the Renault Megane E-Tech.

Common questions