KATHMANDU: The Nammi Vigo has disrupted sales across several models in Nepal’s electric car market. It is easy to see how the Vigo has also challenged the BYD Atto 2 Essential, one of the strongest competitors in the 4.3-meter segment.
And why wouldn’t it? There is a price difference of nearly Rs. 800,000 between their base variants. Both models entered the Nepali market through the NADA Auto Show.
MAW Vriddhi Motors, the authorized distributor of Dongfeng Nammi in Nepal, has priced the Vigo E2 at Rs. 3.799 million.
Meanwhile, Cimex Inc., the authorized distributor of BYD in Nepal, has set the price of the Atto 2 Essential at Rs. 4.595 million. This puts the price gap between the two models at nearly Rs. 800,000.
However, price alone does not reveal the actual differences between the two vehicles. The Vigo E2 has a different feature package and battery capacity. The Atto 2 Essential, on the other hand, retains most of the features of the premium variant but comes with a smaller battery.
Vigo leads in battery capacity and range
The Nammi Vigo E2 comes with a 51.87 kWh battery pack and a claimed WLTP range of 350 km.
The BYD Atto 2 Essential uses a smaller 45.12 kWh battery. Its claimed WLTP range is 312 km.
The Vigo therefore offers 6.75 kWh more battery capacity and a claimed range advantage of 38 km. Actual range in both vehicles will depend on driving conditions, speed, weather and use of cabin features.
Similar motor output, higher torque in Atto 2
The BYD Atto 2 Essential is powered by a 100 kW electric motor that produces 290 Nm of torque. The company claims it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around nine seconds.
The Nammi Vigo E2 gets a 99 kW motor producing 230 Nm of torque.
Although their motor outputs are nearly identical, the Atto 2 has a 60 Nm advantage in torque.
Atto 2 offers higher ground clearance
Ground clearance is another key difference between the two electric SUVs.
The BYD Atto 2 Essential has 200 mm of ground clearance and rides on 17-inch wheels. This can be useful on uneven roads, speed bumps and steep sections.
The Nammi Vigo E2 offers 190 mm of ground clearance. While this is also suitable for many road conditions in Nepal, it is 10 mm lower than the Atto 2.
Different approaches to features and comfort
The Nammi Vigo E2 comes with a 12.8-inch infotainment screen and an 8.8-inch information display. Other features include a 360-degree camera, 50W wireless charging, one-touch rear-seat folding and front seats that can be adjusted into a bed-like position.
The Vigo also offers music-synchronized ambient lighting, welcome and memory seat functions, an external speaker, Wi-Fi connectivity and a heated and ventilated driver’s seat. Additional features include 35 storage spaces, a “Heaven and Earth” tailgate and Type-C fast charging.
The BYD Atto 2 Essential features a rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen, vehicle controls through the BYD app, a digital key and 50W wireless charging, along with other connected functions.
Both offer level 2 ADAS
Both electric SUVs come with Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and six airbags.
The Vigo E2 includes a 360-degree camera, auto hold, hill hold, hill descent control and traction control.
The Atto 2 Essential also offers a 360-degree camera, auto hold, hill hold, hill descent control and traction control, alongside its ADAS package. BYD also claims that more than 80% of the vehicle’s body structure uses high-strength steel.
Which one offers better value?
Priced at Rs. 3.799 million, the Nammi Vigo E2 offers a larger battery, a longer claimed range and a wide selection of comfort and convenience features. It may appeal to buyers looking for more equipment at a lower price.
The BYD Atto 2 Essential costs Rs. 4.595 million and offers higher ground clearance, greater motor torque and access to BYD’s Atto 2 lineup at a lower price than more expensive versions.
The choice ultimately depends on buyers’ priorities. The Vigo E2 has an advantage in battery capacity, claimed range and price, while the Atto 2 Essential offers more torque and higher ground clearance.
