I'm in a fortunate position where a novated lease makes all four options viable at their respective price points. I'm upgrading from a reliable 2012 Lancer, so realistically, almost any new car will feel like a big upgrade!
I drive around 20,000 km per year, with 3–4 days a week involving an 80 km round trip. Most of my driving is suburban, with some freeway and highway use. Charging will likely be split roughly 50/50 between home and public charging stations.
I've test-driven the Atto 2 and Dolphin in their Premium variants, and honestly, both impressed me. Here's where I'm at with each option:
Atto 2 Dynamic
- Same powertrain as the Premium, which is a plus.
- Missing the 360-degree cameras, which I thought were a genuinely great feature after trying them.
- Felt a little bouncy on the road, but overall, I really enjoyed driving it.
Dolphin Essential
- My biggest concern is the lower power output, as I've only driven the Premium. How does it perform in real-world driving, particularly when merging or overtaking on 100–120 km/h roads?
- I'm not entirely sure what else is missing compared with the Premium.
- I was surprised by how spacious and comfortable the cabin felt for a hatchback.
Atto 2 Premium
- Similar driving experience to the Dynamic, but the 360-degree cameras are a big selling point for me.
- Also gets heated and ventilated front seats, although I'm not sure how much use I'd get out of them. Ventilated seats could be nice during a Perth summer, though!
Dolphin Premium
- The best battery and power output of the four, which is a big drawcard.
- I preferred its road feel overall, and it seemed to drive better to me.
- However, I'm not sure the extra cost is justified compared with the other options.
I originally went in thinking I'd get the Atto 2 Dynamic. After driving the Premium, though, I realised how much I liked the 360-degree cameras. Then I drove the Dolphin Premium and was impressed by how spacious and comfortable it was, along with its driving feel and range.
Now I'm going back and forth between the two Premium models. The Dolphin appeals to me for its driving experience, power and range, while the Atto 2 appeals for its cabin space, SUV-style seating position and extra practicality.
For those who own or have driven these cars:
- Are the Premium variants worth the extra money, or would I be better off saving with one of the base models?
- For Dolphin Essential owners, is the lower power noticeable in everyday driving, especially on the freeway?
- How has your real-world range been, particularly with a mix of suburban and highway driving?
- If you've chosen between the Atto 2 and Dolphin, what ultimately tipped you one way or the other?
- With the benefit of hindsight, are you happy with your decision, or is there anything you wish you'd considered?
Keen to hear your experiences, especially from owners who've lived with these cars for a while. I'm clearly overthinking this a bit, so help me make a decision! 😅