2024 BYD Atto 3 evaluate

I already thought the BYD Atto 3 might be the best ‘first EV’ for lots of Australian patrons, and now the deal has been sweetened considerably.

That’s as a result of the model has simply adjusted the pricing downwards for its standard small electrical SUV, whereas additionally enhancing the usual specification ranges and making just a few visible changes, too.

You’ll have the ability to choose the up to date Atto 3 from the skin by its new BYD rear badging, whereas there’s additionally a brand new ornamental factor on the C-pillar which is now completed in black, reasonably than the reflective silver-chrome of the pre-update. Crucially, it additionally will get Continental tyres now.

And for many who have been hankering for a black BYD Atto 3, your want has been granted – on the expense of the extra interesting Parkour Purple and Forest Inexperienced finishes.

Inside, the trim color depends upon the outside choice you go for – Cosmos Black and Boulder Gray each get the black and blue inside end, whereas Ski White and Surf Blue get a white and blue inside end.

There’s additionally an even bigger touchscreen media system – not that it felt too small within the final one – and sure, it nonetheless rotates.

So, let’s talk about whether or not the modifications have been worthwhile and what it’s wish to drive, too. The model examined right here is the costlier 2024 BYD Atto 3 Prolonged Vary, completed within the new black paint end, naturally.

How does the BYD Atto 3 EV evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the BYD Atto 3 EV towards equally sized autos.

BYD

Atto 3 EV

How a lot does the BYD Atto 3 price?

Pricing for the BYD Atto 3 is down $3512 in comparison with the pre-update mannequin.

The costs above are record pricing. Your drive-away value could differ significantly, relying on which state you reside in. 

Color choices? Ski White is the one color accessible for free of charge. Surf Blue, Boulder Gray and Cosmos Black are all $700.

To see how the BYD Atto 3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.

What’s the BYD Atto 3 like on the within?

Relating to the inside of the BYD Atto 3 you’ll both adore it or hate it.

It definitely isn’t like anything on the market from different manufacturers, with an eclectic design which may in any other case be described as ‘odd’, ‘unusual’, ‘ugly’ or ‘fascinating’. However as kooky as it’s, at the very least it’s not bland and austere like some rivals, proper?

As talked about above, there’s a new black-and-blue inside trim, which is fitted to the gray and black painted variations of this automobile. Nevertheless, the present two-tone white/cream and blue of the present mannequin carries on to the white and blue exterior paint decisions. 

Irrespective of which one you choose, you continue to get purple piping on the seats, quite a lot of audacious curves and design parts; and sure, there are guitar strings on the doorways. Nicely, they’re designed to be door pocket elasticated straps, however you possibly can truly play them like a guitar, which is a pleasant factor to do if you’re bored in a site visitors jam. 

Even so, for somebody who might need been wishing for a bit extra of a sedate cabin design in what’s in any other case an inoffensive wanting SUV from the skin, it may be a bit a lot.

The opposite large focus is the rotating media display screen, which is actually a fair greater focus now, having been upsized from a 12.8-inch to a brand new 15.6-inch unit. 

You’ll be able to nonetheless flip it 90 levels to be portrait structure if you need – there’s a button on the steering wheel or on the ‘dwelling bar’ on the backside of the display screen.

Whereas the portrait structure may be preferable for a few of the automobile’s controls and the native sat nav system, if you happen to’re like me and similar to to attach as much as Apple CarPlay (which will be achieved wirelessly now), you then want the display screen in panorama mode.

There are menus upon menus for changes to the automobile’s controls, and there are not any buttons or dials to make issues a bit simpler if you’re attempting to regulate issues on the transfer. There’s a voice management system nonetheless, and when you get the cling of the controls for the local weather management or the seat heating, it’s fairly simple to handle.

It’s a bit unusual for there to be such an enormous media display screen, but such a tiny little driver data show. It’s a 5.0-inch unit, and also you work together with it utilizing the steering wheel. However not like different BYD fashions, it doesn’t supply the potential to regulate the fan pace or temperature by way of that display screen – it additionally appears to be like crooked to me, too. 

A few of the different quirks and options embody the rounded door handles with ambient LED lighting built-in into them, in addition to the peculiar wanting air vents which have a beautiful tactile adjustability to them.

The cabin is a fairly considerate place when it comes to storage and usefulness, with a practical degree of cabin stowage together with cup holders, a giant lined console space, an extra storage tray down under the bridged part between the entrance seats, in addition to a wi-fi cellphone charging tray.

There’s a glovebox too, and also you don’t have to open it with a button on the display screen such as you do in a Tesla.

As for again seat consolation and house, it’s fairly first rate for a younger household.

It is a five-seater SUV that’s about the identical measurement as a Mitsubishi ASX, but it gives extra second-row house than you would possibly discover in one thing bigger, like an Outlander. 

At 182cm or 6’0” tall with the motive force’s seat set for me, I may slot in with ample knee room, a number of head room (even with the usual panoramic sunroof), and simply sufficient foot house too.

There’s a flat flooring, so if it’s worthwhile to match three grown-ups throughout the again you need to have the ability to, however simply be sure that the smallest one goes within the center, as a result of it’s a bit cramped.

As for kiddos, there are ISOFIX factors within the window seats and three top-tethers, plus the facilities are taken care of.

There are multi-pocket compartments on the seatbacks, bottle holders within the doorways (with strings hooked up), and pair of cupholders in a flip-down armrest. Rear seat riders additionally get a set of directional air-vents, and there are USB charging choices too. 

For the mums and dads on the market who discover themselves usually loading kids in or out in the dead of night, take observe that there are nonetheless good lighting choices regardless of the very fact it has a giant panoramic glass roof. 

Boot house can also be first rate. The cargo space has an adjustable flooring peak, which means you possibly can both have it degree with the boot lip – which may be useful if you happen to’re loading heavy objects in, or you possibly can decrease it right down to maximise capability.

All instructed, there’s a most of 440 litres with the rear seats upright, which is well sufficient for a pram and some backpacks, or a fortnightly store. You can even fold the rear seats right down to get 1340L of capability if you happen to want it. 

Whereas there isn’t any spare wheel beneath the boot flooring, it does include a tyre restore equipment, and there’s a stowage house for cables beneath the ground, too – however weirdly, regardless of the very fact there’s house for it, the Atto 3 doesn’t have a entrance trunk storage field.

It has an electrical tailgate, which may be very useful, however it’s not a kind of intelligent ‘kick to open’ ones. And additional, whereas there’s keyless entry, there is only one button on the motive force’s door to make that work, or you should use the NFC card to faucet on the mirror housing to unlock the car.

Different vehicles have ‘walk-up proximity unlocking’, such because the Renault Megane E-Tech.

To see how the BYD Atto 3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

The BYD Atto 3 has a front-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous electrical motor producing 150kW and 310Nm. It has a single-speed transmission, and is front-wheel drive.

There are two decisions of battery – the Customary Vary has a 49.94kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit, whereas the Prolonged Vary has a 60.48kWh LFP pack. LFP chemistry is usually seen as extra fascinating than different types of chemistry because of its recognized sturdiness beneath repeated full charging.

The Prolonged Vary is a bit heavier (1750kg vs 1680kg) however is definitely faster from 0-100km/h, in accordance with BYD, with the Sport-mode-equipped heavier mannequin attaining the feat in a claimed 7.3 seconds, versus 7.9s for the cheaper mannequin. 

By way of charging, the Prolonged Vary mannequin has AC charging at a most charge of 7kW, slower than some rivals, and which means an obvious recharge time of just below 9.0 hours you probably have a 7kW wallbox.

For DC quick charging, the Customary Vary mannequin is rated 70kW, whereas the Prolonged Vary’s most DC charge is 88kW. Both manner, the Sort 2 CCS charger ought to full 10-80 per cent in roughly 35 minutes.

The Customary Vary is rated to 345km of EV driving based mostly on WLTP testing, and the Prolonged Vary ups that to 410km. For a lot of, it is going to be cash properly spent to get into the Prolonged Vary.

The official power consumption determine for the Atto 3 is 16.0kWh per 100km, which is first rate however not superb for a smaller EV with single motor drive.

On take a look at, I noticed a displayed return of 16.8kWh per 100km for the Prolonged Vary, and I used to be on observe to realize a variety of 380km throughout a mixture of driving, together with cooler morning testing.

To see how the BYD Atto 3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.

How does the BYD Atto 3 drive?

I actually stated in my final evaluate that “the factor I feel I’d do first if I used to be shopping for an Atto 3 could be to go straight to a tyre store and put some higher rubber on”.

That’s as a result of earlier variations of this mannequin had Atlas Batman tyres, and so they let down the drive expertise. I wasn’t alone in levelling this criticism, and it appears BYD has paid consideration.

Now the Atto 3 has Continental EcoContact 6Q rubber (235/50/R18), and the tyres do make a notable distinction to the drive expertise. It’s humorous, you understand – you by no means realise how a lot a change a superb set of tyres could make till you’ve pushed a automobile with not-good tyres.

There’s a greater predictability to the steering at decrease speeds, a extra surefooted really feel to progress at tempo, and fewer tendency for the entrance tyres to squeal from a standstill if you plant your foot. They’re not Conti SportContact tyres, however they definitely supply a tenacious feeling on the highway, together with in moist climate driving.

And whereas this mightn’t be your best option for somebody who desires a extra enjoyable EV drive – take a look at the rear-wheel drive Cupra Born or MG 4 if that’s you – however for the demographic that is attempting to enchantment to, the BYD Atto 3’s driving manners are completely acceptable.

The steering itself is satisfactory in a mixture of driving conditions, with a lightness at low speeds that will require a bit of additional arm work relying on which mode you’re in. I discovered it predictable sufficient at low pace and nonetheless assured at tempo, nonetheless.

Probably the greatest issues about this automobile is its glorious high-resolution surround-view digicam system which is customary in each fashions, and makes parking manner simpler than it’d in any other case have been.

There are entrance, aspect, kerb, rear, 3D overhead and clear chassis views, and an augmented actuality one that may place the automobile in its environment.

As for the suspension, it isn’t fairly as subtly sporty or delightfully balanced because the aforementioned RWD EVs, however it’s fairly properly managed in corners and when altering path regardless of some physique roll.

Journey consolation is suitable, and whereas the wheels can transmit bumps to the cabin in some situations, it’s by no means disagreeable or lumpy in feeling.

The Prolonged Vary has a Sport drive mode, too, and whereas it’s not as quick as another EVs it nonetheless pushes you again into your seat. However in additional sedate, regular driving the acceleration was ample, simply providing sufficient torque to overhaul sluggish site visitors with ease or to get away from a standing begin in a fuss-free method.

The braking isn’t like another EVs. It nonetheless has a regenerative braking system with totally different modes to regulate the assertiveness of that motion, however there’s no ‘single pedal’ mode like in a Nissan Leaf or a Tesla Mannequin 3 – in these vehicles you possibly can drive merely utilizing the accelerator, and by no means contact the brakes if you happen to take note of your environment.

With the Atto 3, you continue to have to hit the brake pedal regularly.

These new tyres have additionally seemingly improved the quantity of highway noise intrusion that comes into the cabin. I discovered it extra hushed on the freeway, even on coarse-chip roads.

The energetic security methods is probably not to everybody’s tastes, and the emergency lane preserving system is a bit pushy at instances too. Fortunately it’s nonetheless driveable with the system left on, if you happen to can’t be bothered diving by way of menus to disable it every time you drive.

What do you get?

In case you’re spending the $3000 additional for the Prolonged Vary mannequin, don’t go anticipating additional gear – you get the identical customary gear in each fashions.

2024 BYD Atto 3 highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Continental tyres (NEW)
• Tyre strain monitoring 
• Tyre restore equipment
• Roof rails
• Panoramic sunroof with electrical slide and anti-trap perform
• Energy tailgate
• Heated and power-folding aspect mirrors
• LED headlights
• Auto high-beam
• LED daytime operating lights
• LED back lights
• 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system (NEW)
• 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• Voice assistant
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 8-speaker sound system
• USB-A port and USB-C port in centre console
• USB-A port and USB-C port in rear
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• 12V socket
• Keyless entry and begin
• Twin-zone air-conditioning
• Warmth pump
• PM2.5 air filter
• One-touch up-and-down home windows with anti-pinch perform
• Multi-colour gradient ambient lighting
• LED entrance studying mild
• LED rear aspect studying mild
• Baggage compartment mild
• Synthetic leather-based upholstery
• 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• 4-way power-adjustable entrance passenger seat
• Heated entrance seats
• Home 3-pin plug AC charger
• Tyre restore equipment

The opposite distinction between grades is DC quick charging capacities – the Atto 3 Customary Vary has a most DC charging charge of 70kW, whereas the Prolonged Vary can do 88kW.

Is the BYD Atto 3 protected?

The Atto 3 achieved the utmost five-star ANCAP security ranking based mostly on 2022 testing.

It scored 91 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 84 per cent for little one occupant safety, 69 per cent for weak highway person, and 80 per cent for security help.

Customary security gear contains:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Bike owner detection
  • Junction detection
• Entrance collision warning
• Rear collision warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic help
• Lane departure warning
• Lane preserve help
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Encompass-view digicam
• Drive recorder
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• Tyre strain monitoring system
• Entrance and rear seat belt reminder
• ISOFIX little one restraint anchorage factors (outer rear seats)
• Entrance, entrance aspect, full-length curtain, and centre airbags

How a lot does the BYD Atto 3 price to run?

The preliminary concept of providing a “Lite” servicing choice for patrons didn’t stick, so there’s simply an all-encompassing capped-price servicing plan.

There’s a free checkup at three months/5000km, then it’s each 12 months/20,000km, which could appear extreme, however there are fewer shifting components in an EV – so it ought to, in principle, be extra able to dealing with longer intervals. 

That works out to an annual common of $298.75 per 12 months, which remains to be loads lower than most ICE SUVs, and also you received’t discover many with 20,000km intervals…

Relating to guarantee cowl, there’s a six-year/150,000km guarantee for the automobile – however it’s worthwhile to take observe that not every little thing falls beneath that guarantee cowl.

The electrical motor, high-voltage meeting and motor controller have a guaranty cowl of eight years or 150,000km. However past that, there’s an eight-year/160,000km guarantee for the traction battery.

The lights, tyre strain monitoring module, suspension, ball joints have a guaranty cowl of 4 years or 100,000km; and the 12V battery has a one-year/12,000km guarantee.

In the meantime, the guarantee for air conditioner filters, button battery, brake pads, clutch discs, tyres, wiper blade meeting, bulbs and fuses is simply six months or 10,000km.

CarExpert’s Tackle the BYD Atto 3

A lower cost, a greater drive and an even bigger display screen – it’s a recipe for achievement, usually.

Time will inform whether or not the model might want to sharpen its supply even additional as increasingly more EVs arrive on the scene.

However as it’s, the BYD Atto 3 is a terrific choice for many who need a compact SUV that’s comparatively simple to stay with, gives a good quantity of vary, and tech and gear that some ICE fashions merely don’t come near.

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