BYD Atto 3 review: Value-packed EV excellence
The BYD Atto 3 electric SUV is challenging established names like Tesla with its feature-loaded package for a relatively cheap price tag. It offers decent pep at low running costs, plenty of comfort, and a spacious interior. While more affordable EV options have surfaced since the Atto 3 debuted here, it’s gotten a few handy updates that could make this Australia’s new favourite EV.
Pros:
- Peppy acceleration, smooth handling, comfortable ride
- Spacious and stylish interior
- Decent real-world range
- Long warranty on battery and drivetrain
Cons:
- Cargo space is not impressive; has no frunk either
- Reported problems with lane-keep assist functionality
What’s new:
- Larger 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (from 12.8-inch)
- New exterior colour option: Cosmos Black
- Black finish for D-pillar trim and window trim
- Darker two-tone interior colour scheme for Cosmos Black models
- Upgraded to Continental Eco Contact 6 tires
- Thicker sunshade for improved functionality
In an exciting turn of events in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Chinese automaker BYD overtook Tesla in 2023 and led the way to becoming the world's largest EV maker. BYD's sales figures for the last quarter of 2023 reached an impressive 526,409 electric cars, outpacing Tesla's reported 484,000+ deliveries worldwide. The BYD Atto 3 also made waves as Australia’s third best-selling electric car in 2023, with 12,438 sales in Australia. Is BYD Atto 3 a hit or a miss? Let’s find out!
| Variants | Starting price | Engine type | Charging time |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD ATTO 3 Standard SUV FWD | $48,011 | Electric | 45 minutes |
| BYD ATTO 3 Extended SUV FWD | $51,011 | Electric | 45 minutes |
These are prices exclude on-road charges
Exteriors
The BYD Atto 3 offers a modern and understated exterior design with a touch of sophistication.
Styling elements
The BYD Atto 3 eschews a loud and aggressive design for a more subtle sophistication. Its sleek and modern silhouette gives it a contemporary look, while its medium-sized SUV presence offers an adequate presence without feeling bulky. This understated look is further emphasised by the lack of flashy design elements, which instead rely on textured chrome accents for depth and strategically placed LED lighting to enhance efficiency and create a futuristic aesthetic.
Colour options
The BYD Atto 3 is available in 4 colours: sleek Ski White comes standard, while Surf Blue, and Boulder Grey add a pop of colour and complement the futuristic LED lighting for a truly eye-catching look (optional for an additional $700). If you like your cars black, then the BYD Atto 3 can be on your list as one of the 2024 updates is the choice of Cosmos Black.
Wheel design
BYD has updated the tyre choice for the Atto 3 for better grip and a more comfortable ride. However, the new Continental rubber is wrapped around the same stylish 18-inch alloy wheels with gloss black elements and aero-efficiency plastic inserts.
Interiors
The BYD Atto 3's interior contrasts its conservative exterior. It features an unconventional and even "jazzy" design theme that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It incorporates unique tactile elements for the central AC vents and front door pockets, which feature guitar-like rubber strings that make a sound when you pluck them.
Interior layout and space
The BYD Atto 3 boasts a surprisingly spacious and practical layout, a welcome contrast to its conservative exterior. It offers ample legroom, even for rear-seat passengers (1070mm front, 760mm rear), ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone. Practicality is a key feature, with thoughtful storage compartments and readily available USB ports for rear-seat passengers to keep their devices charged.
The BYD Atto 3 boasts a panoramic sunroof that creates an airy and spacious feel in the cabin. Flashy LED ambient lighting allows you to personalise the interior atmosphere.
Comfort and ergonomics
Refrain from letting the funky styling fool you into mistaking this for a gimmicky cabin, as the layout is fairly practical and prioritises passenger comfort. One notable aspect of BYD Atto 3 interiors is the use of high-quality materials, such as soft plastics. This adds to the overall comfort and creates an inviting atmosphere throughout the cabin. The attention to material quality truly enhances the overall feeling of comfort in the car. The seats are spacious and supportive, taking ergonomics into consideration. This means passengers can expect good support and comfort even during long journeys, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone on board. T.
This vehicle has ample storage options, from the convenient dual cupholders to the roomy compartment under the central tunnel. Plus, the unique door pockets can even accommodate a drink bottle..
Boot
Open the powered tailgate, and you'll find 440 litres of boot space, perfect for grocery runs, some luggage, or weekend gear. Need to haul even more stuff than people? Simply fold down the rear seats and expand the cargo capacity to 1340 litres.
Technology and infotainment
The BYD Atto 3's interior takes an interesting approach to technology and infotainment, blending some quirky design choices with practical functionality. Fair warning, it is one of those EVs where a lot of controls are operated via the touchscreen rather than physical buttons on the dashboard.
Infotainment system
The BYD Atto 3's interior offers a mix of futuristic elements with daily functionalities. The star of the show is the central infotainment system which is now bigger than before. This massive, 15.6-inch touchscreen can rotate between portrait and landscape orientations. Thankfully, the system is generally quick and responsive, with large icons and a user-friendly menu structure. Climate controls are conveniently located at the base of the screen for easy access while driving.
The BYD Atto 3's infotainment system boasts some interesting features but presents a few challenges. The large touchscreen can rotate, which might seem like a fun gimmick, but it becomes less useful when using Apple CarPlay, as CarPlay requires landscape orientation. More importantly, some functions, like accessing the heated seats, are buried deep within the menu system, requiring several taps from the home screen and potentially distracting you while driving. CarPlay users will also encounter a minor inconvenience: to adjust climate control, you'll need to switch back and forth between BYD's interface and CarPlay. Ideally, the system would have a permanent shortcut bar or physical buttons for essential functions like climate control.
Digital driver’s display
The BYD Atto 3's driver display takes a minimalist approach, prioritising clarity over flashy graphics. This compact display sits directly before the driver and offers a simple and effective layout. While some drivers might prefer a traditionally larger display for the instrument cluster, the Atto 3's prioritises essential information. It features a prominent speed readout that's easy to glance at and a range of trip computer options to inform you about your journey.
Connectivity options (Bluetooth, USB, Carplay etc.)
Dual USB ports (one A-type and one C-type) ensure compatibility with various devices, while a wireless charging pad keeps your smartphone powered up. Apple CarPlay (wired) and Android Auto (wireless) are included, offering broad smartphone connectivity options. Adding CarPlay in late 2022 via an over-the-air update was a welcome improvement. .
Navigation
The built-in navigation system from BYD has received mixed reviews. Some users have reported encountering illogical route suggestions, including instances where the navigation recommended a route exceeding the car's estimated driving range.
This could indicate limitations with the built-in system. Sticking with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for your navigational requirements is the way to go, maybe download some route maps if you might be crossing areas with limited connectivity.
Engine and performance
The BYD Atto 3 comes with a fully electric drivetrain, but only in a single motor configuration. Let's delve into the specifics of its electric motor and battery and how they translate to real-world performance.
Engine Specifications
| Variants | Acceleration 0-100 km/h | Range | Electric Motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD ATTO 3 Standard SUV FWD | 7.3 seconds | 410km | AC 150kW |
| BYD ATTO 3 Extended SUV FWD | 7.3 seconds | 420 km | AC 150kW |
Transmission and Drive System
The BYD Atto 3 relies on a single-speed reduction gear and a powerful electric motor for propulsion, keeping things simple and efficient. BYD's clever e-Platform 3.0 integrates eight key parts, like the motor controller and inverter, into one compact unit, saving space and boosting efficiency. As for getting you moving, the Atto 3 is front-wheel drive, using the electric motor's power to spin the front wheels.
Acceleration and Top Speed
Thanks to the electric motor's punchy torque, the BYD Atto 3 scoots from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. While it’s not the gut-punch acceleration promised by sporty EVs, it provides enough grunt for brisk acceleration and confident highway merging.
The electronically limited top speed of 159 km/h is adequate for Australian highways. You'll be able to maintain traffic flow comfortably, but don’t expect to go drag racing with it like some Tesla owners.
Electric Motor
A single permanent magnet synchronous motor on the front axle sits under the hood, or rather, under the floor in this case. This motor churns out a healthy 150 kW (201 horsepower), which provides ample grunt for most driving situations. The 310 Nm of torque translates to a lively and responsive feel from the get-go, particularly when pulling away from traffic lights.
Battery and Range
The BYD Atto 3 offers two options: the Extended version with a 60.48kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, promising a 420km range under European WLTP testing and consuming 16kWh/100km in mixed conditions, or the Standard Range version with a 49.92kWh battery and a 410km range according to NEDC standards. In real-world testing, the Extended version showed an average consumption of 16.5kWh/100km—15kWh/100km in the city and 18.5kWh/100km on the highway—resulting in a realistic range of 320–335km on the motorway. For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 achieves 12–14kWh/100km in city driving, while similarly sized Hyundai and Kia electric SUVs fall within the 13–15kWh/100km range. Choose the Atto 3 version that best fits your driving needs and range preferences.
Braking system
As with most EVs, the Atto 3 recovers energy during braking through regenerative braking. This system converts the car's kinetic energy back into electricity and stores it in the battery, helping extend your driving range.
The BYD Atto 3 offers selectable regeneration levels, allowing you to tailor the amount of energy recovered to your preference. A higher regeneration setting will create a more pronounced engine braking effect when you lift off the accelerator, potentially increasing range and affecting how the car feels when coasting.
Handling and driving dynamics
The BYD Atto 3 prioritises a comfortable and composed ride over aggressive handling. The suspension is specifically tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, making it a great choice for daily commutes or long highway trips where a smooth ride is key. While the electric motor delivers good acceleration and a responsive feel, the steering may not be the most communicative for those who crave a particularly sporty driving experience. Additionally, the car's weight is fairly noticeable around fast corners. However, this shouldn't be a major concern for most drivers prioritising a relaxing and comfortable driving experience.
Safety features
The BYD Atto 3 has many safety features to protect you and your passengers. Its Active Safety Shield includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control, all working together to warn of potential dangers and help prevent collisions. An impressive surround-view camera provides a 360-degree view and a bird’s eye view for easier parking manoeuvres, and it even doubles as a drive recorder, capturing footage of your journey, and can take still photos when needed. It also gets front and rear parking sensors with audible warnings, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System for optimal safety and fuel efficiency. Passive safety features include 7 airbags, ISOFIX child restraint points, and the BYD e-Platform 3.0 with Blade Battery Technology, ensuring comprehensive protection for occupants during a collision, focusing on child safety and advanced battery protection. In conclusion, the BYD Atto 3 boasts comprehensive active and passive safety features, making it a strong contender for safety-conscious car buyers.
Some of these key safety features include the following:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with front & rear collision warning
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop/go
- 360° Surround View Camera System
- Front & rear parking sensors
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- 7 Airbags (Front, front side, full-length curtain, and driver's knee)
- ISOFIX child restraint points
- BYD e-Platform 3.0 & Blade Battery Technology
Additionally, the BYD Atto 3 has achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, receiving impressive scores in all key categories:
- Adult Occupant Protection: 91%
- Child Occupant Protection: 84%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 69%
- Safety Assist: 80%
Ownership experience
BYD Atto 3 owners seem to be pleasantly surprised by the electric vehicle. They particularly enjoy the zippy acceleration, smooth handling, comfortable ride, and spacious interior with a stylish design. These aspects make the Atto 3 a great choice for everyday commutes and weekend adventures. On the flip side, some early owners have reported issues with the car's tyre grip and the functionality of the lane-keep assist system. Considering these potential BYD Atto 3 problems when evaluating the BYD Atto 3 is important.
Major strengths:
- Owners praise the BYD Atto 3's zippy acceleration, smooth handling, and comfortable ride, making it perfect for daily commutes and fun on the open road.
- The cabin offers ample space for passengers and cargo, while the modern design garners attention wherever you go.
- BYD Atto 3 ownership is budget-friendly. Routine servicing is affordable, keeping your overall ownership costs manageable.
- BYD offers an extensive warranty covering major components like the battery and drivetrain. This peace of mind protects you from unexpected repair costs.
- The BYD Atto 3 produces zero tailpipe emissions and boasts an efficient battery, making it a responsible choice for environmentally-conscious drivers.
Major drawbacks:
- Earliest owners have reported concerns with the car's tyre grip, which could be a factor to consider during a test drive.
- A handful of owners have mentioned issues with the lane-keep assist system's functionality, something you should be aware of if this feature is important to you.
Maintenance costs and Warranty information
The Standard EV Service Plan covers the Atto 3 with an initial complimentary check at 5,000 kilometres or 3 months, followed by services every 20,000 kilometres or 12 months. BYD Atto 3 prices range from $189 for Service A to $447 for Service C. For lower kilometre users, the Light Service Plan offers a fixed price of $189 per year for up to 60,000 kilometres over 5 years, available for the Atto 3 only. The Standard DM-i Service Plan for the SEALION 6 includes an initial complimentary check at 3,500 kilometres or 6 months, with subsequent services every 20,000 kilometres or 12 months, with pricing varying between Dynamic and Premium intervals. BYD also offers a robust warranty for Australians, including an 8-year or 160,000 km Traction Battery Warranty and a 6-year or 150,000 km Vehicle Warranty. All pricing includes GST, labour, parts, oil, fluids, and consumables, with BYD ATTO 3 prices valid for services completed before their respective cutoff dates in 2024 and 2025.
Verdict
The BYD Atto 3 has quickly established itself as a formidable force in the electric vehicle market. Its impressive performance, exceptional efficiency, and competitive price tag have garnered significant attention, solidifying its position as a compelling alternative to established players. The Atto 3 further offers a sleek design, spacious comfort, and advanced technology, catering to the needs of eco-conscious drivers seeking a reliable and enjoyable electric vehicle experience. While minor BYD Atto 3 problems exist, the overall ownership proposition remains highly attractive, promising a hassle-free and sustainable journey towards a greener future.
Reference
The BYD Atto 3 electric SUV is challenging established names like Tesla with its feature-loaded package for a relatively cheap price tag. It offers decent pep at low running costs, plenty of comfort, and a spacious interior. While more affordable EV options have surfaced since the Atto 3 debuted here, it’s gotten a few handy updates that could make this Australia’s new favourite EV.
Pros:
- Peppy acceleration, smooth handling, comfortable ride
- Spacious and stylish interior
- Decent real-world range
- Long warranty on battery and drivetrain
Cons:
- Cargo space is not impressive; has no frunk either
- Reported problems with lane-keep assist functionality
What’s new:
- Larger 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (from 12.8-inch)
- New exterior colour option: Cosmos Black
- Black finish for D-pillar trim and window trim
- Darker two-tone interior colour scheme for Cosmos Black models
- Upgraded to Continental Eco Contact 6 tires
- Thicker sunshade for improved functionality
In an exciting turn of events in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Chinese automaker BYD overtook Tesla in 2023 and led the way to becoming the world's largest EV maker. BYD's sales figures for the last quarter of 2023 reached an impressive 526,409 electric cars, outpacing Tesla's reported 484,000+ deliveries worldwide. The BYD Atto 3 also made waves as Australia’s third best-selling electric car in 2023, with 12,438 sales in Australia. Is BYD Atto 3 a hit or a miss? Let’s find out!
| Variants | Starting price | Engine type | Charging time |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD ATTO 3 Standard SUV FWD | $48,011 | Electric | 45 minutes |
| BYD ATTO 3 Extended SUV FWD | $51,011 | Electric | 45 minutes |
These are prices exclude on-road charges
Exteriors
The BYD Atto 3 offers a modern and understated exterior design with a touch of sophistication.
Styling elements
The BYD Atto 3 eschews a loud and aggressive design for a more subtle sophistication. Its sleek and modern silhouette gives it a contemporary look, while its medium-sized SUV presence offers an adequate presence without feeling bulky. This understated look is further emphasised by the lack of flashy design elements, which instead rely on textured chrome accents for depth and strategically placed LED lighting to enhance efficiency and create a futuristic aesthetic.
Colour options
The BYD Atto 3 is available in 4 colours: sleek Ski White comes standard, while Surf Blue, and Boulder Grey add a pop of colour and complement the futuristic LED lighting for a truly eye-catching look (optional for an additional $700). If you like your cars black, then the BYD Atto 3 can be on your list as one of the 2024 updates is the choice of Cosmos Black.
Wheel design
BYD has updated the tyre choice for the Atto 3 for better grip and a more comfortable ride. However, the new Continental rubber is wrapped around the same stylish 18-inch alloy wheels with gloss black elements and aero-efficiency plastic inserts.
Interiors
The BYD Atto 3's interior contrasts its conservative exterior. It features an unconventional and even "jazzy" design theme that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It incorporates unique tactile elements for the central AC vents and front door pockets, which feature guitar-like rubber strings that make a sound when you pluck them.
Interior layout and space
The BYD Atto 3 boasts a surprisingly spacious and practical layout, a welcome contrast to its conservative exterior. It offers ample legroom, even for rear-seat passengers (1070mm front, 760mm rear), ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone. Practicality is a key feature, with thoughtful storage compartments and readily available USB ports for rear-seat passengers to keep their devices charged.
The BYD Atto 3 boasts a panoramic sunroof that creates an airy and spacious feel in the cabin. Flashy LED ambient lighting allows you to personalise the interior atmosphere.
Comfort and ergonomics
Refrain from letting the funky styling fool you into mistaking this for a gimmicky cabin, as the layout is fairly practical and prioritises passenger comfort. One notable aspect of BYD Atto 3 interiors is the use of high-quality materials, such as soft plastics. This adds to the overall comfort and creates an inviting atmosphere throughout the cabin. The attention to material quality truly enhances the overall feeling of comfort in the car. The seats are spacious and supportive, taking ergonomics into consideration. This means passengers can expect good support and comfort even during long journeys, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone on board. T.
This vehicle has ample storage options, from the convenient dual cupholders to the roomy compartment under the central tunnel. Plus, the unique door pockets can even accommodate a drink bottle..
Boot
Open the powered tailgate, and you'll find 440 litres of boot space, perfect for grocery runs, some luggage, or weekend gear. Need to haul even more stuff than people? Simply fold down the rear seats and expand the cargo capacity to 1340 litres.
Technology and infotainment
The BYD Atto 3's interior takes an interesting approach to technology and infotainment, blending some quirky design choices with practical functionality. Fair warning, it is one of those EVs where a lot of controls are operated via the touchscreen rather than physical buttons on the dashboard.
Infotainment system
The BYD Atto 3's interior offers a mix of futuristic elements with daily functionalities. The star of the show is the central infotainment system which is now bigger than before. This massive, 15.6-inch touchscreen can rotate between portrait and landscape orientations. Thankfully, the system is generally quick and responsive, with large icons and a user-friendly menu structure. Climate controls are conveniently located at the base of the screen for easy access while driving.
The BYD Atto 3's infotainment system boasts some interesting features but presents a few challenges. The large touchscreen can rotate, which might seem like a fun gimmick, but it becomes less useful when using Apple CarPlay, as CarPlay requires landscape orientation. More importantly, some functions, like accessing the heated seats, are buried deep within the menu system, requiring several taps from the home screen and potentially distracting you while driving. CarPlay users will also encounter a minor inconvenience: to adjust climate control, you'll need to switch back and forth between BYD's interface and CarPlay. Ideally, the system would have a permanent shortcut bar or physical buttons for essential functions like climate control.
Digital driver’s display
The BYD Atto 3's driver display takes a minimalist approach, prioritising clarity over flashy graphics. This compact display sits directly before the driver and offers a simple and effective layout. While some drivers might prefer a traditionally larger display for the instrument cluster, the Atto 3's prioritises essential information. It features a prominent speed readout that's easy to glance at and a range of trip computer options to inform you about your journey.
Connectivity options (Bluetooth, USB, Carplay etc.)
Dual USB ports (one A-type and one C-type) ensure compatibility with various devices, while a wireless charging pad keeps your smartphone powered up. Apple CarPlay (wired) and Android Auto (wireless) are included, offering broad smartphone connectivity options. Adding CarPlay in late 2022 via an over-the-air update was a welcome improvement. .
Navigation
The built-in navigation system from BYD has received mixed reviews. Some users have reported encountering illogical route suggestions, including instances where the navigation recommended a route exceeding the car's estimated driving range.
This could indicate limitations with the built-in system. Sticking with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for your navigational requirements is the way to go, maybe download some route maps if you might be crossing areas with limited connectivity.
Engine and performance
The BYD Atto 3 comes with a fully electric drivetrain, but only in a single motor configuration. Let's delve into the specifics of its electric motor and battery and how they translate to real-world performance.
Engine Specifications
| Variants | Acceleration 0-100 km/h | Range | Electric Motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD ATTO 3 Standard SUV FWD | 7.3 seconds | 410km | AC 150kW |
| BYD ATTO 3 Extended SUV FWD | 7.3 seconds | 420 km | AC 150kW |
Transmission and Drive System
The BYD Atto 3 relies on a single-speed reduction gear and a powerful electric motor for propulsion, keeping things simple and efficient. BYD's clever e-Platform 3.0 integrates eight key parts, like the motor controller and inverter, into one compact unit, saving space and boosting efficiency. As for getting you moving, the Atto 3 is front-wheel drive, using the electric motor's power to spin the front wheels.
Acceleration and Top Speed
Thanks to the electric motor's punchy torque, the BYD Atto 3 scoots from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. While it’s not the gut-punch acceleration promised by sporty EVs, it provides enough grunt for brisk acceleration and confident highway merging.
The electronically limited top speed of 159 km/h is adequate for Australian highways. You'll be able to maintain traffic flow comfortably, but don’t expect to go drag racing with it like some Tesla owners.
Electric Motor
A single permanent magnet synchronous motor on the front axle sits under the hood, or rather, under the floor in this case. This motor churns out a healthy 150 kW (201 horsepower), which provides ample grunt for most driving situations. The 310 Nm of torque translates to a lively and responsive feel from the get-go, particularly when pulling away from traffic lights.
Battery and Range
The BYD Atto 3 offers two options: the Extended version with a 60.48kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, promising a 420km range under European WLTP testing and consuming 16kWh/100km in mixed conditions, or the Standard Range version with a 49.92kWh battery and a 410km range according to NEDC standards. In real-world testing, the Extended version showed an average consumption of 16.5kWh/100km—15kWh/100km in the city and 18.5kWh/100km on the highway—resulting in a realistic range of 320–335km on the motorway. For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 achieves 12–14kWh/100km in city driving, while similarly sized Hyundai and Kia electric SUVs fall within the 13–15kWh/100km range. Choose the Atto 3 version that best fits your driving needs and range preferences.
Braking system
As with most EVs, the Atto 3 recovers energy during braking through regenerative braking. This system converts the car's kinetic energy back into electricity and stores it in the battery, helping extend your driving range.
The BYD Atto 3 offers selectable regeneration levels, allowing you to tailor the amount of energy recovered to your preference. A higher regeneration setting will create a more pronounced engine braking effect when you lift off the accelerator, potentially increasing range and affecting how the car feels when coasting.
Handling and driving dynamics
The BYD Atto 3 prioritises a comfortable and composed ride over aggressive handling. The suspension is specifically tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, making it a great choice for daily commutes or long highway trips where a smooth ride is key. While the electric motor delivers good acceleration and a responsive feel, the steering may not be the most communicative for those who crave a particularly sporty driving experience. Additionally, the car's weight is fairly noticeable around fast corners. However, this shouldn't be a major concern for most drivers prioritising a relaxing and comfortable driving experience.
Safety features
The BYD Atto 3 has many safety features to protect you and your passengers. Its Active Safety Shield includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control, all working together to warn of potential dangers and help prevent collisions. An impressive surround-view camera provides a 360-degree view and a bird’s eye view for easier parking manoeuvres, and it even doubles as a drive recorder, capturing footage of your journey, and can take still photos when needed. It also gets front and rear parking sensors with audible warnings, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System for optimal safety and fuel efficiency. Passive safety features include 7 airbags, ISOFIX child restraint points, and the BYD e-Platform 3.0 with Blade Battery Technology, ensuring comprehensive protection for occupants during a collision, focusing on child safety and advanced battery protection. In conclusion, the BYD Atto 3 boasts comprehensive active and passive safety features, making it a strong contender for safety-conscious car buyers.
Some of these key safety features include the following:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with front & rear collision warning
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop/go
- 360° Surround View Camera System
- Front & rear parking sensors
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- 7 Airbags (Front, front side, full-length curtain, and driver's knee)
- ISOFIX child restraint points
- BYD e-Platform 3.0 & Blade Battery Technology
Additionally, the BYD Atto 3 has achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, receiving impressive scores in all key categories:
- Adult Occupant Protection: 91%
- Child Occupant Protection: 84%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 69%
- Safety Assist: 80%
Ownership experience
BYD Atto 3 owners seem to be pleasantly surprised by the electric vehicle. They particularly enjoy the zippy acceleration, smooth handling, comfortable ride, and spacious interior with a stylish design. These aspects make the Atto 3 a great choice for everyday commutes and weekend adventures. On the flip side, some early owners have reported issues with the car's tyre grip and the functionality of the lane-keep assist system. Considering these potential BYD Atto 3 problems when evaluating the BYD Atto 3 is important.
Major strengths:
- Owners praise the BYD Atto 3's zippy acceleration, smooth handling, and comfortable ride, making it perfect for daily commutes and fun on the open road.
- The cabin offers ample space for passengers and cargo, while the modern design garners attention wherever you go.
- BYD Atto 3 ownership is budget-friendly. Routine servicing is affordable, keeping your overall ownership costs manageable.
- BYD offers an extensive warranty covering major components like the battery and drivetrain. This peace of mind protects you from unexpected repair costs.
- The BYD Atto 3 produces zero tailpipe emissions and boasts an efficient battery, making it a responsible choice for environmentally-conscious drivers.
Major drawbacks:
- Earliest owners have reported concerns with the car's tyre grip, which could be a factor to consider during a test drive.
- A handful of owners have mentioned issues with the lane-keep assist system's functionality, something you should be aware of if this feature is important to you.
Maintenance costs and Warranty information
The Standard EV Service Plan covers the Atto 3 with an initial complimentary check at 5,000 kilometres or 3 months, followed by services every 20,000 kilometres or 12 months. BYD Atto 3 prices range from $189 for Service A to $447 for Service C. For lower kilometre users, the Light Service Plan offers a fixed price of $189 per year for up to 60,000 kilometres over 5 years, available for the Atto 3 only. The Standard DM-i Service Plan for the SEALION 6 includes an initial complimentary check at 3,500 kilometres or 6 months, with subsequent services every 20,000 kilometres or 12 months, with pricing varying between Dynamic and Premium intervals. BYD also offers a robust warranty for Australians, including an 8-year or 160,000 km Traction Battery Warranty and a 6-year or 150,000 km Vehicle Warranty. All pricing includes GST, labour, parts, oil, fluids, and consumables, with BYD ATTO 3 prices valid for services completed before their respective cutoff dates in 2024 and 2025.
Verdict
The BYD Atto 3 has quickly established itself as a formidable force in the electric vehicle market. Its impressive performance, exceptional efficiency, and competitive price tag have garnered significant attention, solidifying its position as a compelling alternative to established players. The Atto 3 further offers a sleek design, spacious comfort, and advanced technology, catering to the needs of eco-conscious drivers seeking a reliable and enjoyable electric vehicle experience. While minor BYD Atto 3 problems exist, the overall ownership proposition remains highly attractive, promising a hassle-free and sustainable journey towards a greener future.
