BYD Atto 3 Review, Specs & Performance
We all know that electric cars are becoming more popular and affordable, but they still face some challenges in terms of range, charging and design. That's why BYD, a Chinese carmaker, has launched the Atto 3, a new electric car that aims to appeal to the masses with its practicality, performance and personality.
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Overview of the BYD Atto 3
BYD stands for build your dreams, and while the Atto 3 probably isn't a the forefront of your daydreams just yet, it's definitely an Electric SUV worth considering. BYD says it has been designed by Europeans with European drivers in mind - with LED headlights, a large grille and a two-tone colour scheme.
BYD Atto 3 in a nutshell
You won't hear FVL complain about another great value electric SUV to the UK market, and one with BYD's heritage and tech know how it's actually quite the opposite. BYD has clocked up 28 years of experience in battery research and development, which might be what you want from an EV manufacturer. The firm is also one of the world's leading producers of vehicles - though it is most famous in the UK for the electric buses it sells here.
BYD Atto 3 - Powertrain, Charging & Equipment
Powertrain & Charging
Powered by a 150kW electric motor that delivers 95hp and 180Nm of torque, it can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 93mph. The 60.48kWh battery offers a range of up to 260 miles on a single charge - and using a fast charger, the battery can be replenished to 80% of its capacity in just 30 minutes.
Expect to hear a lot about BYD's direct cooling and heating system, which they say is an industry first, for the batteries. Why will this be important? One of the great unspoken issues with EVs is that the batteries are affected when the weather is cold and won't deliver the expected range. BYD has used their battery heritage to address challenges that others have struggled with - we think this could be a game changer for our cold British winters.
Equipment
For this model, the firm developed a new platform, the e-Platform 3.0, to ensure the car will meet UK driving needs. It's worth noting that it scored five stars for safety in the Euro NCAP crash tests. It can seat four people comfortably and has a boot space of 440 litres and a useful 1,338 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Upon launch, the Atto 3 will come with three variants. The Active, Comfort and Design range-topper. And it's not only eco-friendly but also safe and intelligent. It has various advanced features, such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
It also has a smart key that can unlock the car with your face or fingerprint and a voice assistant that can control various in-vehicle functions. The standard kit also includes a panoramic sunroof, which is becoming more popular with EV owners, and it is no bad thing to let some extra light into the cabin. We loved the 12.8 rotatable touchscreen, and drivers get a 15.6-inch screen on the Design model. All in all, for the money, most people will find an option they'll be happy with.
BYD Atto 3 - Ride & Rivals
Ride
Out on the roads, the Atto 3 is a nimble performer around town, but occasionally it feels like the car can 'bounce' somewhat on rough roads and, as others have noted, the brakes can be a little 'soggy' feeling here or there. This can be the case with some EV's, however, and the brakes are powerful enough as you'd expect. Otherwise, it's a smooth performer, great on motorways and effortless to live with.
Rivals
The Atto 3 is a good-sized, well-appointed, value electric SUV. But it will have its work cut out. The competition is heating up in the sector, and price alone won't cut it with the UK's discerning customers.
Rivals for the BYD Atto 3 include the Renault Zoe. We think the Zoe is underrated, and it hasn't shifted big numbers in the UK, still in Europe, it is a very popular and affordable electric car with a range of 245 miles and a starting price of £29,995. It's spacious, although quite a bit more compact than the Atto 3, and has a sleek design but does lack some of the advanced features that the Atto 3 offers.
Then there's the impressive Volkswagen ID.3 - the recently overhauled Hatchback in VW's electric range, with a range of up to 336 miles and a starting price of £35,297. The ID.3 has a futuristic look, a high-tech dashboard and a spacious boot. There are some issues with the media system, but we think it's a great car.
The big player that the Atto 3 is taking on is the Nissan Leaf - one of the oldest and most established electric cars in the UK. With a range of up to 239 miles and a starting price of £28,995. The Leaf has reliable performance, a practical design and a loyal fan base. However, it is getting on now, and it's a bit bland compared to the newer and more stylish electric models on the market.
BYD Atto 3 - Summary
In an increasingly competitive sector, the Atto 3 is a promising electric car that offers much value for money and will definitely attract more buyers to the electric vehicle market.
The bottom line is that the BYD Atto 3 has a sleek, trendy design, and the interior really helps it stand out from the crowd. The battery will give the range drivers are expecting - don't get hung up on the battery size since the weight of a larger battery pack would impact range and cost.
The equipment is lengthy and impressive. The panoramic sunroof also makes the cabin a pleasant and relaxing place to spend time.
And let's be honest, we weren't expecting a revolution, but the Atto 3 made us change our minds about what a well-priced electric family car should offer - and it may well do the same for you too.