I already thought the BYD Atto 3 may very well 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 in style small electrical SUV, whereas additionally enhancing the usual specification ranges and making just a few visible changes, too.
You’ll be capable to decide the up to date Atto 3 from the surface 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, relatively 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 Crimson and Forest Inexperienced finishes.
Inside, the trim color relies on the outside possibility 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 adjustments have been worthwhile and what it’s prefer to drive, too. The model examined right here is the dearer 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 value?
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 worth might fluctuate significantly, relying on which state you reside in.
Color choices? Ski White is the one color obtainable 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, try our comparability software.
What’s the BYD Atto 3 like on the within?
On the subject of the inside of the BYD Atto 3 you’ll both adore it or hate it.
It actually 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. Nonetheless, the prevailing two-tone white/cream and blue of the prevailing mannequin carries on to the white and blue exterior paint selections.
Regardless of which one you decide, you continue to get crimson piping on the seats, quite a lot of audacious curves and design components; and sure, there are guitar strings on the doorways. Properly, they’re designed to be door pocket elasticated straps, however you possibly can really play them like a guitar, which is a pleasant factor to do while you’re bored in a 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 trying SUV from the surface, it may be a bit a lot.
The opposite large focus is the rotating media display, which is actually a fair larger focus now, having been upsized from a 12.8-inch to a brand new 15.6-inch unit.
You possibly can nonetheless flip it 90 levels to be portrait structure if you need – there’s a button on the steering wheel or on the ‘residence bar’ on the backside of the display.
Whereas the portrait structure may be preferable for a number of the automobile’s controls and the native sat nav system, when you’re like me and similar to to attach as much as Apple CarPlay (which may be finished wirelessly now), then you definately want the display 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 while you’re making an attempt to regulate issues on the transfer. There’s a voice management system nonetheless, and when you get the dangle 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, 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 in contrast to different BYD fashions, it doesn’t supply the potential to regulate the fan pace or temperature by means of that display – it additionally appears to be like crooked to me, too.
Among the different quirks and options embrace the rounded door handles with ambient LED lighting built-in into them, in addition to the peculiar trying air vents which have a stunning tactile adjustability to them.
The cabin is a fairly considerate place when it comes to storage and value, with a useful degree of cabin stowage together with cup holders, a giant coated console space, an extra storage tray down beneath 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 must open it with a button on the display 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 presents 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 might 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 is advisable match three grown-ups throughout the again it is best to be capable to, however simply be certain 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 children in or out in the dead of night, take be aware that there are nonetheless good lighting choices regardless of the actual fact it has a giant panoramic glass roof.
Boot house can 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 helpful when you’re loading heavy gadgets in, or you possibly can decrease it all the way down to maximise capability.
All advised, there’s a most of 440 litres with the rear seats upright, which is definitely sufficient for a pram and some backpacks, or a fortnightly store. You may as well fold the rear seats all the way down to get 1340L of capability when you want it.
Whereas there is no such thing as a spare wheel underneath the boot flooring, it does include a tyre restore package, and there’s a stowage house for cables underneath the ground, too – however weirdly, regardless of the actual 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 helpful, however it’s not a type 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 utilize the NFC card to faucet on the mirror housing to unlock the car.
Different automobiles have ‘walk-up proximity unlocking’, such because the Renault Megane E-Tech.
To see how the BYD Atto 3 stacks up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s underneath 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 selections of battery – the Normal Vary has a 49.94kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit, whereas the Prolonged Vary has a 60.48kWh LFP pack. LFP chemistry is commonly seen as extra fascinating than different types of chemistry because of its recognized sturdiness underneath 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 reaching 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 meaning an obvious recharge time of just below 9.0 hours when you’ve got a 7kW wallbox.
For DC quick charging, the Normal Vary mannequin is rated 70kW, whereas the Prolonged Vary’s most DC charge is 88kW. Both manner, the Kind 2 CCS charger ought to full 10-80 per cent in roughly 35 minutes.
The Normal Vary is rated to 345km of EV driving primarily based on WLTP testing, and the Prolonged Vary ups that to 410km. For a lot of, it will likely be cash effectively 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 spread of 380km throughout a mixture of driving, together with cooler morning testing.
To see how the BYD Atto 3 stacks up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
How does the BYD Atto 3 drive?
I actually mentioned in my final evaluation that “the factor I believe I’d do first if I used to be shopping for an Atto 3 can be to move 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 already know – you by no means realise how a lot a change a great 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 while you plant your foot. They’re not Conti SportContact tyres, however they actually supply a tenacious feeling on the street, together with in moist climate driving.
And whereas this mightn’t be your best option for somebody who needs a extra enjoyable EV drive – have a look at the rear-wheel drive Cupra Born or MG 4 if that’s you – however for the demographic that is making an attempt to enchantment to, the BYD Atto 3’s driving manners are completely acceptable.
The steering itself is ample 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.
Among the finest issues about this automobile is its glorious high-resolution surround-view digicam system which is normal in each fashions, and makes parking manner simpler than it would in any other case have been.
There are entrance, facet, 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 effectively managed in corners and when altering course regardless of some physique roll.
Trip consolation is appropriate, 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 gradual 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 completely 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 automobiles you possibly can drive merely utilizing the accelerator, and by no means contact the brakes when you take note of your environment.
With the Atto 3, you continue to must hit the brake pedal regularly.
These new tyres have additionally seemingly improved the quantity of street noise intrusion that comes into the cabin. I discovered it extra hushed on the freeway, even on coarse-chip roads.
The lively security methods might not be to everybody’s tastes, and the emergency lane holding system is a bit pushy at instances too. Fortunately it’s nonetheless driveable with the system left on, when you can’t be bothered diving by means of menus to disable it every time you drive.
What do you get?
When you’re spending the $3000 additional for the Prolonged Vary mannequin, don’t go anticipating additional gear – you get the identical normal tools in each fashions.
2024 BYD Atto 3 highlights:
18-inch alloy wheelsContinental tyres (NEW)Tyre stress monitoring Tyre restore kitRoof railsPanoramic sunroof with electrical slide and anti-trap functionPower tailgateHeated and power-folding facet mirrorsLED headlightsAuto high-beamLED daytime operating lightsLED rear lights15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system (NEW)5.0-inch digital instrument clusterDAB+ digital radioWireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Voice assistantSatellite navigationBluetooth connectivity8-speaker sound systemUSB-A port and USB-C port in centre consoleUSB-A port and USB-C port in rearWireless cellphone charger12V socketKeyless entry and startDual-zone air-conditioningHeat pumpPM2.5 air filterOne-touch up-and-down home windows with anti-pinch functionMulti-colour gradient ambient lightingLED entrance studying lightLED rear facet studying lightLuggage compartment lightArtificial leather-based upholstery6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat4-way power-adjustable entrance passenger seatHeated entrance seatsDomestic 3-pin plug AC chargerTyre restore package
The opposite distinction between grades is DC quick charging capacities – the Atto 3 Normal Vary has a most DC charging charge of 70kW, whereas the Prolonged Vary can do 88kW.
Is the BYD Atto 3 secure?
The Atto 3 achieved the utmost five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on 2022 testing.
It scored 91 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 84 per cent for baby occupant safety, 69 per cent for susceptible street consumer, and 80 per cent for security help.
Normal security tools consists of:
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)Pedestrian detectionCyclist detectionJunction detectionFront collision warningRear collision warningBlind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic assistLane departure warningLane hold assistAdaptive cruise management with cease/goSurround-view cameraDrive recorderFront and rear parking sensorsTyre stress monitoring systemFront and rear seat belt reminderISOFIX baby restraint anchorage factors (outer rear seats)Entrance, entrance facet, full-length curtain, and centre airbags
How a lot does the BYD Atto 3 value to run?
The preliminary concept of providing a “Lite” servicing possibility 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 transferring components in an EV – so it ought to, in concept, be extra able to dealing with longer intervals.
That works out to an annual common of $298.75 per 12 months, which continues to be quite a bit lower than most ICE SUVs, and also you received’t discover many with 20,000km intervals…
On the subject of guarantee cowl, there’s a six-year/150,000km guarantee for the automobile – however it is advisable take be aware that not every little thing falls underneath 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 stress 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 – it’s a recipe for fulfillment, sometimes.
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 possibility for many who need a compact SUV that’s comparatively simple to reside with, presents an honest quantity of vary, and tech and tools that some ICE fashions merely don’t come near.
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