BYD Atto3 Review: A Unique Entry in the Electric SUV Segment

BYD Atto3 Review: A Unique Entry in the Electric SUV Segment If you're in the market for an electric SUV and are open to exploring new contenders, the BYD Atto3 is a vehicle that should be on your radar. While the BYD brand may not be as familiar as some of its competitors, it's making a strong entry into the market with its Atto3 model. In this review, we'll take a closer look at what makes the BYD Atto3 a noteworthy option and how it stacks up against its rivals.

Unique Design and Dimensions: The BYD Atto3 falls in between the Kia Niro EV and Volkswagen ID.4 in terms of size. This positioning makes it a compelling option for those who need more space than hatchbacks like the Cupra Born, Renault Megane E-Tech, or MG 4 can offer. Its unmistakable SUV design also sets it apart in a market filled with choices.

Competitive Range and Charging: The BYD Atto3 offers a competitive if not outstanding range. Powered by a 60.5kWh battery and built on the brand's third-generation electric platform, it boasts an official range of 260 miles. While this is approximately 20 miles less than the Renault Megane E-Tech electric and Kia Niro EV, it should still be sufficient for most daily needs. Charging times are reasonable, with the Atto3 supporting DC rapid charging up to 88kW. A 30-80% charge takes just 29 minutes, making it convenient for on-the-go charging.

Comfort-Oriented Driving Experience: The BYD Atto3 is primarily set up for comfort. It features soft suspension that handles uneven road surfaces effectively, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. Although there is some suspension noise when driving over bumps, the overall ride quality is pleasant. The car maintains reasonable body control, though it may exhibit some roll during cornering. However, it strikes a balance between grip and composure when navigating twists and turns.

Smooth Electric Performance: The Atto3 boasts a 201bhp electric motor paired with a 60.5kWh battery. This powertrain offers a smooth and robust performance that adequately meets the car's requirements. With a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds, it is noticeably faster than competitors like the Skoda Enyaq and Kia Niro EV. However, there might be occasional hesitations when demanding full throttle acceleration.

Impressive Brake Transition: The transition from regenerative braking to friction braking in the Atto3 is exceptionally smooth, and the brake pedal provides an excellent feel. This is a standout feature in the driving experience, making deceleration and braking more predictable and comfortable.

Interior Appeal: The BYD Atto3's interior surpasses expectations. It incorporates soft-touch materials in key touchpoints like the center console, steering wheel, and door pulls. Even the 'Vegan' leather trim feels substantial, giving a premium impression. Switches and buttons are thoughtfully placed, improving the user experience. The infotainment system is a 12.8-inch landscape display that, in the higher-end Design models, can rotate 90 degrees to transform into a portrait screen. This provides flexibility in utilizing the screen for different functions.

Practical and Spacious: Front-seat space is ample, ensuring driver and passenger comfort. However, rear headroom can be slightly restricted due to the standard panoramic sunroof. This limitation impacts passengers in the outer two rear seats but is mitigated by generous legroom. The boot space is decent, offering 440 liters with the rear seats up and 1,338 liters when the rear seats are folded flat. While the Atto3 offers slightly less boot space than the Kia Niro EV, it compensates by providing more room for rear-seat passengers.

Unveiling the BYD Atto 3: An Electric Crossover Making Waves Introducing the BYD Atto 3, a captivating yet relatively unknown electric crossover that's rapidly gaining attention in the world of electric vehicles. This remarkable creation hails from the powerhouse of EV innovation, BYD, a brand that quietly sold over 900,000 electric vehicles in 2022, predominantly in China but steadily making a global impact. So, what exactly is the Atto 3, and what makes it stand out?

The Atto 3 Unveiled Think of the Atto 3 as a versatile small-to-medium electric crossover. It's akin to the Kia Niro EV but slightly smaller than the VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, or Toyota bZ4X, while being more spacious than the Peugeot e-2008. It stands taller than MG4, VW ID.3, or Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, making it a strong contender in the electric crossover segment. Now, let's delve into the brand behind this electrifying creation: BYD.

BYD: A Global EV Powerhouse BYD is a giant in the world of batteries, manufacturing everything from electric trains and buses (with hundreds of them gracefully navigating London's streets) to grid storage units and EVs. Their innovative prowess extends to designing batteries not just for vehicles but also for an array of electronic devices. With a staggering 600,000 employees, including 50,000 engineers, BYD is a true technological force. Notably, Wolfgang Egger, the brain behind Alfa Romeo's 8C Competizione and 156, and Audi's iconic Q2, serves as BYD's design chief.

The Atto 3 stands as a testament to BYD's commitment to innovation. It's the first vehicle built on BYD's latest electric platform, offering versatile configurations, battery options, and advanced technologies, all engineered in-house.

An Intriguing Blend of Form and Function The Atto 3's exterior design exudes contemporary vibes with its unmistakable EV characteristics, including a full-width front and rear lighting setup. The tall stature, roof rails, and robust cladding hint at its crossover DNA. However, it's the interior where the Atto 3 truly shines. Vibrant colors and playful shapes infuse the cabin with character. It's a space where creativity meets comfort, making it perfect for families. Despite its compact size, the interior is surprisingly roomy.

Performance and Beyond In terms of performance, the Atto 3 delivers a smooth and exhilarating ride, backed by precise steering and supple handling. While it doesn't possess the heavy feel of some rivals, it provides an enjoyable driving experience for families. There are a few imperfections like the brakes and some aspects of the human-machine interface (HMI). The battery capacity offers an impressive range of 260 miles, thanks in part to a standard heat pump, ensuring reliable performance year-round.

The BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia The big question is whether the Malaysia market will embrace this new entrant. Over the years, Malaysia has embraced foreign brands such as Toyota, Datsun, Lada, Hyundai, and Kia. MG, another Chinese brand, is experiencing a sales frenzy. BYD, however, arrives not as a novice but as a contender ready to match established rivals in terms of pricing, features, and quality. Seen the sales in the last year its been in Malaysia? Its a common sight in KL now.

A Name and Technology to Remember The name "Atto" carries a profound meaning, signifying an infinitesimally short timespan—an attosecond, to be precise. It's a nod to the swiftness and precision of this remarkable vehicle. BYD, on the other hand, stands for "Build Your Dreams," a motto boldly displayed on the Atto 3's rear window. Despite sounding dreamy, it symbolizes BYD's unwavering commitment to realizing ambitious visions. The Advanced Technology of the Atto 3 The Atto 3 employs cutting-edge technology, particularly its cell-to-pack battery, often referred to as a 'blade battery.' This innovative approach places the cells directly into the battery casing, optimizing efficiency and reducing weight. Notably, the Atto 3 uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) electrodes, known for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Another groundbreaking aspect is the integration of the motor, power electronics, charger, and battery management into a single unit, streamlining the vehicle's efficiency and performance.

In Conclusion In essence, the BYD Atto 3 is a compelling electric crossover, boasting an appealing interior, advanced technology, and impressive driving dynamics. While the exterior might not turn heads, it's an ideal family vehicle for those looking for a practical yet fun driving experience. The range, although not the largest, caters to the needs of most families. In conclusion, the BYD Atto3 offers a unique and distinctive choice in the electric SUV segment. Its eye-catching interior design, comfortable urban ride, and commitment to safety make it a strong contender. The range, while competitive, may leave some drivers wanting more. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, the BYD Atto3 has the character and technology to carve out its place in this competitive landscape. Whether you prioritize comfort, interior appeal, and a unique design, the BYD Atto3 is worthy of consideration for practical family transportation. Certainly, let's reword and make a comparison to other electric vehicles: For instance, take the Perodua Myvi, a fuel-efficient car that achieves an impressive 22 kilometers per liter. With its 36-liter fuel tank, the Myvi can cover a remarkable distance of up to 792 kilometers on a full tank of petrol. Now, let's compare this to the BYD Atto 3, an electric vehicle (EV) equipped with a 60 kWh battery, providing it with an electric range of approximately 420 kilometers on a single charge. To put this into perspective, you could travel from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh and back again with approximately 10 kilometers of range remaining. Now, when we compare this to other electric cars in the market, such as the popular Kia Niro EV with a similar 64 kWh battery, it offers a competitive range of around 385 kilometers on a single charge. The BYD Atto 3's range comfortably aligns with these established EV models, making it a practical and efficient choice for those looking to switch to electric driving. In summary, while the Perodua Myvi is known for its outstanding fuel efficiency, the BYD Atto 3's substantial electric range is on par with, or even surpasses, several other electric cars, making it a viable option for those seeking a reliable and eco-friendly means of transportation.

Comparison of Electric SUVs: Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Ioniq 5, and BYD Atto 3 Write-up: The electric vehicle market has been witnessing remarkable growth, and four standout contenders in the electric SUV segment are the Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Ioniq 5, and BYD Atto 3. Let's explore how these electric SUVs stack up against each other. Range: When it comes to range, the Ioniq 5 takes the lead with an impressive 303 miles, closely followed by the Hyundai Kona Electric at 258 miles. The Kia Niro EV offers a respectable 239 miles, while the BYD Atto 3 falls slightly short with a range of 260 miles. Power: Power output is crucial for acceleration and overall performance. All four SUVs feature electric motors with similar power figures, typically around 200 HP, ensuring brisk acceleration and smooth cruising. Acceleration: The Ioniq 5 is the performance leader, capable of reaching 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, while the Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, and BYD Atto 3 are not far behind, providing respectable acceleration in the mid-7 second range. Charging Speed: The Ioniq 5 boasts rapid charging capabilities with an 800 kW charging speed, allowing for quick top-ups. The Kia Niro EV also offers fast charging at 100 kW, followed by the BYD Atto 3 with 88 kW. The Hyundai Kona Electric, while slightly slower, still provides efficient charging at 77.2 kW. Interior Space: The Ioniq 5 and Kia Niro EV offer spacious interiors, making them ideal for families. In contrast, the Hyundai Kona Electric provides a more compact cabin, while the BYD Atto 3 impresses with roomy interior dimensions. Infotainment System: All these SUVs come equipped with advanced infotainment systems, but the Ioniq 5 stands out for its modern interface and user-friendly experience. The BYD Atto 3's infotainment system is responsive, while the Kia Niro EV offers a straightforward user interface. Price: Pricing can be a critical factor for many buyers. While the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric offer competitive starting prices, the Ioniq 5 falls on the higher end. The BYD Atto 3 is positioned as a cost-effective option in this segment. In summary, each of these electric SUVs has its unique strengths. The Ioniq 5 leads the pack in terms of range and performance, while the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric provide practical and affordable alternatives. The BYD Atto 3 presents a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly electric SUV. Please note that prices and specifications may vary based on different markets and trim levels. This comparison and chart should provide readers with a quick overview of the key features and differences between these electric SUVs.