BYD Atto 3 | 2023 Review

BYD Atto 3 2023 Review The BYD Atto 3 has made quite an entrance into the Australian market as one of the most affordable electric vehicles currently available. This Chinese-made compact SUV offers an enticing package for buyers looking to make the switch to electric.

What is the BYD Atto 3?

The Atto 3 is BYD's first passenger EV offering in Australia, competing in the popular small SUV segment. It comes in two variants:

• Standard Range
• Extended Range

Our test vehicle was the Extended Range model, featuring a 60.48kWh battery pack and a single electric motor producing 150kW and 310Nm, driving the front wheels.

How much does the BYD Atto 3 cost?

Pricing for the BYD Atto 3 is as follows:

• Standard Range: $48,011
• Extended Range: $51,011

These prices are before on-road costs and position the Atto 3 as one of the most affordable electric SUVs in Australia.

On the road

Performance The Atto 3 offers sprightly acceleration typical of EVs. While not blistering quick, the 0-100km/h sprint takes a respectable 7.3 seconds in Sport mode. More importantly for daily driving, throttle response is instant and smooth. Range and Charging The Extended Range model we tested boasts a WLTP-rated range of 420km. Charging capability is decent:

• DC fast charging: Up to 88kW (10-80% in around 35 minutes)
• AC charging: Up to 7kW (full charge in about 9 hours on a home wallbox)

Ride and Handling On the road, the Atto 3 impresses with its comfortable ride and composed handling. The suspension soaks up bumps well while still offering decent body control through corners. Road and wind noise are well suppressed at highway speeds.

Interior

The Atto 3's cabin is where it really stands out from the crowd. Key features include:

• Massive 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen (switches between landscape and portrait orientations)
• Quirky design elements like guitar string-style door pockets and CD rack-inspired air vents
• Generally good build quality with a mix of soft-touch materials and harder plastics
• Generous space for the compact SUV class
• 440L boot (expands to 1340L with rear seats folded)

Technology

The Atto 3 comes well-equipped with modern tech features:

• Responsive and feature-packed infotainment system
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power tailgate
• Heated front seats

Safety

Safety is a strong point for the Atto 3:

• 5-star ANCAP safety rating
• Comprehensive active safety suite including:
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane keep assist
  • Blind spot monitoring

One minor gripe is the occasionally oversensitive driver assistance systems, which can be a bit intrusive at times.

Verdict

The 2023 BYD Atto 3 makes a strong case as an affordable entry point to EV ownership. While it may lack the badge cachet of established brands, it delivers a well-rounded package with few compromises. For buyers prioritizing value and practicality in their electric SUV, the Atto 3 is certainly worth a closer look.