Car review: BYD Atto 3
![](http://samove.raa.com.au/app/uploads/2023/05/BYD-Atto-3-1-e1683078671477.jpeg)
Could your next car be electric, and made in China? That’s the hope of the peculiarly named Chinese-owned car manufacturer Build Your Dreams – or BYD for short.
BYD’s first electric car in Australia is the Atto 3, a medium-sized SUV priced from $48,011 before on-road costs.
It was recently Australia’s cheapest electric car, before BYD jacked up prices by more than $3600 just before Christmas 2022 (making Santa very unhappy).
The battery
The BYD Atto 3 comes in two versions: the cheaper Standard Range and the pricier Extended Range, costing $51,011 before on-road costs.
Both versions use BYD’s high-tech new Blade lithium-ion battery. The Standard offers up to 320km of range compared to the Extended’s very reasonable 420km.
Recharging the Extended from flat to full takes eight-and-a-half hours using an at home 7kW AC wall charger (which costs extra to have installed), or 45 minutes using an 80kW DC public charger.
![The BYD Atto 3 on the road.](https://samove.raa.com.au/app/uploads/2023/05/BYD-Atto-3-3.jpg)
The interior
The somewhat conservative exterior styling contrasts to that of the quirky interior. It’s one of the most unusual new-car interiors I’ve experienced.
BYD says it’s inspired by ‘gym culture’. There’s an eccentric, swooping dash design and a gear lever that is supposed to look like a dumbbell.
Behind the steering wheel is a small, five-inch digital instrument display that reminds me of a motorbike; a central, 12.8-inch infotainment display can swivel at the touch of a button between portrait and landscape orientations – for seemingly no real benefit.
BYD fitted strings of taut elastic to the lower door bins and says you can play them like a guitar… if you want.
Despite the odd styling, it all works well and is easy enough to get used to. Thanks to its long 2720mm wheelbase, there’s also ample rear-seat room – and it’s light and airy owing to the large, standard-fit moonroof.
![A rearview of the BYD Atto 3](https://samove.raa.com.au/app/uploads/2023/05/BYD-Atto-3.jpg)
The drive
Once moving, the Atto 3 is surprisingly delightful to drive. The ride quality is plush, while the 150kW/310Nm electric motor – powering the front wheels only – provides plenty of punch.
The BYD has the same lovely characteristics of all other electric cars, being smooth, quiet and responsive – and makes a petrol car feel as high-tech as something steam powered. At 1750kg, the Atto 3 is surprisingly light for an electric car – and with the weight low in the chassis, the handling is almost fun.
A final word
For a first effort, it’s very impressive. We’d recommend visiting BYD’s new Medindie showroom and sitting in an Atto 3 before buying.
Also read the fine print of the warranty and ask about the wait time. For some buyers, it’s stretched out for many months.
Specs | |
---|---|
Price | From $48,011 |
ANCAP safety rating | 5 stars |
Warranty | Six-year warranty or 150,000km |