Review of the BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 is an electric vehicle that has been generating quite a bit of interest. This compact electric car offers a blend of eco-friendliness and modern features that cater to urban commuting.

Rivals to the BYD Atto 3 include the Peugeot e-2008, MG ZS EV or Kia Niro EV.

Our BYD Atto 3 review covers:

• Sleek and modern design that's well-suited for urban environments
• Interior is comfortable and a modern environment
• 440-litre boot, expanding to 1,340 litres with rear seats down
• Powered by an electric motor, drawing power from a 60kWh battery
• Two trim levels are available: Comfort and Design

Pros:

• Compact size
• Tech features
• Zero emissions

Cons:

• Expensive 
• Limited Interior Space
• Performance Limitations

The BYD Atto 3 features a sleek and modern design that's well-suited for urban environments. Its compact dimensions and clean lines make it a nimble and stylish choice for city driving. The exterior design is characterized by smooth curves and a streamlined profile, contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency. The front end typically incorporates a distinctive grille, modern headlights and often includes LED lighting elements for enhanced visibility.

In terms of practicality, the BYD Atto 3 is designed to be a city-friendly vehicle. Its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre through tight spaces and navigate congested streets, making it an ideal choice for urban commuting. The smaller footprint also contributes to ease of parking, which can be a significant advantage in crowded city centres. However, due to its compact nature, interior space might be limited compared to larger vehicles, so it's essential to consider passenger comfort and storage needs.

Given the compact nature of the BYD Atto 3, its boot space might be modest but adequate for everyday needs. The boot space, or trunk capacity, is designed to accommodate essentials such as groceries, shopping bags, and smaller luggage items. The Atto 3 has a 440-litre boot, expanding to 1,340 litres with rear seats down, which is ideal for most drivers.

The interior of the BYD Atto 3 reflects a creative and unique design approach. The dashboard boasts a flowing design that draws inspiration from gym equipment. For instance, the door handles are reminiscent of barbell-style levers that gracefully encircle the speakers. The gear selector takes the form of a kettlebell handle, and the centre armrest's contour is reportedly influenced by a treadmill.

The driver is greeted by a 5-inch digital instrument panel, similar in size to those found in the Skoda Enyaq iV and VW ID 3. While it provides more information, its configurability is limited, and the screen quality falls behind that of most electric SUV rivals. The graphics could benefit from crisper detail and better contrast. Taking centre stage is the touchscreen infotainment display, which offers a standout performance. It's capable of rotating 90 degrees, allowing you to switch between landscape mode for navigation and portrait mode for applications like Spotify with a simple button press or voice command.

The screen measures 15.6 inches in the top-spec Design models and 12.8 inches in other versions. It offers clarity, sharpness, and responsiveness. In portrait mode, the larger screen version places climate control icons relatively low, but navigating menus remains straightforward. Standard features include wireless phone charging, an eight-speaker audio system, and wired Apple CarPlay (note that Android Auto is not included).

The majority of materials in the Atto 3's interior exude a premium quality, with ample soft-touch materials adorning the upper sections of the dashboard and doors. If you're seeking any less refined plastics, you'd need to explore the lower regions, such as the glovebox area.

Two trim levels are available: Comfort and Design.

In the Comfort trim level, the Atto 3 offers several enhanced features. These include an upgraded 11kW AC charging capacity, an expansive 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen that can rotate, compatibility with Apple CarPlay, a 5.0-inch display for the driver's information, adaptive cruise control, a heat pump to regulate climate control efficiently, and a vegan leather interior. On the exterior, this trim boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, sleek aluminium roof rails, LED headlights featuring high beam assist, and a panoramic sunroof.

Opting for the top-tier Design trim presents even more amenities. This includes the convenience of an electrically operated tailgate, the allure of 18-inch alloy wheels, the practicality of aluminium roof rails, the advanced illumination of LED headlights with high beam assist, and the added functionality of folding heated wing mirrors. Inside the cabin, you'll discover an upgraded 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that can rotate, with Apple CarPlay integration, vegan leather upholstery that showcases two-tone seats for visual appeal, wireless charging capabilities for smartphones, a 5.0-inch driver's display, and ambient lighting to set the mood.

Every variant of the BYD Atto 3 is equipped with a singular electric motor, drawing energy from a 60.5kWh battery pack. According to official tests, its estimated range stands at 260 miles.

If your intention is to use the Atto 3 primarily for city driving, you'll find it to be a pleasant option for urban commutes. The vehicle offers good visibility from all angles, and the inclusion of a standard 360-degree camera is a welcome feature for parking convenience.

The supple suspension setup translates to a comfortable ride over road imperfections, a quality that extends well onto the motorway. However, it's important to be prepared for heightened wind noise when cruising at higher speeds.

On winding back roads, the BYD Atto 3 might exhibit some body roll and might not deliver an abundance of excitement in terms of driving dynamics. Nonetheless, this characteristic is unlikely to be a significant drawback for vehicles of this nature.

Overall the BYD Atto 3 presents a compelling option for those seeking a compact and eco-friendly electric car for urban commuting. Its modern features and electric drivetrain cater to the needs of city drivers while contributing to a cleaner environment.

The BYD Atto 3 is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £36,990.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £286.73.

If you're considering leasing a BYD Atto 3, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a BYD Atto 3 can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.