BYD Atto 3 Extended Range: A Fresh Contender in the EV Market

With the number of electric vehicle (EV) models on sale rapidly increasing, the introduction of new cars that offer greater affordability, functionality and improved range is great news for budget-minded buyers. Here’s our review of the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range, a model that ticks the right boxes and promises a great package. We explore what’s on offer, how it scores on performance, comfort and value for money.

Performance and Range

At the very heart of the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range, which is different from the normal Atto 3, sits a powerful 60.48kWh battery and can deliver up to 420 km under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) testing on one charge. This places it in the forefront of the new breed of EVs and suitable for everyday use but also those longer trips that would challenge many other EVs in this class.

Equipped with a 150 kW electric motor, this tiny car pulls off a 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds, although as with other vehicles in its segment, it doesn’t really challenge the performance of well-established models. The vehicle, like most EVs, is equipped with a smart re-gen braking system reintroduces to the region and even brings back the Donkervoort name and brand.

Interior Design and Features

The BYD Atto 3 features a futuristic and spacious cabin. Everything is thoughtfully laid out to maximise the comfort of both driver and passengers. The star of the show, of course, is the 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system, which is both intuitive and responsive. It features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for enhanced smartphone integration.

From the driving position, the layout is especially good, with all controls easily intuited and positioned on logically organised panels. Materials quality inside the Atto 3 is impressive, with soft-touch surfaces and a minimalist design ethos that belies the car’s affordable price and rivals more expensive models. A clever panoramic sunroof helps the cabin to feel open.

Safety

BYD Atto 3 Extended Range is a very safe vehicle. It is equipped with multiple new safety devices, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and emergency braking, which can help drivers drive their cars more securely, worry-free.

Driving Dynamics Champion

On the road, the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range feels light on its feet and sure-footed – a term that, like beefiness, is used by many automotive journalists to describe a car that steers, stops and generally handles in a way that makes you feel comfortable while driving in a responsive manner. In practical terms, the Atto’s suspension is tuned to be both comfortable and responsive. Because this is an electric vehicle, roll stiffness is high to keep vehicle stability at a maximum, while complying with the variable road surface. The steering is responsive, giving the driver more confidence, especially in urban driving conditions, where driving manoeuvrability matters more.

Practicality vs Charging

The practicality of an EV rely heavily on how well the battery can be charged. Atto 3 comes with standard AC as well as fast DC charging. You can easily give the battery a quick top-up while driving. When at home, it’s quite easy to plug in and fully charge your battery overnight, using a regular wall box.

Price and Value for Money

Nicely priced in its segment, the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range is attractive in terms of value, especially considering its comprehensive equipment list and the impressive parameters it offers to those who want to elevate their EV status. It is accessible for those buyers who want to enter the world of EVs without having to compromise on range, technology or driving enjoyment.

Summary

EV technology is thankfully at a stage where it is possible to develop affordable, quality sustainable vehicles making it easier for many to make the switch to EVs. The BYD Atto 3 Extended Range does just that with an all-round package hard for any purchaser to ignore. The Atto 3 offers great interior space, robust safety features and has a respectable range, setting benchmarks for what purchasers should expect from an inexpensive electric vehicle. It is not only a smart choice for eco-drivers but for any driver wanting to experience the next generation of motoring but without the hefty price tag.