BYD isn’t chasing straight-line performance targets either, with the Atto 3 accelerating to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds. The pace is leisurely by today’s EV standards, but fast enough for a car like this. Remember, it’s supposed to be a value-for-money family car designed to fit into your daily life; too many electric cars have rocket-like performance that your passengers, dog, and groceries simply can’t stand. Atto 3’s acceleration is adequate, and we’re here for it.
Of course, scope is more important. BYD’s claimed 260 miles (WLTP) is 25 miles lower than the Kia Niro EV and 23 miles lower than the £45,000/$44,000 Tesla Model Y, but 11 miles ahead of the similarly priced Skoda Enyaq. Taking into account driving style and temperatures, actual range should be closer to 220 miles. Not bad, but you still crave faster charging every time you plug it in.
Although the pedal is soft, the brakes work well and the switch from regenerative braking to using discs and pads is well judged. There are two regeneration options available, via a toggle switch on the center console or via the touchscreen, but neither is particularly strong and, sadly, one-pedal driving isn’t an option either.
This is a new car that meets the latest European safety standards, meaning the usual frustrations are present and correct. You’ll be informed every time you exceed the speed limit, even by just 2 mph, and because road sign recognition systems make mistakes, you’ll sometimes be scolded when your car’s voice assistant misreads a sign. Inexplicably, sometimes the navigation screen and driver display don’t agree on the speed limit; sometimes they don’t show the limit at all.
While it doesn’t have the autopilot of Tesla’s Autopilot ritual, the Atto 3 still has lane keep assist among other driver assistance systems. It usually emits some mild feedback if you stray from lane markings, but twice during our 90 minutes of driving the car grabbed the steering wheel like a panicked driving instructor. It’s a shock the first time this happens, as the steering wheel gets pulled for no apparent reason, and as with almost all of these systems on new cars, the first intervention plants a seed that never really goes away. seeds of doubt. As always, it’s best to turn these systems down to their least intrusive settings.
Taste the things to come
What are the features of BYD Atto 3? The same question is, what to think about the upcoming flood of electric cars produced by Chinese companies? Are these companies giants at home but unheard of in the West?
Clearly, this is not a car for driving enthusiasts. While the Atto 3 isn’t groundbreaking either, it’s perfectly fine as an electric car. It has a fun, spacious and well-designed interior, and comes as standard with kit that’s usually hidden in the options list of pricier German cars.
The touchscreen software needs some improvements, and permanent climate control is a must-have in our books. Performance and range are good, and ride quality is decent, but we wish all that battery expertise resulted in faster charging.
Ultimately, the Atto 3 doesn’t stand out in what’s quickly becoming a crowded EV market. It feels well-made and represents good value, but while that gleaming Mayfair showroom promises a lot, the unknown badge requires buyers to take a leap of faith.