BYD additionally isn’t chasing straight-line efficiency targets, with the Atto 3 accelerating to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds. Leisurely by in the present day’s EV requirements, however completely fast sufficient for a automobile like this. Remember, it’s speculated to be a good-value household automobile designed to fit into your on a regular basis life; too many EVs have the kind of rocketship efficiency that your passengers, canine, and groceries merely received’t stand for. The Atto 3’s acceleration is sufficient, and we’re right here for it.
Range, after all, is much extra vital. BYD’s declare of 260 miles (WLTP) is 25 in need of the Kia Niro EV and 23 behind the £45,000/$44,000 Tesla Model Y, however 11 forward of the similarly-priced Škoda Enyaq. Take driving fashion and temperature under consideration, and it’s best to anticipate a real-world vary nearer to 220 miles. Not dangerous, however you’ll nonetheless lengthy for sooner charging each time you plug in.
The brakes are tremendous, though the pedal is spongy, and the swap from regenerative braking to utilizing the discs and pads is properly judged. There are two strengths of regeneration to choose from, by way of a toggle swap on the middle console or by diving into the touchscreen, however neither is especially sturdy and, sadly, one-pedal driving isn’t an choice.
This being a brand new automobile constructed to adjust to Europe’s newest security requirements means the same old frustrations are all current and proper. You are informed off each time you exceed the velocity restrict, even by simply 2 mph, and since the highway signal recognition system makes errors, you’ll typically be scolded by the automobile’s voice assistant when it has misinterpret an indication. (*3*), typically the navigation display and the motive force show disagree on what the velocity restrict is; different occasions they don’t present a restrict in any respect.
There’s no Tesla Autopilot-style hands-off driving, however the Atto 3 nonetheless has lane-keep help amongst different driver help programs. It often points a little bit of mild suggestions should you stray over a lane marking, however on two events throughout our 90-minute drive the automobile grabbed the wheel like a panicked driving teacher. The first time it occurred was an actual shock, because the steering wheel was tugged at for no apparent motive, and, as with these programs on virtually all new vehicles, the primary intervention crops a seed of doubt that by no means actually goes away. As ever, it’s greatest to show these programs all the way down to their least invasive setting.
Taste of Things to Come
What to make of the BYD Atto 3? The query might equally be, what to make of the approaching flood of electrical vehicles constructed by Chinese corporations who’re giants at house however unprecedented within the West?
This is just not a automobile for driving fans, clearly. And whereas additionally not groundbreaking, the Atto 3 is completely good at being an electrical automobile. It has a enjoyable, spacious, and properly designed inside that’s packed as normal with equipment usually hiding within the choices lists of pricier German vehicles.
The touchscreen software program wants some work, and everlasting local weather controls are a should in our e-book. Performance and vary are each tremendous, and trip high quality is first rate, however we want all that battery experience had resulted in sooner charging.
Ultimately, the Atto 3 does little to face out from what’s shortly turning into a crowded phase of the EV market. It feels nicely made and represents good worth, however whereas that glittering Mayfair showroom guarantees so much, the unknown badge asks consumers to take a leap of religion.