BYD additionally isn’t chasing straight-line efficiency objectives, with the Atto 3 accelerating to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds. Leisurely by as we speak’s EV requirements, however completely fast sufficient for a automobile like this. Bear in mind, 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 type of rocketship efficiency that your passengers, canine, and groceries merely gained’t stand for. The Atto 3’s acceleration is enough, and we’re right here for it.
Vary, in fact, is way extra essential. 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 Mannequin Y, however 11 forward of the similarly-priced Škoda Enyaq. Take driving fashion and temperature under consideration, and you need to anticipate a real-world vary nearer to 220 miles. Not dangerous, however you’ll nonetheless lengthy for quicker charging each time you plug in.
The brakes are wonderful, though the pedal is spongy, and the change from regenerative braking to utilizing the discs and pads is properly judged. There are two strengths of regeneration to choose from, through a toggle change on the middle console or by diving into the touchscreen, however neither is especially sturdy and, sadly, one-pedal driving isn’t an possibility.
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 might be advised off each time you exceed the pace restrict, even by simply 2 mph, and since the street signal recognition system makes errors, you’ll generally be scolded by the automobile’s voice assistant when it has misinterpret an indication. Bafflingly, generally the navigation display and the driving force show disagree on what the pace restrict is; different instances 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 normally points a little bit of light suggestions in case 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 primary 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 automobiles, the primary intervention crops a seed of doubt that by no means actually goes away. As ever, it’s greatest to show these programs right down to their least invasive setting.
Style of Issues to Come
What to make of the BYD Atto 3? The query may equally be, what to make of the approaching flood of electrical automobiles constructed by Chinese language corporations who’re giants at house however extraordinary within the West?
This isn’t a automobile for driving fanatics, 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 customary with package usually hiding within the choices lists of pricier German automobiles.
The touchscreen software program wants some work, and everlasting local weather controls are a should in our e-book. Efficiency and vary are each wonderful, and trip high quality is respectable, however we want all that battery experience had resulted in quicker charging.
In the end, the Atto 3 does little to face out from what’s rapidly turning into a crowded phase of the EV market. It feels properly made and represents good worth, however whereas that glittering Mayfair showroom guarantees loads, the unknown badge asks patrons to take a leap of religion.
