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. Keep in mind, it’s imagined to be a good-value household automobile designed to fit into your on a regular basis life; too many EVs have the form 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 necessary. BYD’s declare of 260 miles (WLTP) is 25 wanting 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 must count on a real-world vary nearer to 220 miles. Not unhealthy, however you’ll nonetheless lengthy for quicker charging each time you plug in.
The brakes are effective, 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, by way of 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 standard frustrations are all current and proper. You’re instructed off each time you exceed the pace restrict, even by simply 2 mph, and since the highway 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 screen and the motive 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 methods. It often points a little bit of mild suggestions for those who 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 methods on virtually all new automobiles, the primary intervention crops a seed of doubt that by no means actually goes away. As ever, it’s finest to show these methods 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 companies who’re giants at house however extraordinary within the West?
This isn’t a automobile for driving lovers, 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 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 effective, and experience high quality is respectable, however we want all that battery experience had resulted in quicker charging.
Finally, the Atto 3 does little to face out from what’s rapidly changing into a crowded section of the EV market. It feels nicely made and represents good worth, however whereas that glittering Mayfair showroom guarantees lots, the unknown badge asks consumers to take a leap of religion.
