BYD Atto 3 - After 10 months on the market, here's what Chinese owners are saying

Come this Thursday and Chinese automotive brand BYD will be launching its range of electric vehicles (EVs) here in Malaysia. The Shenzhen-based automotive brand has already stepped foot in our northern and southern neighbours, namely Thailand and Singapore, respectively.

The first model earmarked for the Malaysian market is the BYD Atto 3. Said model is an EV SUV that has dimensions that puts it between the Honda HR-V and Honda CR-V. In China, the Atto 3 is known as the Yuan Plus.

BYD launched the Atto 3 in China back in February 2022 and here’s what owners in the Middle Kingdom have to say about their new electric SUV.

Powertrain – Decent range, but very dependent on light A/C use

In China, BYD offers the Atto 3 across 5 variants with 2 different range: 430 km and 510 km. While both variants share an electric motor that does 204 PS and 310 Nm, their battery capacity differs. The former gets a 49.92-kWh battery pack, while the latter gets a 60.48-kWh battery pack. The same could be mirrored for the Malaysian market.

Also Read: Preliminary specs for BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia; priced from RM 150k, up to 480 km range, short waiting period

According to owners of the 430-km range variant, they reported that their Atto 3 can travel between 350 km to 400 km before battery capacity drops to 20 percent. Some gentle-footed owners reported that they can travel up to 430 km on a single charge, while those with a heavier right foot reported a range of about 300 km.

The higher range 510 km variant can do up to 430 km in China’s summer heat, though it’s worth noting that that was achieved with minimal air conditioning; turn on the air conditioning and the driving range will drop.

Thanks to its 204 PS and 310 Nm available from 0 rpm, owners mentioned that the Atto 3 feels very powerful, making overtaking and acceleration a breeze.

Interior – Spacious but quirky interior that isn’t everyone’s favourite

The interior of the BYD Atto 3 is an interesting place to be in and owners’ opinion are split.

Some owners mentioned that the quirky air-conditioning vents with vertical slats look odd in the cabin, and that the door handles take some time getting used to.

That said, other owners in China said that these quirky door handles are good, as it makes it harder for small children to accidentally open the doors from the inside.

Also Read: Thailand launches BYD Atto 3 EV, price equals to RM 146k, 420 km range, 204 PS/310 Nm

Seeing that the Atto 3’s dimensions are larger than the Honda HR-V, the cabin size is a testament of that. Even adults that are 180 cm tall can fit in the back seats with sufficient knee room, making it a boon for taller folks.

Boot space is also decent, as owners have reported that they can fit 4 to 5 luggages in there with relative ease.

However, the Atto 3’s infotainment system drew flak from owners. Not only is the voice command system a hit or miss, the screen’s responsiveness leaves much to be desired, as scrolling through menus is a very laggy affair. One owner even mentioned that the head unit completely died on him, with the only solution being a complete reboot.

Driving dynamics – Decent comfort, one-foot driving capable

Behind the wheel of the BYD Atto 3, owners have reported that ride comfort is decent, thanks to its well-tuned suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear suspension.

Furthermore, NVH levels are also pretty good, as owners reported that tyre and wind noises aren’t apparent in the Atto 3. Depending on variant, the Chinese-market BYD Atto 3 gets 17- or 18-inch tyres. Speaking of tyres, one owner mentioned that the Atto 3’s standard fitment Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) failed to reveal a flat tyre; said owner spotted the flat tyre himself.

One noteworthy point of the BYD Atto 3, according to Chinese owners, is its regenerative braking. Owners reported that the regen brakes are pretty strong, making it possible to drive the Atto 3 using just one pedal (similar to Nissan’s e-Pedal system).

What about Malaysia?

Hang in there, the BYD Atto 3 will arrive within this week. Said EV SUV has already been spotted in Malaysia wrapped in camouflage and its preliminary specs are already out.

Also Read: Your shot at a sub-RM 150k EV with 420 km range? BYD Atto 3 spied in Malaysia ahead of launch

When it goes on sale in Malaysia in the near future, it will compete against other electric SUVs like the Mazda MX-30 EV and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Also Read: BYD Atto 3 sales in Thailand going too well, BYD Rever Thailand introduces new cheaper variant