BYD Atto 3 review

There are two sets of ISOFIX points in the rear, plus another set on the front passenger seat, while top-spec models have accessories such as floor mats and a rubber boot liner as part of their standard-kit list.

Size

The BYD Atto 3 measures 4,455mm long, with a wheelbase of 2,720mm, is 1,875mm wide and stands at 1,615mm tall. That means the Atto 3 is bigger overall than a Kia Niro EV and the Nissan Qashqai.

Leg room, head room & passenger space

The Atto 3 uses a platform designed specifically for electric cars, which has numerous benefits, maximising passenger space in particular. For instance, there’s a completely flat floor across the back seats, so there’s decent legroom behind its large front seats. Overall, it’s very spacious inside, given the Atto 3’s footprint, and there’s room on board for five six-footers, even with the standard panoramic glass roof fitted. However, we did find that the rear seat bases are set a little low, so under-thigh support could be better. 

Boot

The Atto 3 features a 440-litre boot, which is decent, but not the most generous in this class. The MG ZS EV and Kia Niro EV both have luggage capacities of more than 470 litres, but the BYD’s load space will still be plenty for families. The location of the car’s battery doesn’t compromise space, so there’s a deep hidden compartment underneath, plus there’s a level load lip. However, there is no ‘frunk’ or additional storage space under the bonnet. The 60:40-split rear seats also don’t fold entirely flat, but there’s no step in the floor, and 1,340 litres of space are on offer with the rear bench folded down.

Whatever preconceptions you have about how safe Chinese cars are, the Atto 3 has already achieved a five-star crash safety rating from industry experts Euro NCAP. The Atto 3 received a 91 per cent score in the adult occupant protection category, and 89 per cent for child occupant protection. Like so many electric cars, the Atto 3 is loaded with safety and driver-assistance systems, including blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise with lane and traffic-sign assist, forward-collision alert and rear traffic warning all included.

Warranty

The Atto 3 is covered by a four-year/75,000-mile warranty, which doesn’t quite match Kia’s market-leading seven-year package, but you’ll still be covered for the entirety of a typical three or four-year lease, plus the mileage limit is pretty generous. Meanwhile the battery itself has a separate eight-year/125,000-mile factory warranty and a guaranteed capacity of 70 per cent, plus there’s a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty on the bodywork. 

Servicing

The Atto 3 is BYD’s first car to go on sale in the UK, and with the brand having only arrived in early 2023, its sales and service network is still in its infancy. There are now four outlets at existing franchise chains in Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Stockport and Glasgow, while a flagship store in London’s Mayfair is due to open in mid-2023. BYD is aiming to have 20-25 retailers in place across the UK by the end of 2023. Servicing costs have yet to be confirmed, and BYD’s roadside assistance scheme hasn’t been finalised, either.

BYD Atto 3 Design long term test

Our editor-at-large John McIlroy has been living with the BYD Atto 3 as part of our long-term test fleet. Just like many UK buyers, he originally wondered how this all-electric newcomer would compare to its many established rivals. Six months after the Atto 3 arrived on his driveway, John now believes that the BYD could actually teach the competition a thing or two.

There are some apparent teething troubles with this SUV newcomer, though, with a plethora of sub-menus and some interior creaks and squeaks causing frustration. You can read the full long term test here…