BYD ATTO 3

The ATTO 3 is a battery-electric crossover for buyers who want a family car with a flat rear floor, a lively cabin and a battery chemistry BYD stresses for safety. It has a 150 kW motor and covers 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. Euro NCAP gave it five stars in 2022. Battery size and range depend on the market and version, so check the local specification before you decide.

Battery and charging

The car uses BYD's Blade Battery, a lithium iron phosphate design that BYD rates for more than 5,000 charge and discharge cycles. In BYD's nail penetration test the pack gave off no smoke or fire, and its surface temperature only reached 30 to 60 degrees Celsius. DC fast charging runs at up to 88 kW, and BYD puts the climb from 30 to 80 percent at about 29 minutes. For charging at home, an 11 kW wall box is offered as an option. A heat pump is standard, and BYD says it raises driving range in cold weather. The powertrain combines eight components in one unit.

Inside the car

The e-Platform 3.0 body gives a completely flat rear floor, which BYD says creates a surprisingly large space in the rear. The sports seats use vegan leather, and the front pair is heated and electrically adjustable. Other cabin details include a panoramic sliding sunroof, a wireless charging pad in the armrest, multi-coloured ambient lighting that follows the music, and door panels with guitar-style strings that stretch to hold bottles. A rotatable 15.6 inch touchscreen works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Spotify and HERE Maps are available in limited markets. Over-the-air updates keep the software current, and BYD's cloud service is used through a phone app.

Driver assistance

The assistance list covers Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keep Assistance, Intelligent Cruise Control below 60 km/h, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Cross Traffic Brake. When you reverse, rear radar watches for traffic approaching from the side and applies the brakes if a collision looks likely.

Key facts

• Motor: 150 kW
• 0 to 100 km/h: 7.3 seconds
• Battery: Blade Battery, lithium iron phosphate
• DC charging: up to 88 kW, 30 to 80 percent in about 29 minutes
• Home charging: optional 11 kW wall box
• Safety: Euro NCAP, 5 stars (2022)