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BYD Atto 3

Our unique Expert Rating Index combines scores from 35 of the top UK motoring websites to give you a definitive rating on every new car

Expert Rating

BYD Atto 3

(2023 - present)

    Summary


    The BYD Atto 3 is a mid-sized all-electric SUV, and its Chinese manufacturer’s first foray into the UK market. The model became available to order in Spring 2023 and started hitting UK roads a few months later.

    Arriving to challenge established family-sized EVs like the Kia Niro EV and Volkswagen ID.4, Car‘s Alan Taylor-Jones comments that the Atto 3 is “a solid start” for the BYD brand – a competitive performance package with a respectable battery range and plenty of on-board tech for a reasonable price tag. “It’s not as satisfying to drive as the best in class, but it’s comfier than most which goes a long way to make up for it.”

    “The character of this car is off-putting in the end”, says Erin Baker of AutoTrader. “The brakes and steering lack the dynamic finesse of cars designed for European drivers.”

    What Car? adds that the SUV’s rivals offer quicker charging speeds, while Parkers concludes that the Atto 3’s rear headroom is “not great”. The Carbuyer team also points out that BYD is a new name with an unknown long-term reliability record.

    Despite its drawbacks when compared to more expensive rivals, Autocar‘s James Attwood argues that the Chinese manufacturer has “produced a credible contender” in one of the fastest growing and most competitive car segments. “In its quiet competence, the Atto 3 is a statement of huge ambition for BYD’s future plans.”

    As of November 2023, the BYD Atto 3 holds an Expert Rating of 61%, based on 19 reviews from British motoring outlets. The car’s score has declined as outlets have published UK-based reviews in the last few months, and this rating could still move up or down by a few points as more reports are published.

    Atto 3 highlights

    • Well-built, upmarket interior
    • Well-equipped as standard
    • Comfortable driving experience
    • Reasonably priced

    Atto 3 lowlights

    • Long-term reliability unknown
    • Charging speeds could be quicker
    • Rivals are more fun to drive
    • Rear headroom is rather tight

    Key specifications


    Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
    Engines:
    electric, battery-powered
    Price:
    From £36,490 on-road

    Launched: Spring 2023
    Last updated: N/A
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    The Car Expert

    +

    Auto Express

    +

    Auto Trader

    +

    Autocar

    +

    Business Car

    +

    Car

    +

    Carbuyer

    +

    Carwow

    +

    Driving Electric

    +

    Electrifying.com

    +

    Green Car Guide

    +

    Honest John

    +

    Move Electric

    +

    Parkers

    +

    The Sunday Times

    +

    The Telegraph

    +

    Top Gear

    +

    What Car?

    +

    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: October 2022
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 91%
    Child protection: 89%
    Vulnerable road users: 69%
    Safety assist: 74%

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    No eco rating

    As of October 2023, the BYD Atto 3 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    No reliability rating

    As of October 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BYD Atto 3 to generate a reliability rating.

    The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Atto 3, we’ll publish the score here.

    Running cost rating

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
    EV models260 milesB260 – 260 milesB – B
    Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
    EV models1.7 m/KWhE1.7 – 1.7 m/KWhE – E

    As of October 2023, we don’t have a complete summary of running costs for the BYD Atto 3. At this stage, all we can say is that the electrical efficiency (the equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is poor. However, BYD’s advanced battery tech means that the range is still good despite this.

    We expect to get insurance and servicing cost data shortly, so check back soon.

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the BYD Atto 3, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

    Audi Q4 e-tron | BMW iX1 | Ford Explorer | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia Niro EV | Mercedes-Benz EQA | MG ZS EV | Tesla Model Y | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo XC40 Recharge


    More news, reviews and information about BYD at The Car Expert

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    Chinese brand BYD's first model to arrive on UK roads, the Atto 3 is a credible all-electric contender that is well-equipped and reasonably priced.BYD Atto 3