BYD Atto 3 2023 long-term test

BYD Atto 3 2023 long-term test

BYD Atto 3 2023 long-term test

The BYD Atto 3 impresses with its comprehensive list of features and generous offerings. Available at just under £40,000 for the top-spec Design model, it provides luxurious elements that could put even more expensive cars to shame. Notable features include an electric panoramic roof and bird’s-eye cameras all around the vehicle.

In addition to the impressive features, the Atto 3 also has some quirky details that children would find delightful. For instance, the door pockets are made of tuned guitar strings, which produce distinct notes when touched. The car also comes with a large rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen.

The interior trim of the Atto 3 is uniquely designed. It boasts “vegan leather” in three different colors, along with a dash that combines a brushed metal effect and rolling curves in blue, black, and white. The central screen dominates the dashboard, while a small binnacle sits in front of the driver.

The interior styling of the car draws inspiration from the gym environment, as reflected in the color names, such as Surfing Blue, Skiing White, Climbing Grey, and Parkour Red. Although it may not inspire parkour-like movements, the Parkour Red shade is undeniably attractive.

Despite the gimmickry, the Atto 3 is a practical car with ample cabin space compared to its rivals. The build quality is impressive, and the car feels solidly put together. It also offers a decent split-level boot, although the cover feels flimsy and reminiscent of older Vauxhall models from the 1980s.

On the road, the BYD Atto 3 delivers a comfortable experience, thanks to its smooth ride and large tires. The powertrain provides effortless acceleration, although it is not remarkably fast. The chassis, while not particularly entertaining, is competent and matches the rest of the car’s package.

During the test, there was one issue experienced when using the car for tracking photography. The electric tailgate was kept open for an extended period while driving at low speeds, causing confusion in the car’s systems. As a result, the boot failed to open and close properly, disabling other functions like the cruise control.