The launch of something new is always a great event. In the case of the automotive sector, there are several Chinese brands that have landed in Spain in the last times. And one of the most promising is, without a doubt, BYD. Contrary to other new players, this multinational has operating since 1995 and produces all kinds of technological goods ever since.
They have had a great impact in other sectors such as electric buses or batteries for mobile phones. Now they set themselves the goal of conquering the European car market with models like the BYD Atto 3 that has just arrived in our country and is already available from 41,400 euros.
Although this copy is the spearhead of the firm, the truth is that there are three models with those who disembark in Spain. The Atto 3 is a compact SUV, while the BYD Tang is a seven-seater SUV and the BYD Han is a representative saloon. What is common to all of them is full electrification using new generation technology. BYD stands for “build your dreams” and is an allegory for BYD’s commitment to nature and fulfilling the dream of a cleaner world through carbon-neutral production.
Abroad
The image of the Atto 3 is very recognizable in a good way. It moves away from those strident lines that distinguish other cars from China and adopts a well resolved design language. You can tell that it is a customer-made vehicle for the European customer and it comes with a front end that is characteristic of BYD. It receives the name of “dragon face» (this is indeed an Asian reference) and is distinguished by the absence of a grill. In its place there is a chrome strip with the initials of the brand that perfectly integrates LED headlights.
We continue at the bottom of the front with some air intakes and contrasting moldings that accentuate its sportiness. Something that is also achieved with some 18 inch wheels which comes standard. The bodywork can be chosen in five different shades, with plenty of color in the range. In any case, the bottoms are covered by black plasticWell, we must not forget that we are dealing with a crossover model. There’s also some chrome on the window frames, roof rack and C-pillar.
On the other hand, we must speak of a rear equally differentiated. Start with the roof spoiler, just above the moon. At the top of the gate is the signature “build your dreams” to make it clear what the brand’s motto is and where its acronyms come from. The intermediate part remains for some centrally joined LED taillights and reinforced by a chrome strip. The lower part has a kind of diffuser in the color of the body and a defense.
In terms of measurements, it is clear that the BYD Atto 3 is a compact SUV if we look at its technical sheet. has of 4,455mm length, with a width of 1,875 mm and a height of 1,615 mm. The wheelbase is 2,720mm on that model. In addition, its shapes make it achieve an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.29 Cx, quite successful for an SUV.
Inside
When we get inside most cars, we are invaded by a feeling similar to that of “Groundhog Day”. They are increasingly similar and digitization has led to us having a couple of screens and little else. However, BYD has wanted to do it in a very different way, with truly exclusive design details. We say it for those forms of the wraparound dashboard, for the air conditioning outlets, for the aeronautical-inspired gear selector, for the circular door handles or for those guitar strings that are on the doors (and that sound).
These are details that the user may like more or less (here we value personality), but what is unquestionable are the good finishes that this specimen brings. The perceived quality is quite good especially thanks to that two-color upholstery that is also present on the dashboard and doors. The steering wheel is somewhat well achieved and it is difficult to find plastics that tarnish the whole. It’s not premium, but it’s a very good cabin for a generalist.
And the same is true of technology, which has a fast and easy-to-use multimedia system, just like an Android smartphone. It is represented by a touch screen that reaches up to 15.6 inches (12.8 inches as standard) and that it is rotatable. At the touch of a button can rotate 90º to go from the horizontal to the vertical plane and adapt to the needs of the driver.
The connectivity is remarkable and it also has OTA updates. It is complemented by a small digital instrumentation It’s not that outstanding, but it perfectly fulfills its mission. They are 5 inches, just enough to act as an on-board computer and display all the information the driver might need.
The feeling of space It is notable in the BYD Atto 3. The front seats are spacious at all angles, as well as plenty of storage spaces. In the second row of seats It is not far behind, since there is more than enough space for the legs and that of the head is not bad. The width is a little fairer, but we forget when we see a central armrest, air vents or USB, A and C ports.
Trunk
The boot is slightly above average thanks to its 440 liter capacity. The truth is that we lose something due to what the charging cables occupy, but it is better than in other electrical ones. It also has some lighting, but no hooks to fix the load. On the other hand, it offers the possibility of having an electric opening gate.
Under the floor we find a hole, because it can be placed at two heights. In addition, it allows the rear seats to be folded down in two parts (60:40) to reach up to 1,338 liters capacity. Of course, in this model, despite being electric, we do not have a front trunk or frunk.
Engine
The number that appears in its name means that it sits on the E-Platform 3.0 Of the brand. It is the one that gives life to all current BYD and is fully scalable, it adapts to very different bodies. It also adopts an interesting solution, which consists of an electric kinematic chain that has 8 components integrated in 1 with a 89% efficiency. Integrating all the elements achieves exemplary performance, in addition to saving weight.
If we start talking about the motor, it must be said that it is a permanent magnet synchronous electric with 204 hp and 310Nm of pair. That’s more than enough power for a compact SUV, and it has another key component. The Blade Battery is a LFP battery (lithium iron phosphate) of 60.48 kWh that dispenses with nickel or cobalt to avoid possible supply problems. It also improves its thermal and electrochemical stability, not to mention that it is cooled by a high-efficiency heat pump.
Behavior
All this of which we have spoken logically influences the dynamic behavior of the BYD Atto 3. There is not much mystery in its powerful mechanics, since it makes it have that instantaneous response characteristic of electric ones. In this case, we have to talk about an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, a recovery from 80 to 120 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed that is limited to 160 km/h. As we said, more than enough for everyday life.
Nor is it any surprise that this electric car achieves remarkable driving comfort. He silence is an innate quality in models of this type, but the Atto 3 has known how to work on soundproofing to take it one step further. There is hardly any noise inside, not even rolling noise, and that is always a plus for passengers. It is a comfortable car, but it hardly offers sensations. The driving is very filtered due to details such as an uncommunicative address.
The positive part is that he is a born achiever, It does not clash in practically any area. In the city it is easy to drive and moves well thanks to its turning circle of 10.7 meters. On fast roads, such as highways and highways, it offers a lot of poise and safe reactions. On secondary roads it is not as comfortable, but nothing different from what we would see in any other SUV. Yes, it penalizes him a bit empty weight of 1,750 kgand that the battery weighs a not inconsiderable 420 kg.
If there is an element that helps that balance that we mentioned, that could be the suspension. It has a McPherson-type front axle and a multi-link rear axle with a set-up that favors comfort, but does not detract from it. In addition, the BYD Atto 3 allows us to choose between four driving modes that are Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow. Another aspect that can be configured is the level of recovery, although without reaching the point of other electric ones and their “one-pedal” driving.
Another sensation that it gives is that of having really low consumption. We are around 17 kWh/100km and that allows the real autonomy not to stray too far from the approved one. It is possible to reach reach 400 kilometers for each charge, while the brand speaks of a range of 420 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle, up to 565 kilometers in urban. Good figures for a compact SUV that has a clear urban vocation.
Charging this vehicle can be done in several ways. To fill those 60.48 kWh of capacity, it can be connected to a 7 kW wall box on single-phase charging and fully recharge in 9 hours and 42 minutes. There is also an option for a three-phase charge of 11 kW to reduce the time to 6 and a half hours. Reduced DC charging times were attributed to it, but now reaches up to 150 kW to go from 10 to 80% in 44 minutes.
Opinion cars.com
Atto is a measure of time. equals one trillionth of a second, an instant that can hardly be measured, which is precisely what this car wants to achieve. It is practically incomparable with other models for its personality and it complies in practically all aspects. And even if it comes from a Chinese manufacturer, it comes from one of the most traditional. They have sold 3.7 million cars to date and make their own components, including batteries and chips.
In addition, for their arrival in Spain, they have reached an agreement with large groups of dealers such as Astara, Caetano Retail and Quadis for its distribution. By 2025 they want to reach 40 dealerships and they also have Santander Consumer Finance as a financier. It costs 41,400 euros for access and 42,900 euros for the Design finish, to which we must add the gift of the wallbox installation and the possibility of having an extended warranty of 5+1 years up to 150,000 kilometers.
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