Is This EV Cheap For A Reason? (BYD Atto 3 / Yuan Plus 2023 Review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2024
- Should you buy the cheap new BYD Atto 3 electric SUV? We test the Extended Range version and tell you everything you need to know.
Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:51 - Three Best Features
2:40 - Three Worst Features
4:08 - Interior and Tech
8:11 - Back Seats
9:26 - Baby Seats
9:36 - Boot
10:57 - Charging
12:04 - Driving
16:26 - Verdict
The BYD Atto 3 is a fully electric small SUV that is available with two battery sizes: the 49kWh Standard Range and the 60kWh Extended Range. Both have a 150kW/310Nm front-mounted motor with FWD. There is $3000 between them, with the Extended Range costing around $48,500 driveaway.
Rivals to the Atto 3 include the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV.
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the BYD Atto 3.
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A clear update on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: I spoke with Luke Todd, EV Direct CEO by phone today (15/9/22). He confirmed to me that all agreements are now in place to enable wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for owners of the Atto 3 in October 2022 via over-the-air update. OTA updates will be serviced by a built-in Telstra 4G SIM card, which EV Direct says will have enough data to support OTA updates in perpetuity. We had received conflicting statements on CarPlay/AA in the past, but this now appears to be the firm plan. -Tom
ATTO3 on display in Indooroopilly Shopping Centre has Apple carplay and Android. I guess selected cars on display have these apps as beta test releases.
Hi Tom,
Great review!
Since LT is talking to you, could you also ask him how many cars has been delivered given 1000s have landed since August? If just a handful, is it waiting for Experience Centres to open in order to sell tinting/paint protection/etc to make more money?
Hope Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will finally be available in October as none of his date estimates have come true.
Hi, just for clarification, do you mean ‘wired’ or ‘wireless’ Apple CarPlay? Thanks
Hi Maggie. Luke made clear it was WIRED, not wireless.
@@888cpchin Come on we both know it will not be available in October! All previous time frames have been wrong this will be no different. If you are lucky you may see it some time next year. I have been right about almost every prediction I was 100% sure no July deliveries, also said that the service costs would be similar to the MG I was brutally attacked on both on TH-cam and Facebook however I was right on both although at the start the BYD was even more expensive than MG on servicing. But October will come and go and I bet no working app and no AA or AC...
I bought a Teac stereo back in the 80's. They had started to make them in China and I still remember someone saying. They aren't that good now since made in China. I think I had it for about 30 yrs, it had a hard life and always sounded great. All this China bashing has been around for decades but hardly ever based on facts. Do I personally like the interior, not really. But does that make it bad, certainly not. That's just my taste. I appreciate your opinion on this review. It seems fair and based on your experiences which is far greater than mine. Since I haven't even seen one. If they did offer an interior that was a bit more, say normal. I think I would give this vehicle a go. Time will tell if it's decent quality or not. Not personal prejudices against a country being the deciding factor of what's good quality or not. From different reviews on TH-cam from Norway and the UK. Most people rate this car highly and as very good value. I hope all the people who have purchased it here in Australia really love it. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
TEAC was a Japanese brand, not Chinese. Tokyo Electric Acoustic Company.
@@mondotv4216 He didn't claim they were Chinese? Just that they were made in China, at some point.
@@mondotv4216 he meant naysayers began saying the car wasn’t going to be good since it started producing them in china doofus.
@@bnpparibassss He's implying that quality control and oversight by a Japanese company is better than a Chinese one, in case you didn't get it.
Yeah it did say "almost as good as mainstream rivals." Implied bias. The breaking news...way better.
It is also a very popular car in China. I waited for 3 months to get the car and I like it very much. I also have another Lexus RX350. Yuan Plus (Chinese name of Atto 3) is much much cheaper than my RX350, while it is almost the same comfortable, and of course better performance as it is an EV.
02:44 - I think the 'weak spot' is the importer / distributor - the introduction of BYD so far has been nothing short of farcical. If BYD wants it's product to succeed here, it needs to either deal directly, or appoint a capable distributor...
Guess we'll have to see how it pans out. Thousands waiting, apparently, so the sample size should be quite large.
I don’t where you are, but they’re prohibited from selling personal autos here in the US and it’s all political. They know that BYD will destroy us legacy automakers- really unfair for us citizens as I would love to buy one
@@chasingcars No deliveries in Victoria yet, apparently due to problem with State subsidies.
@@chasingcars i'm still buying atto3 because of blade battery, but won't give the importer/distributor any positive feedback. ''Good customer experience'' should be responding to customer immediately.
@@JC-cf4rs Australia
As a Chinese here in WA who has already put an order, I watched pretty much every review online, and urs the best one by far! I’m pretty confident in the software update thing because it is simultaneously released in kiwi and Singapore, hk, etc… so byd is certainly going to update and that’s something evdirect can’t fiddle with.
EVdirect is the issue, not BYD
My only concern is the longevity of the company, you commit to purchasing their product but if they go under in this market or even in general. Who will you contact for after sales care?
@@thakillerb if it is not production quality issue, (and BYD cars are used as taxi/uber cars in China, many EV owners runs for 300~400 k kms without any issue, even battery holds above 80%), you cannot get any after sales care anyway...
@@thakillerb BYD is not a fly by night company. Currently 600,000+ back orders. It began almost 30yrs ago, employs 180,00 people, Besides cars it makes trucks, forklifts, over 60,000 buses (Several under trial in SYD and BNE) with orders of hundreds from London Transport Finland, Spain and other major cities. I think they will be around after several well known ICE brands are only history.
what if EV direct want more money for the update? lol
Owned Atto3 for almost a month now in NZ. Loving it so far! Android auto and apple car play is coming for sure with OTA update.. and mobile app to follow! You forgot to mention V2L adaptor comes with the car too! 420 range is achievable in city driving and right behaviour.. reported by other owners in NZ!
Hope those features are delivered soon!
What’s your average km/kWh?
@@jonathanfields4ever my daily travel is 80% motorway..100km/hr speed limit.. my car shows 15.x kWh/100km average. I have done 1000km so far.
@@justanotherriderNZ That’s pretty fantastic. Atto 3 is coming to my country soon, and I’m thinking about switching. Thanks for the information
Great to hear that. Thanks for the info from across the creek!
Test drove a grey Atto 3 in SA yesterday it's awesome to drive, the Adaptive Cruise control is amazing and works really well as does the automatic hold feature when you are stopped at the lights. I'm picking my Blue Atto 3 up on Friday it's booked in on Monday to have Continental Eco contact 5 tyres fitted which perform really well in the dry and the wet.
Servicing is every 12 months/20,000km
Good move.
Have to agree that is one area the Atto 3 works well in is the stop and go adaptive cruise control as it does not hesitate like most systems do. However the lane keep is poor, which if driving on a long distance trip would be missed in my view. However the infotainment system is the big let down although no where near as bad as the MG system.
The BYD is a very quiet and smooth EV though. I think another 5 years and the Chinese will be number one, they are just not quite there yet. .
@@gregandkaruna6674 Great point. Chinese version of Atto 3 (Yuan Plus)has great infotainment system… I don’t get why there has to be such a downgrade for RHD version
@@ad50509863sty Nah I am just very old school in that haven physical buttons for things like the AC, heated/ventilated seats and a volume knob is far better than it all being done though the touchscreen.
Just like the over complicated entry system, I just like to walk up to my car touch the button and open the door rather than having to use a card or your phone and touch it on the mirror, my key fob stays permanently in my zipped pocket
@@gregandkaruna6674 air-conditioning front window demisting have an individual button control on the righthand side of the gear selector and volume control via a wheel is in the same location too for raising or lowering the volume including mute function too.
I test drove one on Tuesday just gone.
The Adaptive Cruise control worked well keeping the Atto 3 a safe distance from the vehicle in front as well as the traffic in front of us slowed, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop as we came to the stop lights.
The automatic vehicle hold was great too that keeps the brake on until the traffic starts to move and you just press the Accelerator to get going flick the resume button up for the ACC and the Atto 3 Accelerates as the vehicle in front does to the set speed. It's an awesome Ev.
I like the break out of the bland, interior design myself. The usual car companies have gotten themselves stuck in a generisism they need to break out of. Be unique brands for a well deserved change…imo. Thanks Laurie NZ.
I sat in one in Indooroopilly 2 weeks ago...it had Android auto/Apple car play icons in the centre screen. The build quality was impressive and all four windows are auto up/down. Good effort by this company
That’s an interesting insight. Strange that EV Direct’s own vehicles wouldn’t have it.
@@chasingcars I'm confident my 54 year old brain is remembering clearly...I think it was shocked cause all media reports stated it wasn't part of infotainment as yet
The atto3 at Indro has a pre-release software version onboard. It also supports voice commands, the rep demoed it to me. Didn’t try CarPlay/Android Auto but I don’t doubt they are there
@@geoffsteffens1640 what were your impressions of the vehicle?
@@karanaman68 I really really liked it. From photos of the interior I was kind of expecting not to but great in real life. Very spacious and quality build feeling. Heaps of room including in the back - not just for kids. My only concerns were the warranty debacle and more generally long distance travel while more fast chargers roll out.. only Tesla have the supercharger network so some pain for all of us other EVs at peak periods like Xmas on Bruce highway lol. We ordered
Thanks for an excellent review Tom! I’ve been waiting for yours because I knew it would be straight and to the point. Great job 👏
Thanks, Mark.
How do the cameras compare against those in the Haval H6?
Close to $50K driveway is far from cheap ,it’s Expensive because of th distribution network. But it is great value for money thank you China .
Very good , detailed and neutral reporting ..
Loved it .
Love from India !
Thanks Tom and crew!
No worries!
As an Atto3 owner I attest that future owners should consider that the Atto is not a car in the natural sense. More a cleverly designed *entertainment system on wheels*. There is not a bad thing about it! As an ex-obsessive gamer suffering from withdrawls, I have gotten into the vehicles mind. Now having tampered with a few of the generous 'set-up' menus, & have installed my own music & have it on Rock - Concert Hall mode, I will be leaving the company logo on the back as they pretty much have built one of my dreams! 😉
I like your thinking, when I got one of the first Android Phones, I had to change my thinking, this is a small computing device and the phone is secondary.
A change in mindset makes a big difference!
@@cgsmithify A simple over-view is it's like being conveyed around by a robot that you have a little autonomous control of 😉
I personally think that the Chinese version of the word "元（yuan）" logo is cooler, which represents the Yuan Dynasty, that is, Genghis Khan. The word "元(yuan)" in Chinese characters literally means the beginning and the first, which is also very good.
@@xiuChang this does look and sound better than having a sentence stuck on your car.
@@kdegraa i'll show you a new byd dmi car, named "宋 pro dmi"，This car has not yet been sold overseas, and my current fuel consumption is 3.7L/100KM. Because the round-trip from my hometown to the current work place is 800 kilometers, the battery life of the hybrid model is better than that of the pure electric vehicle. If you are in the city, the pure electric range is more than 120 kilometers.
I ordered my atto 3 in February and still waiting. I enjoyed your review and I think I will like the car very much if I ever see it. Unfortunately BYD's agents in Australia are not customer focused and communicating with them is almost impossible, They simply ignore emails no matter what the subject. I went to their showroom in Brisbane and found the staff there rude and unhelpful. This makes me worry about the standard of the very expensive servicing. The lack of GPS navigation is almost unforgivable in this day and age. The warranty is a real dogs breakfast.
''found the staff there rude and unhelpful'' i have to agree, they probably hire ex car dealer staffs.
They should hire young super-markets workers more helpful.
I ordered in February and I agree that the service so far has not been great. They have always answered my emails but the answers are generic canned responses. The unknown issues are all part of the new brand to market. It's a leap of faith I am willing to take because the car seems to stack up as a good value for money prospect. On the navigation side, I have seen google maps loaded to the system because it is basically an Android operating system. I have received a copy of the contract and signed it so delivery will be in the next couple of weeks. 🤞
Hi Tom,
Thanks for the great review.
What is the tires brand, model and width the car originally comes with?
I am in NZ and have an Atto 3 - the tyres are Atlas batman 215/55 18
@@axshirlyme
Thanks for the reply.
on your opinions what should i buy , Atto 3 or geely geometry C , and why ?
You must be flat out with all these filming days Tom. The rain will not stop us. Nice review.
Yep, flat out! The weather could cooperate!
I would defiantly keep the Build Your Dreams logo on the back, thanks. Its how I feel….Laurie. NZ.
Really good review
The Atto 3 was the sixth best selling vehicle in New Zealand for August 2022.
Impressive.
Excellent review.
Thank you!
Great review, enjoyed watching it even as I'm not in the market myself anymore; really good to see some nice EV options across the range come to Australia.
Glad you enjoyed!
Tom, I enjoyed your review. I have an Atto 3 on order myself but have been reconsidering - unfortunately with EV Direct the goal posts keep shifting (warranty change and exclusions). Now, according to what you were told there's no apple car play/android auto. I do also worry about certain (particularly interior) design choices and how they'll hold up over time. Something a little bit Citroen about those interior door handles (as perhaps you were implying).
Peter, it certainly sounds as though smartphone mirroring might be added soon-but with the history of conflicting statements I’d prefer to wait until I see it to make any big calls! As for warranty, hopefully EV Direct comes to the table on the exclusions.
@@chasingcars Why hang on to an informal verbal conversation 6 months ago when since then, a lot has changed and it's written down in the Australian ATTO 3 brochure that CP/AA is coming in OTA? This makes no sense to me. How could a non-formal verbal conversation 6 months ago carry the same weight as something that's written down and also verbally confirmed? All this is bring more confusion. From brochure "*Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ (Available Q3 2022)" Why is this so hard to understand?
Probably because it wasn’t “informal” (your words, not mine). It was very much formal, being on the record, and recorded. However, the position has now changed, and EV Direct have made us a commitment on the feature.
@@chasingcars well, I was sitting in a Atto in a showroom in Brisbane the other day and it had Apple car play added the night before
You mentioned in another comment that further regen is linked to the brake pedal, do you think that would mean that the brake discs will be slow wearing?
Ie, when you apply the brake do the brake discs only kick in after a certain braking point?
Yes. Brake pads will last much longer. Regen is linked to the brake peddle. That's how all EVs and Hybrids do it. If Hybrids did not do that, they would never save any fuel compared to their petrol version.
Yesterday in NZ (04-10-22) my Atto3 downloaded Spotify, GPS maps package & Voice Command, & other up-grades. Still has the Android down-load to come sometime soon. Voice Command works well, just be careful what you ask for...😉
Thanks for informative and entertaining video. I think they now have sat nav and android 😊👍🏼
Interestingly they don't have the same warranty servicing costs in NZ. Around $300 per year.
New Zealand users have received OTA. It provides Spotify, Navigation and Voice Control now.
China is really starting to kick goals in the car industry.
One of the beat review, Thanks
Thanks!
Good review.. test drove a blue one today and only complaint was the pedestrian warning noise which is really annoying….1st world problem. There was a little torque steer in sport mode with the pedal to the metal but really impressed with the power tuning….
Put the noise on *dynamic* & it sounds like a jet taxiing.
I realise this is now 2 months old, however, my Atto 3 certainly does have Navigation (it's quite good as well). We've been extremely impressed with it in the 8 weeks we've had it. We wanted an Ioniq 5 but Hyundai persists in trying to make us scrabble for the 100 odd cars they release periodically. I'm 65 years of age, for goodness sake Hyundai, take my deposit, and I'll wait the year till it arrives... or I would have. Now, for $25,000 more... no, the Atto 3 is just such good value, we'll wait till we've won Lotto, and go up to something really flash :)
Huyndai Ioniq 5 is not good
Tom, great review been waiting for your review of the Australian vehicle. On tyres I see in the European test reviews and the Asian vehicles the cars are fitted with continental 235/50 UTC 6 Versus the atlas oe. 215/55 …… I need to do more research but will be looking at a potential changeover
Fascinating! Australia should have gotten the premium tyre. But thankfully, swapping decent tyres on is an easy fix.
@@chasingcars Actually, Luke Todd is in a TH-cam video, in the BYD centre in Sydney, talking about Continental tyres and how important a premium tyre is on and EV...
In China you can option the Continental tyres for $2000 yuan, the standard tyres are still the Atlas Batmans
I had a 25min test drive two days ago in Perth and agree with Tom, it won't disappoint the average driver. I already drive another brand EV and it compares favorably. Very comfortable but unusual interior design which makes it stand out from the crowd, I like it. Felt at home in it after a couple of minutes. My only complaint is the relatively low level of regen braking compared to my present car. More gadgets than I need but will keep many amused for hours doing party tricks for their pax. Now looking forward to a delivery date which is not an uncommon mystery for most EV buyers.
Where do you register for a test drive in Perth? Haven't found anything online.
What EV do you currently own mate
The average driver drives like an 80 year old woman, so that doesn't mean much. Does it even handle as well as a Civic or Corolla, let alone a sports car?
@@darylfoster7944 It surprisingly handles more than adequately for a family type car.. What do I know? I also own a Honda S2000 so have a great comparison.
Tom, it’s Australia mate. We use metric system FYI so please mention your height in cm so we can understand
thank you for the review , you know if the Regeneration can be updating on the car computer? i mean the Regeneration of the brake's is very low even on the high mode . and he don't even stop the car , also because low Regeneration , the battery not charging good amount of energy and its make the car drive much lower Km from what he can actually can make... and its bad from my side , the car do 300-330 km at the most , not even close to the 420 . maybe if they make a better Regeneration its a different story unless its not possible to make it via online update because its something mechanical. another question please , if the car have 15% battery it can effect the momentum or lowering the acceleration speed and make lower results to 0-100km test ?
thank
I am not yet convinced that regen is that low. What you refer to is how strongly the car slows off throttle. However , whilst this means you are using the brake pedal more, there is still regeneration under braking.
@@db7643 but if they can make it more powerful regeneration, its can update via OTA update? or its mechanical thing ? i think it can add extra km with better regeneration
@@eldad12345 Again. I am not sure you understand. The car already recovers as much energy as it can. All you are talking about is how strongly the car is slowed when you take your foot off the throttle. Whilst at that instant a stronger regen 'setting' will recover more energy than a car with a weaker regen 'setting', you will still have to brake in the car with the weaker setting to achieve the same deceleration, and using the brake will ALSO recover energy, so in each case the energy recovery is much the same.
I believe there are a few youtube videos that explain this, but in short: cars with stronger regen 'settings' are not recovering more energy than those with weaker regen 'settings'.
(Note: I know there are many other variables at play here, and there will of course be variations for a variety of reasons, but for the purpose of the point being discussed this is the case).
Nice review, it may be at the cheaper end of the EV market, but to us ordinary motorists 48K is still a hell of a lot of money, so it should, be very well fitted out for that sort of coin
Is Mg4 a better choice or BYD atto 3?
So you can't even connect the phone to the infotainment system through Bluetooth or a cable to display maps on the screen?
Integrated Navigation has been released OTA in first update recently.
I've lived semi-regional all my life, large centres etc.. But the lack of a spare wheel has never worried me. As long as there is something and that the space is added to the cargo capacity.
Spare wheel is big draw back for me, even a space saver would have been better than nothing.
There is space for a spare tyre. I plan to buy one asap and put it in the designated spot.
It would have been better to discuss the myriad warranty exclusions that caused such a backlash from deposit-holders...
Yeah, I’m not a consumer lawyer, but the fact is the ACL looks at reasonable life of components, not exclusions written on paper which aren’t necessarily enforceable. Totally support the view that EV Direct should bolster the warranty, though, to make life easier when making a claim
H
Is the Dirac Audio System sounds premium?
Yeah, it sounds pretty good.
Tom, great review. Best one yet. Do you know what the AEB limits are? Lots of misinformation out there. Some saying it only operates up to 45kmh max.
Thanks! I've now seen those reports. If true, it is difficult to see how a five-star crash rating could be achieved. I did not confirm it as the AEB was not triggered in my testing of the car.
I think you just drove my car!
Well, mine's blue ... and will be delivered next week.
Thanks for the review.
I still listen to ABC on AM radio and have never needed to use an app to get from A to B. So if the the tyres are still ok, I reckon this will do more than I ever needed anyway.
Enjoy the car. I appreciate the current omission of navigation won’t be a problem for all.
@@chasingcars I agree, I have a portable Navman, which we also take overseas, just update the maps when needed or for whatever country we are travelling to.
Does the steering wheel have Tilt and Telescope adjustment?
Yes, it does.
@@chasingcars that's awesome. My wife and I looked at the mg ev and it only has tilt. Because she is 4'9" and I'm 6'1" this was an issue as she couldn't get to a driving position
The Atto 3 apparently only has 2 regeneration levels. Do you think this is a big disadvantage when seeking longer range?
You hardly use the brakes in highways. It does, however, help a lot in urban settings.
@ Chasing Cars. LFP is a type of Lithium Ion Battery.
Are they? Lithium-ion vs lithium-iron phosphate - the chemistry is quite different.
Lithium-ion can consist of two different chemistries for the cathode, lithium manganese oxide or lithium cobalt dioxide, as both have a graphite anode.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) has a cathode of iron phosphate and an anode of graphite
@@chasingcars Yes. That is correct but they are part of the subset of Li-ion batteries. Other common chemistries used in EVs would be NMC and NMC.
Excellent review, and I’ve read lots! However something many reviews don’t cover when discussing running costs is the high cost of EV insurance. This really erodes the $ benefits of owning an EV.
Looking forward to taking delivery next week.
Have to disagree, i've got quotes for Atto 3 which is ball park similar to my 2022 Koleos. Which insurance are you comparing the quotes from ? I've tried Budget direct and woolworths (later is even cheaper than Koloes as it's based on usage )
@@maxxter90 Australian insurers must offer more competitive rates than NZ.
@@Waitara59 TRY AMI I just did online and it was about $1000 per annum which is comparable with and older petrol car we bought at about the same value
$650 NZD for 12 mnth insurance for my atto3 here in NZ - Tower
That’s a very good price. Tower quoted me NZ$952 annual premium with $500 excess.
Btw, what is wrong about build your dreams?
I test drove the BYD Atto 3 here in Auckland NZ and as much as I like the way it drove, there was an annoying high pitched whining noise most of the time, it was especially worse on taking off from a stand still! I don't know if it was normal and if that is how cheaper electric cars sound or if it was just a problem with the car I test drove. I'm interested to know if you found this noise in the BYD you have just tested or was it very quiet to drive. I found a similar noise in a Peugeot e208 and in the older model of MGZS EV that I test drove but they were much worse and sounded like jet planes taking off. So far I have only found 2 quiet EVs, that being the Lexus 300e and the Tesla Model 3. I really want an EV but I don't think I could get use to that high pitched noise so looks like I may end up having to spend a little more and go for a Tesla Model 3 or Lexus 300e.
No whine issue in this particular example.
Its a safety feature to warn pedestrians when driving slow.
@@nikilkumar1000 yes I realise that but it shouldn't be heard inside the cabin! No other electric cars I have test driven have this noise inside the cabin so I don't see why BYD couldn't do the same as other car makers and just have the noise outside for pedestrians. The noise is very annoying and definitely put me off purchasing it.
@@nikilkumar1000 doesn't the car have a horn? Just blow it if someone walks in front of the car.
Tom or someone can you pls advise two things. How long does it take to charge from being flat and does it come with its own charger for plugging into a power point. Sorry I
Know shit about EV’s so pls educate me if I’m all over the shop
It comes with an AC 10A slow wall charger for emergency use on the road. When charging it from a home wall outlet, it actually draws about 8A (2kW) and takes 25-30 hours (depending on which capacity version) from 0-100%
@@cirrusclouds8295 omg that’s so bloody slow. So if you use your car everyday you literally need to charge it over two overnight cycles to get a full charge which will never happen if you need to go to work everyday
@@bepinos As mentioned, it is made for emergency on the road. It is made so it works with any wall outlet in the country. And the current is limited to 10A because if not it will blow your home fuse. It is not the charger's fault. Any normal home power socket has fuses that limits current draw and so it is limited to 10A. So for most people who needs faster charging will require installation of a wall charger that can deliver 7kW of power. That will decrease time to about 9 hours (overnight charge). But that means additional expense on installation.
@@cirrusclouds8295 ok thanks for the clarification mate
I am very interested in its hwy numbers as I am trying to work out just how far a BYD Dolphin will be able to go, I want a comfortable 300 Km but the Dolphins listed range is only a little bit higher than that.
Our highway test is 100-110km/h with some gentle uphill and some downhill, as you get leaving Sydney.
@@chasingcars Australia is such that if you want to travel outside your suburb you have to get on the hwy. So the Dolphin will have its rated 320 km down to 270 real world hwy range.
How many hills on your route? This really takes it out of an EV.
Shame the distribution company in Australia screwed up the warranty and servicing
Yeah. What happened there! But I’d still say the warranty and service prices they’ve landed on are OK.
@@chasingcars yeah. But I’ll watch this space and see if pressure from HQ and shedding of orders(heard that’s been happening since they dropped it) MIGHT cause a return the the warranty given earlier to match MG offering etc
@@TheMelbournelad we are buying one because either way the warranty would either be retrospective if they change it (they have said they won't) or the alternative is it's still a great car for a cheap as chips price
@@textliter true, IF they do.
I’ll just wait and see for me.
Great review, it will be cars like this that will change people’s mind on EV adoption.
Priced right and drives well. Basic essentials to car ownership. Other elements such as styling and performance could be icing on the cake if this is your cup of tea. I hope it succeeds, which it will if people gives it a chance
Thanks.
The European equivalent of ANCAP is due for publication on the 12 th October.
While CarPlay and Android Auto should be standard. If the Atto 3's head unit is Android based then maybe BYD should consider offering TomTom, Sygic or Here WeGo maps with a subscription.
It always seems to have been a struggle for new manufacturers to offer factory navigation in Australia. Whereis seems to have manufacturers by a strangle hold. Ford as an example can't even offer their maps via online portal like it does in other countries.
Thanks your review quite consistent with others. Looks like a buy, but I will have to take the Garmin out of the Suzie before it goes.
They just released the Nav update
Should come to india soon with strong hybrid with turbo engine and more ground clearance & EV model too
Best review of Atto 3 in Australia. Even though you have lots of praises, it is good that you call out the BS from BYD/EVDirect (2:40 to 4:07 and 6:07), especially the unnecessarily high service cost. EVDirect has delivered less than its claims so many times (delivery time, ANCAP rating, revised warranties, etc). Bonus: you indirectly caned MG ZS too! Thank you for your honesty.
The MG is awful and I am talking the so called new and improved MG ZS EV, while I do not like the BYD the MG is far worse! Both have poor lane keep assist but the MG is violent in that as well as bad ping ponging, however the BYD just fails to stay in the lane even on small bends. Both are awful with the infotainment systems but MG is worse, the stupid storks where you cannot see them including the cruise control stork making it dangerous to set as you need to look around the steering wheel to see how to operate it!
At least the BYD adaptive cruise control works really well that was the best part of the car as well as it being quiet and smooth.
Thanks.
@@gregandkaruna6674 I hate lane assist and dont use it. so no big deal
@@craigk1328 Then you have not tried one that works well and makes long trips more relaxing.
@@gregandkaruna6674 LOl whatever. how do you know what I have and have not tried.
The servicing schedule is stopping me from buying this car. If I still have to service every year, I may as well save $10k at the start and get a petrol car
Funnily I dont need digital nav, I can still use a standard paper Map! Nor Android/Apple car whatever that is…I would be happy with BYDs system thanks. ❤
Thanks Tom good reviews. I'm sure some very smart kids will work out how to get apps on that tablet. It's android, it will be done.
Like others, regen is my biggest concern.... So spill the beans Tom!
Already seen people sideloading spotify, Waze and A Better Route Planner
regen is awesome, at least in nz.
Regen on the *Larger* setting is quite severe in my opinion, similar to chopping down a gear & engine braking in a manual ICE car. The regen value reads out on the instrument panel, it increases but it is slowing you down!
In a way I think the quirky interior will make this an icon and a collectable in years to come. Nice review although the AA/ACP is already sorted and on it's way, cheers!
just like a mid 90's chrylser PT cruiser became an icon ? ? ? The interior is horrid and will age extremely poorly
@@craiglaird5386 the interior is not the best, I agree. It's hard to tell whether it will be an icon in years to come. Everyone thought the Sydney Opera House was awful when it was new.
Ive passed a few Teslas and my first thought is that it looks so plain compared to my experiences with the Atto 3.
interior will not age well
So what is now the cheapest EV and can it do 380km real world range? Does it have a tow rating? What about other features in comparison to this car and is the battery LFP or Ternary chemistry?
Cheapest EV: MG ZS EV base model ($44K DA, 320km WLTP range claim).
Does Atto 3 have a tow rating: yes, 750kg
Chemistry: LFP means you can charge it to 100% regularly without serious degradation concerns.
@@chasingcars how long does it take to charge from flat and can you bring your own charger on road trips to charge it
Thank you, Tom, for this excellent review that I'd say is balanced, honest and to the point. There were some chatter about your comments of the availability (or lack of) of Carplay and AA. Some have complained that they are getting mixed messages. Well, the problem is BYD/EVDirect, not you. I think you have nailed it and thank you for pointing out to BYD that not having them is not ok. Fair point about the tyres but I will just get better ones when the tyres are worn out.
What did you think about regen and brakes?
The regen is quite weak. In its strongest of two settings it only recoups 40kW of power on throttle lift, but the brake pedal is actually tied to regen - and this has been calibrated smoothly. Brake feel is actually good.
@@chasingcars Thanks. Good to know. Any more than 40kw on brake application?
I saw 90kW under the brakes.
Ive never driven an electric car, but my assumption would be that 90kw regen should react like a 90kw car accelerating. If this is the case, then its very good! They should update the software to get 90kw regen without the pedal! Hope this car comes to south africa soon! Although we have rough import tax. 40% minimum!!!
@@sudda89 have seen over 70kw regen on brakes downhill momentary. The brakes are excellent, and not spongy like other ev regens ive driven. There is no transition i can feel from regen to disk. Some kind of wizardry at work.
Great review, you are a remarkably good auto journalist and broadcaster. I have 2 Atto3 on order. I appreciate your update on Android Auto below. Maybe it would be good to edit your video post to state this. Great job, Tony Foley
Would if I could, but the only edits you can make to TH-cam videos is deletion, not addition - and what I said remains accurate. I note the statements of EV Direct and hope to see them follow through on the promise next month.
Video continuity is a big weird. Screen keeps jumping from portrait to landscape between shots.
This comes to the UK soon and I'd have it over the crap ZS EV. It's also just received a 5* EURO NCAP rating too.
you really can charge the car to 100% without do any damage to the battery? you mean charge from both normal house station at fast station outside?
Yes. It's a completely different technology.
What was the regen like Tom?
Fairly weak. Two modes; one very weak, the other less so. No true one pedal driving, but you learn to lift the throttle earlier to get as much regen as you can, which is 40kW when lifting the throttle. However, the brake pedal is linked to regen and is quite well tuned; was able to get 90kW through the brakes.
@@chasingcars Yeah - I’m torn. It’s a front wheel drive so regen should be great. It has no navigation. It’s warranty is full of exceptions. It’s tyres are basically unacceptable in Australian conditions (after Luke Todd said they would get better tyres on the Australian model early on). It has expensive servicing. Delivery has been delayed continually. But it is the cheapest ground up EV in Australia.
@@mondotv4216 it has SATNAV built in, it just doesn't have a map app (yet). You can side load any android map app onto the car and get native GPS that way.
@@kirakira1981 So brilliant release a car with many missing features! No app support, not Apple or Android support, no maps support, and all on a car that has been on sale in China since the beginning of the year!
@@gregandkaruna6674 that's because they don't use AA or AC in china. They have their own mirroring software which apparently rubbish. The addition of AA AC is purely an afterthought to cater for the western market. At this stage I'm not hopeful that we'll get it anytime soon and if we do, it'll probably be extremely buggy
If you add the very high servicing cost with the charging cost, the Atto 3 probably costs the same if not more to run than a small petrol SUV like a Corolla Cross 🤔
If they dont deliver on the Apple and Android Auto compatibility i already know of a number of people who have side loaded Spotify, Waze, A Better Route Finder apps on to the device, because it is as you say, just an android tablet. Hopefully BYD come through with the updates in due time, as well as dynamic range, because thats a huge negative for trying to sell this to new EV owners "oh by the way, the range it says you have left is not right, you're going to have to do some maths and pre-planning"
Good to know. By the way, I've spoken again with EV Direct's CEO today, who is really bullish on the fact that the OTA CarPlay/Android Auto update will occur in October. So that sounds good.
@@chasingcars why no reporting on its sub standard warranty?
You really need to talk about the dealer and the ongoing costs I run a small business and if I was to gouge like this dealer I would go out of business
6 feet tail, we in Sydney actually say that?
An excellent review. Clearly you have significant experience in testing EVs and calling out the major issues with the Atto 3 - FWD, low grip tyres, basic infotainment etc while praising its strengths - comfort, space, features and great value for money. Will be looking to add Michelin Pilot Sport 4/5 on our Atto 3 as soon as we can and possible wider rims to run 235s. We did the same upgrade to a Kona electric and it made a huge difference compared to the low grip stock tyres and crude traction control.
Atto3 doesn't lose traction on Eco mode.. if u driving on normal or sports and have heavy foot then yes.. I have been driving my atto 3 for more than 3 weeks in NZ now in all weather conditions. Expect the infotainment system to be updated before the end of the year with lots of features.. including apple car play and Android auto.. followed by mobile app.
Thanks! A tyre upgrade is the smartest thing you can do after buying this car. To Kin's point about Eco mode not triggering wheelspin, that's largely true - but keep in mind Eco mode reduces available power in this car by a substantial amount. It's downright slow in Eco.
@@chasingcars Last time I checked there were speed limits on all roads that apply to ALL cars. FAST off the mark is not something everyone needs, but once travelling at speed if you need more POWER (not speed) then flick the switch - literally - from "eco" to "sports" mode.
@@remakeit2628 No one is talking about speeding, just how the car reacts in the different modes, it's called a car review. go back to your knitting, I think you just dropped a stitch.
@@sammaimas155 You are a donkey.
Unless you are in a mode other than "eco" the power of take-off at speed leads to possible loss of traction. So start off on "eco" and then switch to a more powerful mode. Having driven high power V8s for years you just learn to adapt to the power under the pedal or you just burn rubber. I wish I could upload a picture of the V8 engine in my Chevvy to reinforce the point. It does 0-100kph in about 3 seconds, but takes ages to master the throttle as it's so powerful.
Is it white?
Crikey, that's a very expensive service schedule!!
And, maybe I missed it, but was there any mention here of the warranty? I heard it was pretty disappointing - relatively short period, and varies depending on the parts?
The service cost isnt that bad actually, its capped at $199 annually for the first five years. Also, the 6 year basic vehicle/8 year battery warranty offered isnt disappointing by any means when you compare it to other brands. You only get 4 year basic vehicle/8 year battery warranty with tesla and 3 year warranty with legacy brands like bmw and audi.
@@jxwithchickenwing Tesla is 8 years on battery and drive train not 6 years, and no grey areas in the warranty , and far cheaper to service .
@@jxwithchickenwing Actually I misscalculated a bit sorry🙄, so yea, not that bad...but still, that $1384 divided by 5 years is $276 🤔. Sure, cheaper than an ICE car but really, there's not much for them to do each time.
And just a correction: Tesla 3 battery warranty is for 8 years (160,000 kms for short range), not 6.
@@ecurb10 Thanks for the correction!
Very good review. I have one on order.
Enjoy!
48K still seems farkin' expensive for being cheap
Australian, not USD.
Now, this is a proper review. Not that nonsense I watched on some Tesla Economist channel... I'm a Tesla bull, but get annoyed when seeing biased reviews of fanboys
To be fair he was comparing it to a M3 Performance. I'm sure in the budget category this vehicle will please many.
I was shocked to hear you say it was very quiet in the cabin as the BYD I test drove in NZ was definitely not quiet and had a very annoying high pitched whine!
This car didn’t have that problem. Very quiet motor operation.
@@chasingcars thats good to hear, maybe I will go for another test drive in a different BYD to see if I get the same thing and if not then it is obviously just a problem with that first BYD that I drove. My partner found the noise to be very loud and annoying too so it wasn't just me that heard it.
@William J where's the host menu?
No matter what tyre you installed if its wet and you put your foot down it will spin and scrabble for grip. :)
Well, to varying degrees.
So don't hit the accelerator too hard - always a good idea to maximise range anyway...
@@philalford8079 some people don't drive like old ladies
Recently realised fact - The door strings are tuned to E major, & you can play 'twinkle twinkle little star' on them.
It says in product sheet that apple carplay and android auto is coming.. Also I can see volvo xc60 recharge review coming soon..😉
Weird because I was verbally told by EV Direct that it wasn’t coming. So I’m confused. Hopefully it is!
@@chasingcars this is really strange. They have been telling all customers that it’s coming by the end of the year? This is a big change and something that will affect a lot of peoples buying decision.
Like to see it compared to the refreshed MG ZSev
We’ll see what we can get organised. Still trying to get an ZS EV out of MG, actually.
@@chasingcars I know my local dealer in Werribee Victoria has one as took. Just swing by and talk to Olivia 😝
@@TheMelbournelad Thanks for the heads-up. Will pop in to have a look as I'll be in Werribee for the WRFL Grand Final on Saturday. I think the upcoming MG4 EV might be better suited to my needs though.
@@sharkattack6610 same thought. Need range more than suv practicality.
However recently lost my car,hense why looking, and not sure I can stretch my borrowing until the rumoured January 2023 availability let alone if stock haha
Ps Toyota, not a small company, have now contracted BYD to build the all new electric Corolla, if BYD were was not reliable Toyota would not had done that!! That gives you confidence 👍🏼👍🏼
Really appreciate that most of your videos are shot at 60fps as it showcases the smoothness of the interface. That was a major concern of mine as Chinese companies are not well known for making nice and optimised software, in my experience.
So they sell it cheaper then get you to pay for frequent expensive service intervals. A bit like buy a cheap printer only to find the ink is a rip off later. That will be a no from me. Nice clog though. 👍
Remove rear badging and upgrade tyres. On point 👌
The rear badge is just a deterrent for carjackers hehe
The importer has made a hash of something that should have been so good.
Quite a few missteps. But the resulting car is decent.
@@chasingcars No thanks to them. By the way Tom if there is no maps is there a way to cast google maps from your phone to the infotainment screen. Someone told me that is what they do in their ICE car.
@@sammaimas155 via Android Auto? It's meant to be coming next month apparently and so is the inbuilt satnav
275 km is a far fetch from 400 wltp, i can undestand speed etc, but te range drop is just unreal
Seriously Build Your Dreams is very hideous as a badge loll !! thats why BWM never do Bayerische Motoren Werke on their back of the car. You nailed this review again Tom, been waiting for proper atto 3 review for so long
what do you suggest to replace it?
@@good2freelance1 BYD logo or even leave it blank. the back looks busy enough with taillight I reckon
I absolutely agree. imo they could've just put a stylized chinese signature of the founder's name and it would've been way better than the "build your dreams" lol
@@Fldllse or just have the yuan badge on it. imo the Yuan logo looks awesome.
very corny slogan almost as dreadful as MAGA used by Trump. Small BYD logo or leaving it blank would have been a better design choice.
Great review. Love the colour. Eccentric interior like a French creation.
I have 2 French EVs which weigh the same as 1 Atto.
Environmental Vehicle 1 - Citroen C4 Cactus 1.2 - 3 cylinder turbo - 1,065 kg 700 km range.
Environmental Vehicle 2 - Citroen 2CV6 Charleston - big bore 652 cc 2 cylinder 585 kg. 320 kms range
I have significant resistance to the sheer quantum of needed materials for current battery electric cars and the obsession with tyre tearing 0 -100 kph times....
2CV much more fun and fulfilling minimalism....
It’s not movember yet, what’s going on there?
You don't have to be charitable to have good taste.
@@chasingcars indeed, beautiful is in the eyes of the beholder :) stay good looking there!
I like❤😊🎉
in Belgium the Atto 3 sits on Continental tires. Maybe we have stricter safety rules in Europe? Honestly, if the car had been in the showroom with the "Batman" tires (yes, they're named "Batman"!!!) I think I would have walked away. Having a tire on your car that sounds like it belongs on a Hot Wheels toy isn't exactly confidence building. Chinese products still have the reputation that they may look like the real deal but fall apart after using them 3 times. Fortunately that is changing because safety requirements and quality control in export countries became stricter (best example is the leap forwards they've made in the NCAP crash test scores). Maybe Australia should force these Chinese brands to fit their cars with better quality too, the consumer would be the winner. Thanks for the review by the way.