My BYD ATTO 3 Review After 1200 Kilometers

After spending nine days driving more than 1,200 kilometers in the BYD ATTO 3, I have plenty to share about what I liked, what I didn’t, and why I wouldn’t buy this car despite being a fan of BYD vehicles. Here’s my full breakdown of the good and bad and what I’d choose instead.

What I Loved About the BYD ATTO 3

Stylish Design and High-Quality Materials

The BYD ATTO 3 stands out with its elegant and modern design, both the interior and exterior feel premium, with high-quality materials that make the driving experience enjoyable. Everything about the car feels well-made, from the comfortable seats to the sleek dashboard.

Great Driving Performance

• Quiet and Smooth: The car is whisper-quiet and handles beautifully, making every drive pleasurable.
• Impressive Acceleration: Even when not using sports mode, the acceleration is fantastic. It responds quickly and feels powerful.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature was a delightful surprise. While I preferred the adaptive cruise control over the intelligent cruise control, both systems add convenience during long drives.

Surprisingly Good Range and Charging Options

Before renting the car, I was concerned about the range and charging infrastructure, especially in Western Australia. However, I was pleasantly surprised:

• The car’s range was sufficient for my needs, even in rural areas.
• Charging options in WA were better than expected and are likely to improve over time.

Convenient Technology

The keyless entry feature and overall onboard technology exceeded my expectations. Features like intelligent cruise control (even with flaws) added to the overall driving enjoyment.

What I Didn’t Like About the BYD ATTO 3

Size and Visibility Issues

For my personal preferences, the ATTO 3 is too large:

• Parking in tight spaces is harder, making city driving less convenient.
• Limited peripheral visibility while reversing or changing lanes was a noticeable drawback.

Software Limitations

• Restricted Center Console in Reverse: When reversing, the center console locks to display the rear camera feed. While I understand the safety-first approach, I wish BYD allowed other functions like navigation access when the car is stationary.
• Dim Screen Under Bridges: The center console dims momentarily when driving under bridges or in low-light conditions, which can be distracting.

Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)

• The lane keep assist feature felt intrusive and often provided unnecessary or incorrect warnings.
• The intelligent cruise control (ICC), while helpful, has safety concerns:
  • The system sometimes struggles to keep the car centered in the lane.
  • When it fails, it gives up entirely, which can be dangerous.

Optimistic Range Estimates

• The range displayed when fully charged was often overly optimistic.
• I recommend discounting the estimated range by 30% to avoid trouble, especially if you’re driving aggressively or using features like sports mode.

Surprising Features I Enjoyed

Keyless Entry

This feature felt like a bonus. It was easy to use and convenient, especially when carrying items or loading the car.

Intelligent Cruise Control

Despite its flaws, the ICC system was an unexpected treat. It handled gentle curves and freeway driving with ease. While it’s not perfect, it’s a fun and useful addition for long road trips.

Why I Wouldn’t Buy the BYD ATTO 3

Although I enjoyed driving the ATTO 3 and appreciate BYD as a brand, this car doesn’t suit my personal needs:

Too Big for City Living: Its size makes parking and maneuvering in tight urban spaces difficult.

Software Annoyances: The restricted center console and other minor issues increase.

Safety Concerns: The ICC system, while innovative, needs improvement before I fully trust it.

What I Would Buy Instead

My dream car is the BYD Dolphin. While I haven’t driven it yet, here’s why I’d prefer it:

• Smaller Size: Easier to park and navigate on narrow streets.
• More Affordable: The Dolphin is cheaper than the ATTO 3, making it more practical for my budget.
• Similar Features: It offers many positives of the ATTO 3 but in a more compact package.

Quick Comparison: BYD ATTO 3 vs. BYD Dolphin

Conclusion: Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros

• Stylish and High-Quality Design: The car looks and feels premium.
• Great Performance: Quiet, smooth, and powerful.
• Good Range and Charging Options: Suitable for long drives.

Cons

• Too Big for Urban Areas: Not ideal for city living.
• Software Annoyances: Center console restrictions and dimming issues.
• Lane Keep Assist Issues: Can be intrusive and unreliable.
• Optimistic Range: Always plan for less than advertised.

Final Thoughts

• The BYD ATTO 3 is an excellent car and a pleasure to drive.
• While I wouldn’t buy it for my needs, I’d happily rent it again.
• The BYD Dolphin is my top pick for its compact size and practicality.

If you’re considering the BYD ATTO 3, weigh its strengths and weaknesses based on your driving habits and needs. It might just be the perfect fit for you!