BYD ATTO 3: the best value EV in New Zealand?

The BYD ATTO 3 has a good electric range, decent performance and it's filled with gadgets, but is it any good as a family car? To find out, Gav put the car through a series of tests with surprising results. Could this be the next best-selling electric vehicle in New Zealand? With this section of the electric vehicle market really heating up, we won't have to wait long to find out!
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Contents:
0:00 - Price & range
0:40 - Design and features
1:57 - Interior highlights
3:40 - Driving feel & quality
4:15 - Voice command speed
4:54 - Regenerative braking
5:21 - Interior design
5:56 - Gadgets
6:43 - Air filter
7:39 - Noise generator
8:15 - Child seats & dimensions
8:41 - Long range drive
9:27 - Adaptive cruise control
9:45 - Speed sign detection
10:05 - Lane keeping assist problems
11:25 - Negatives about the car
12:42 - Efficiency
13:09 - Cabin noise
13:40 - 0-100 time
14:12 - Handling at speed
16:25 - Charging
18:09 - Battery technology
19:23 - Charging speeds
19:44 - Warranty
20:12 - More gadgets
20:55 - Safety
21:17 - V2L adapter
22:38 - Summary

[@ericliume]

Good to know Atto 3 officially got the 5 start safety rating. Bon voyage! 🎉🎉

[@jaredebeling1412]

Have they crash tested it now?

[@ericliume]

@@jaredebeling1412 Yes. You can search it in KZbin. There are videos for the test.

[@AegisHyperon]

ones that have already been delivered are 0 stars until recall and they tried legal threats to stop information about it being known

[@jzvr5842]

@@AegisHyperon They're not zero stars, just having the 5 star rating withheld or unrated due having to rectify the child seat restraints, it's still a 5 star vehicle.

[@AegisHyperon]

@@jzvr5842 unrated = 0 stars

[@thomaszhang3101]

7:58 I love how this guy is telling us not to do it under any circumstances but still teaching us how to step by step 😂

[@EcotricityNZ]

*wink*

[@eldad12345]

but expect to cancel the noise, its not cancel on any another's things e.t.c ? its its proper for noise ?

[@HAWXLEADER]

What about installing a resistor to make it quieter?

[@francistaylor1822]

Guys, its not a good idea to cancel if its the exterior noise as its for safety

[@soowo5942]

Ev is too quiet at low speed, it may be dangerous to pedestrians. That noise protects life.

[@_hello_sunshine]

Your EV reviews are legendary. This seems like a very good EV option for the NZ market.

[@EcotricityNZ]

You're an excellent liar. When I come to power, you'll lead my propaganda team. -Gav

[@jameschristiansson3137]

This seems like a very good EV option for the USA market. BYD have a presence here, but no car sales yet.

[@ThWiedermann]

Best car review ever, as a German, the visualisation of space with potatoes seems so natural!

[@zhangjack4559]

cause its from Wolfgang Josef Egger... worked for audi...

[@ratsac]

I would have thought the SI unit for car space in Germany is measured in Sausages?

[@ThWiedermann]

@@ratsac yes, but I am a vegan, so I really appreciate the potatoes!

[@GH-xt5df]

To be honest, as a BYD Song Pro DM owner for 3 years, Atto 3 or its prototype in China Yuan Plus, isn't the best model BYD can offer, it's introduced to overseas market to test the water. So if you aren't eager to step into EV, hold your wallet till BYD offers you with overseas version of Han, Tang (Phev dmp and dmi suv), Song(Phev dmi suv), Dolphin (ev), Seal (phev and ev), Destroyer and Frigate families.

[@ralphzoombeenie2330]

Great informative review. I've driven an ATTO 3 long range for one week, commuting; a mix of 60, to 100kph and a 460 km range is achievable if using it's below par re-gen braking to the max; otherwise as you say, great value for money.

[@waynehobbs5175]

Got ours in Australia 6 days ago. Loving it. Heated seats standard here! The low speed sound is not annoying to me and knowing it might save a pedestrian's life is worth it. These sound emitters are going to be mandatory in the future rumor has it. No spare tyre is virtually universal in medium or small EVS and many ICE cars to (regrettably). Great report reinforces why owners love it. So much better than MG ZS EV and $24k cheaper than Tesla Model Y. The latter doesn't have an opening sunroof, a blind or V2L but is 0.4 seconds faster to 100kph and a much larger boot. But it is not worth $24k more, no way.

[@dzhiurgis]

How's Atto's one pedal driving, start stop buttons, easy entry, driver profiles, navigation, phone app, autopilot, phone-as-key, frunk...?

[@Reddylion]

This is the best review of atto 3 until now.

[@bubblychoi6505]

BYD ATTO 3 just awarded Euro NCAP 5 STAR Ratings: Adult Occupant: 91% Child Occupant: 89% Safety Assist: 74% Vulnerable Road Users: 69%

[@55thjz]

Hi Bubbly

[@maffman2001]

Fantastic review, thanks! I had been considering a Tesla however BYD seems to offer a genuine option.

[@colingenge9999]

I thought seriously about trading in my Tesla model three for a BYD until I took the test drive.

[@EcotricityNZ]

Thanks, mate! I love the Tesla Model Y for its extra room, towing capacity and Autopilot, but bang-for-buck, the ATTO 3 is unbeatable! -Gav

[@colingenge9999]

@@EcotricityNZ I agree that the price is hard to beat. After reading many reviews I was ready to cancel my order for my model Y and go with the BYD until I had a chance to drive it and change my mind. I was also concerned with the requirement to have a warranty check up at six months and then every year there after which I believe is about $500 per visit compared to my Tesla where the first factory check up is in four years and use over the air monitoring of the car systems to detect any faults. I would be interested to know your reaction. Do you currently drive an electric vehicle.? I am in St. Heliers in Auckland.

[@shanwan5683]

@@colingenge9999 Battery is the core and expensive component for an EV. Tesla actually use BYD's blade battery to build car. So, buying a Tesla probably means paying more to get a same battery with a BYD.

[@colingenge9999]

@@shanwan5683 my current tesla and the new Tesla have an order will both be made in China and the second one at least will be use the BYD battery. The big difference for me is that the driving experience of the Tesla is infinitely better, I have a lot more faith in Tesla’s longevity and resale value and I have invested heavily in the company which means I’ve done a lot of research and I know exactly how they operate so I am very comfortable. It’s a personal choice, whatever you’re comfortable with I’m sure will be fine.

[@roberthoskin8463]

I've seen quite a few different reviews of the Atto 3, but I really enjoyed your no-nonsense way of pointing out likes and dislikes. Currently I'm driving a 2021 MG ZS EV, and can't wait for my BYD Atto 3 to arrive and replace it (I'm told Feb/March 2023). Astonishing bang for buck in the Atto.

[@brad4013]

I've watched so many reviews of this car. Yours is the best! Love the 'take on me' tune. Seriously considering getting one of these.

[@vorlon81]

Take a Drive in 1 and see if it fits .

[@RadoTrenciansky]

Another great video review. I sat in Atto 3 few days ago and was impressed too. Excellent timing for these cars here in Australia, New Zealand and wherever they show up. Thank you Gavin.

[@allantham168]

Best ever unbiased review on BYD Atto3. I really love the car n will be launched in Malaysia soon!

[@olliknz]

Thanks for including the safety rating in this latest EV review video, Gavin.

[@josephseah2998]

when you enter Adaptive Cruise Control, you can hit the left lever downwards and it will jump straight to whatever speed you are cruising at just before you turn on the adaptive cruise control (instead of having to go up up up up up from 30kmph). the warning for holding the steering wheel detects resistence to the movements it tries to make to the steering wheel, therefore you would need to leave your hand on the wheel and just lightly tug it either way so it "knows" you're there. :)

[@lachlank]

Guys give this man a like we need this channel to grow

[@EcotricityNZ]

I owe you a potato. Thank you. :)

[@carlarrowsmith]

Best Atto 3 review by far.

[@jimgraham6722]

Thanks for the video. I have taken one for a test drive, agree, it was a real pleasure to drive. It appears to have steer by wire, so handling can be fine tuned by software. Great vehicle, congratulations BYD.

[@kelvynbettridge]

Great review. Well worth a look. BYD know what they are doing.

[@martinharrington2163]

Fabulous review, actually the best review of the Atto that I’ve seen. I’d go so far as to say quite possibly the best car reviewer I’ve come across. A natural on screen. Thank you fro across the ditch. Waiting for our, due December.

[@EcotricityNZ]

Crikey. Now I'll never fit my swollen ego through the door. Thanks for the kind words, mate. :-) -Gav

[@kaa86]

Excellent review mate, informative, entertaining and not too lengthy. This car really shows up legacy manufacturers are extortionists. Ie BMW charging subscription for seat heating. Keep up the good work.

[@LouDeVere]

Thank you so much for NOT giving any information at video time point 8:12 for NOT disabling the BYD Sound Generator which you should not do under ANY circumstances.😉

[@TassieEV]

Having followed you for years on Twitter Gav it is cool to finally find your videos on KZbin. Love your review, helps cement my decision of the Atto3 as my next EV after my lease ends on my classic Ioniq 28.

[@lloydkennedy7433]

Just discovered your channel. I like your clear speech (Kiwi ascent not bad) and your casual and slightly excited and fun style also. Your simple but detailed explanation of what you are testing (Atto 3, I like it too). Background music & Ads are not bad either. Thank you. Lloyd from Adelaide Sth Aust.

[@ProCelestialEmpire]

your review is like a movie, so detailedly and well made. thanks

[@adampoulter2717]

Brilliant review. I have had an ATTO 3 on the other side of the ditch for over a month. It is basically brilliant, and especially at the price, but this guy has nailed its many good points and the few (lane keep assist) that are not. The research on turning off the annoying start up noise is just fabulous. Thanks!

[@wongcna]

Thanks for the review. Can’t wait for this car available in the UK market.

[@jaredebeling1412]

You are one of the best car reviewers I’ve seen on KZbin and I’ve seen a lot!! Well done

[@TheSavlow]

Truly fantastic review! Best review ive seen of any ev! Please keep up this fantastic work!!

[@ChinaSongsCollection]

The biggest advantage BYD has over other EVs is their blade battery. The BYD Blade Battery does not catch fire. Here are 2 very short videos showing 2 different tests comparing BYD batteries to other batteries : (1) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXi0qKSNpt-ehKM (2) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXuxp5qYr8t2otE (1st video is 1 minute long. 2nd video is 2 minutes long but more comprehensive) Besides those nail tests, the battery was also heated in a furnace to 300°C and overcharged by 260%. None of these resulted in a fire or explosion!

[@claus1225]

Sure anything Chinese say is true

[@claus1225]

This review is Totally bought by PRC and BYD.

[@martinwalker4329]

@@claus1225 you are so pathetic

[@user-nc6wl5qx8d]

@@claus1225 Have a good dream

[@claus1225]

@@user-nc6wl5qx8d china is a nightmare to humanity.

[@JoshuaMcTackett]

Thanks for this video! I used it to *not* remove the sound maker in under 5 minutes. Peace and quiet is what I would have now thanks to you, but I didn’t do it of course 😁

[@rupash88]

Thanks finally 1 review on KZbin that shows the interior lighting in the dark.

[@ulfw]

You're the most likeable reviewer on all of KZbin. Please keep up your great work!

[@iamqadri]

Hello from Malaysia! I really enjoyed the review. Funny, detailed and comprehensive. Keep it up!

[@gabehau2267]

Fantastic review, thank you. You nailed it that its traffic sign recognition is not that great. All the negatives are spot on. All the good points are also fair. What an excellent review! Wish you did reviews in Australia too.

[@et1965]

Really good review. The next 4 - 5 months waiting for ours will be difficult.

[@JosieShaw]

Love this guy ! Only just found this channel, and it’s become my new fave EV newsfeed…potato measure - brilliant!

[@remakeit2628]

Setting the cruise control is just one step ("press" when you are at the speed you want), and faster or slower are separate buttons that need a quick press or your adjustment will be 3-5kph rather than one or two. Once done, adaptive cruise control adjustments are great, and let you choose how close or far behind you want to follow. AND, yes, the alarm screams and takes about 5 seconds to reset if you take your hands off the wheel for too long. I had your experience and won't do it again. Also like you, I found the lane keeping assist too iffy, so don't ever use it now. As for the "sounds" at below 30kph, my grandchildren love the "music" tone and, it being electric and otherwise silent, it's also proved invaluable in busy carparks in getting shoppers attention before they ram you with their trolleys!

[@xiuChang]

acc and lane keeping are two things, you can keep the lane closed, you can also turn off the lane departure warning. Full-speed adaptive cruise, which can make your foot more comfortable on the gas pedal when driving at high speed.

[@axshirlyme]

If you turn off all the lane keeping functions in the 'settings' including sound & vibe warning, then press the steering wheel icon on the left spoke once, a small grey wheel icon appears on screen - *ghost driver* mode enabled.

[@lesleyrwalker]

Thanks for the insight. Very useful.

[@ericcruzt7136]

Hows the Dirac Car Audio quality? Does it sound like a premium car audio?

[@remakeit2628]

@@ericcruzt7136 You can adjust all the settings to suit your listening preferences, so it's pretty good. Unless you are an audiophile you most likely won't tell the difference.

[@haihuang395]

Great video, definitely worth a like and subscription, especially watching you kindly remind me how not to unplug the noise generator. 😀

[@petrahoggarth1437]

Great review. I've sent the link to my brother (who owns one) and my parents (who are about to buy my brother's one when he gets a red one).

[@WordWeaver999]

I am not even front NZ. But that review, wow. Had to sub. Good job

[@arnoldsarmiento2958]

Seriously considering getting one, they are launching in Dubai this August. Thank you for this video, really helpful

[@sanjaypande3406]

Great review Gavin। Making tea in car was awesome, This car has just been revealed in India,

[@lokekaryew8408]

Very comprehensive review! Excellent effort

[@JakeyJay26]

Great review. The Australian specification has “seated heats” or heated seats, as we refer to them here. OtA updates will introduce Apple CarPlay and android auto but for those still using a Nokia the last ota update added a satnav.

[@cool-eye3674]

Thanks Gav for your honest review of the EV. The 400+ range makes it a useful car without the range anxiety. Like your trick playing music with the door string thingy.😂

[@rohankilby4499]

Awesome review thanks mate mine hopefully arrives soon 😁👍

[@drsuppan]

Great review, thank you. I just drove the Atto 3 and Tesla Model 3 in Wellington (thanks Mewo), there is no comparison, the Atto 3 is so much better. I was really surprised. And getting Apple AirPlay is a must from my perspective. The seat in the Atto 3 is slightly larger and more comfortable. And thank you for showing how to get rid of this silly noise

[@evil17]

Great review mate, I also like the car to home 240vac functionality, how many watts can it output continuously or surge up to? Cheers

[@curtistemaari5721]

20:16 “Seated heats” Do you mean heated seats??😂 Love the vids!

[@catherinehobbis8847]

Haha, same thing, right? :D

[@robinarndt5481]

I like your fair dinkum reviews your sincerity comes through in all the reviews i have watched .When I watch other reviewers I now look to see if you have reviewed the same vehicle to get the right ballance Thank you .

[@NixonR7]

Hey mate, you're really awesome! Thanks for the review, and for making me smile 😊

[@ElectricCarAustralia]

Definitely hearing all good things from owners about the BYD Atto 3. Here in Australia the buying/handover experience however is getting marked down depending on the location. Great review.

[@krafter324]

I love the voice assistant being so quick. Generally I don’t even use them because they are so delayed

[@georgepelton5645]

Great review, and the ATTO 3 is an incredible value. One small thing: Lithium Iron Phosphate, LFP, batteries are a type of Li-ion battery, so it is not accurate to say they are “not Li-ion.”

[@remakeit2628]

Yes, he meant the distinction between lithium IRON and lithium ion "ternary" batteries.

[@anooptm]

Thanks for the review. Really love it.

[@dsloanerider]

These videos are too good! I love the non-advice/instructions for disconnecting the drone noise

[@swapnilkarpe7263]

Hi bro,Got genuine review... like it Love from India... I subscribed u r channel and hope more interesting reviews...

[@wajant1421]

Nice car, like very much BYD Cars with the BYD Batteries (steel blade batteries) . Hope to penetrate soon in the Indonesian market with enough local content as required by the government.

[@theodopoulos]

Great review. 👍

[@lesleyrwalker]

Thanks for the review! I’m in the market for an EV and I really want to like this one. I think I’ll book in a test drive.

[@mdpsinging5540]

Best review of this car so far

[@pragma2017]

Terrific!! Thanks for a entertaining informative ’real’ video!! Appreciate your honesty 👍🏼👍🏼🇦🇺travel safe

[@stevenlee7195]

One and only descent car review from NZ!

[@Mariobrownio1989]

LOL was not expecting such a fun and informative video! Great job👌 you made me laugh for real

[@archangel7052]

This has got to be the best review for this car.

[@Bamboo180]

The best BYD ATTO 3 review👍

[@giginz3821]

The low speed sound actually designed for safety,I found it will alert people when you drive close to them,very very smart design 😊

[@tt3941]

I plan to buy a BYD, hope it can be available in the US soon.

[@haono7754]

I bet that president Biden won’t make this happen😂😂

[@yewenjin6532]

Its not going to happen. Not free enough to Inter a "Free market". Sorry

[@paknam536]

Very nice review, very good information especially charging information.

[@johnjkiwi7818]

Thank you for comprehensive review of the BYD Atto 3 Gavin. I am planning to buy one in 2024. Hopefully the annoying niggles and bugs in the Atto 3 will be ironed out by then and the Atto 3 be even better and greater value for the money. I am wondering if you can do a review on the MG 4 electric car when it is released in New Zealand. The MG 4 has been getting very good reviews by some of the notorious hard to please car reviewers in the UK. I believe it will challenge the Atto 3 as New Zealand's most affordable EV.

[@EcotricityNZ]

Thanks mate. You're a sweet potato (that's a compliment). Absolutely agreed on the MG 4. If I can get my hands on it I'll gladly take it for a spin.

[@jackcc429]

byd seal is also coming to NZ this year.

[@deganellis]

Great review mate. Refreshing take, with some humour as well. Sub'd...

[@jaywontdart]

Amazing review, and I love 20m40s how you composed Take On Me!

[@foxylady1048]

nothing about that beautiful gear selector mate. We need a part 2 for that one please. It deserved a subscription that’s for sure good on yea mate. Oxford U.K.

[@artificial4612]

Love this review 🎉😊 Just ordered mine and can pick mine up next week 😃 Can't wait! So the first thing I'm gonna do is definitely NOT unplug that cable to switch off that sound 🤔🙃

[@AD-rp8ub]

Planning as well. So they wait is not too long? I might need to sell my old car soon

[@malibugrove]

Brilliant video, fantastic review and superb channel. Thanks. e-llegro for the win!

[@lancehouse6416]

The music part was very well done :)

[@caravanstuff2827]

This is the best review of any car I've seen!!!.😎💕🇳🇿🇺🇦

[@cantab111]

I love my Atto 3

[@sktnepal2006]

Nice review!!! It is great EV. I had booked this car 🚙!!

[@m.konsingha4885]

👍 Greatest video review.thank' from Bangkok 🎉🙏🏻

[@marcopanti1017]

Mate your reviews are fantastic. You’re like the Kiwi Matt Watson from Carwow but you’re funnier and the information you provide is more useful. Congratulations!

[@EcotricityNZ]

Well, that's incredibly kind. Matt from Carwow is on another level. He's a mighty Russet potato while I'm just a small yam. :D

[@noelkin1968]

Amazing review and car channel

[@timharding7381]

Great review and you’re funny which is a bonus. Great work 👍

[@LL-rm8xt]

5 Star NCAP rating as of today too

[@rudolfdsilva2844]

I genuinely appreciate your review bro. You have gone into the depth of almost all the points a person needs to verify prior to purchasing an EV SUV. That's what I appreciate about your review. Keep it up. I will subscribe for your thoughts, that would help me a lot if I would go for an EV soon. Thanks a lot. However, despite the negatives that you have pointed out I believe that the manufacturer seriously considers improving upon and giving a money-worthy product to the customer. No one likes to purchase a vehicle with cons! Good luck. Love from India, Bro.

[@jzvr5842]

???Every vehicle has cons lmao there's no car that's perfect, this car's so called cons are already super minor compared to other cars'.

[@deltajohnny]

Great review!! 👏👏👏👏

[@friendlyguy2u]

The noise generated during low speeds is a pedestrian warning sound on approaching car.

[@sneo7470]

In Singapore, Tesla is so much expensive than BYD. So, for the benefit of consumer, we have to support BYD. Tesla model Y price is $96k (Latest COE) + $142k (car) = $238k BYD ATTO3 price is $173k (car + COE) Difference is $65k Singapore dollars!!!

[@biggwong6912]

How much in USD?

[@sneo7470]

@@biggwong6912 With latest COE of S$110K, Tesla Model Y price is COE ($110K) + Car ($142K) = $252K BYD ATTO 3 price is $177K (car + COE) Difference in Singapore dollars is $252K - $177K = S$75K (USD 53K)

[@ivo4357]

I have only seen quality reviews from this channel, so a "like and subscribe" is the least I could do. Come on people, support channels that keep you informed in a pleasant way, this channel deserves so much more than only 16k subscribers..

[@Zarphag]

Love the ad hock one man band!

[@EcotricityNZ]

Might go on tour in 2023. :D

[@Skybar23]

0:57 WOOOAAAHHH I LOVE that design with the gears. As a Star Trek fan I aprrove this warp drive control design

[@deganellis]

Will be interested to see your review of the Seal if it ever lands....err.... beaches itself...

[@woofowl2408]

I've watched a couple of reviews of yours now, Gavin. You're awesome! The Kiwis doing things better than the Aussies again. All the best from an Aussie, just don't mention the Rugby.

[@pasmas3217]

i understand that this is fairly not expensive for NZ prices and salaries, but if the price transfer in direct equivalency in europe it will not be considerable... it looks good on specs and features. only thing i hated... that blue interior. hopefully they have other options for that

[@Thulebeez]

Awsome review i wonder when will it be launched in our Country

[@davidtydeman1434]

The noise generator while driving at low speeds is a legal requirement- you can change the noise if you don’t like the particular tone

[@ericliume]

When the car is warning you to put your hands on the steering wheel, don't put your hands on the upper part of the wheel, instead put your hands on the lower parts.

[@boy638]

you mentioned you would check out the sound system, so how was it?