MG ZS EV versus BYD ATTO 3 - Which is Better? We find out!

The BYD ATTO 3 and the MG ZS EV are two of New Zealand's best value electric vehicles and kiwi families are eagerly adopting both models - but which is better value?
To find out, Gav put both vehicles head-to-head in the ultimate showdown, where only one vehicle can be victorious...
Full review of the MG ZS EV: • MG ZS EV: Still the ch...
Full review of the BYD ATTO 3: • BYD ATTO 3: the best v...
Full review of the SsangYong Korando e-Motion: • SsangYong Korando e-Mo...
Thinking of going electric for the savings, but don't know where to start? Now that petrol's permanently expensive, check out our EV Buyer's Guide to find an electric vehicle in your price range, with your desired range: buyersguide.ecotricity.nz/
And if you're keen on minimising your footprint on our planet's fragile ecosystem, why not switch to using 100% renewable electricity? With Ecotricity you can do that right now.
Plus, you might be surprised to see how much money you'll save, being New Zealand's only carbonzero Certified electricity provider with very competitive rates. Check out www.ecotricity.co.nz to join the future!

[@mitchellstephens6032]

Thanks for the video. I've been searching for a good breakdown of the regen breaking, and nothing was good enough until this video. Thanks.

[@TheCameltotem]

That interior size comparison was exactly what i was looking for. Youre a king

[@madamegazele]

Awesome video!! Kept me engaged throughout and definitely a great help in deciding which way I’m going 🙂 thank you Gavin

[@manolexing68]

This​ was​ a lively and informative​ car review. Thanks for the details and looking forward​ to​ a proper​ charging​ comparison​ on these​ car​s. Just subed. Keep​ on driving!!!

[@maybud60]

Very comprehensive and helpful video. Thanks for all the great info 👍

[@maelong7]

You have become my favorite EV reviewer, and it's fantastic that you happen to be a local reviewer as well. Thank you so much for the insightful comparison.

[@peterjackson6228]

Excellent review! Really good video, really enjoyed that

[@yanivdavid2642]

Great review. Loved how you did and presented the comparison :)

[@davideurenius5272]

Love the Potato test! Game changer in car reviews. Thanks for this. 👌

[@Brian-xd2oi]

Another brilliant review. Already subscribed, can't wait for the next vid. Best wishes Gav. Been waiting since March 2022 for our MG LR Trophy for the wife, its Dec 24th 2022!! I already own a Kona EV so we will be all electric when it arrives.

[@allanhengheng]

Nice review mate 👍 easy to make a decision after watching your review. Thanks !

[@satyanarayanatheeda9063]

Thanks for impartial comparison. Great work

[@macsnapper]

Great review thanks but also well done on the video/audio quality.

[@vhol93]

Your reviews are awesome, the dashes of humor are mega refreshing

[@1982craigyboy]

Best review of any EV I’ve seen anywhere! Wish all the reviewers here in the UK had a fraction of your enthusiasm, passion, and humour in their reviews! Now to go through your other videos and find a review of the ioniq 5 I’m considering or whether to save some quids and go for atto

[@nakulanand4419]

Got zs ev last month as atto 3 is just launched over here in India, byd too is fairly new company in the country. Already at about 1800 kms in a month and really happy with the car.

[@rmjngamez1194]

Goede uitleg van de verschillen ! Echt goede video

[@Karamba-baramba]

Starting video from prices - priceless ‼️

[@soi6cornerbar]

good video and covers everything ya need to know before deciding, ya dont half rattle on a bit, but none of it boring and ya get all points across well, many thanks

[@elenam.5917]

Super good video! Thanks for your work 👍🏻

[@TalismanPHX]

The MG is an overwhelming value. Especially with the unlimited mileage warranty. Well done Gavin.

[@andzc9230]

we own one and we loving it

[@dongshengdi773]

​@@andzc9230 Fake sales of Chinese EVs Asia's largest new energy automaker goes bankrupt, Why? Warren Buffett reduces stake in China's BYD Sep 10 2022 In the nearly 30 years of domestic auto industry development, China hasn't been able to overcome the core technical issues of automobiles in the era of internal combustion engines. The rise of the new energy vehicle industry, represented by electric vehicles, had prompted the CCP's top brass to plan to seize the high ground in the new energy auto industry and supply chain and to dominate the production and sales of this industry by taking drastic steps to "overtake" its competitors. But now China's star new energy automaker went bankrupt and Warren Buffett reduces his stake in BYD. Why? Because of over government subsidies.

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

Depends on your locale though. Wouldn't MG be an absolute bugbear to ever repair because they use shitty imperial measurements for parts? Rover and Mini were infamous for that.

[@fc7424]

Because Chinese vehicle manufacturers subsidized billions by Chinese ccp they are dumping cars into the global market.

[@mrkring1526]

Both are horrific

[@conradbo1]

Good video and comparison. I also like your presentation style a lot. I am on the waiting list for a Toyota Prius Prime so I am going on the Plug In Hybrid route.

[@sparsh319]

Great review thank you! Could you comment on what the cabin noise is like at highway speeds?

[@kidsentertainment6970]

The Byd regen braking is also used with the brake pedal, if you look at the regen value whilst pushing on the break peddle it increases the negative value

[@Jmarsters82]

Has to be one of the best reviews I have seen. I'm thinking of getting an ev and this may have made my mind up thanks heaps😁👍

[@Buurbachi1]

what a great review! just what i needed. would have appreciated a comparison in instrument cluster + infotainment screen too.

[@desmondadams]

Hilarious comparison with real value as well. Fantastic video!

[@goodlifebdg]

Best comparison ever !! Thank you. And you measure width of the backseat, which i have been looking for, but never done by anyone else ! Requesting comparison Atto 3 vs Omoda E5 please 🙏 These are the 2 top picks for me

[@AntonyHart]

Great video Gavin. My olds are considering both. I'll send them a link.

[@ilkererol1986]

This is the comparison video that I am looking for 👍👍👍

[@peterjackson6228]

At last! Someone who genuinely knows about the mechanics of cars! So many EV reviews are done by people who know absolutely nothing. I'm an avid fan of EVs, I own a 2022 MG ZS EV as it was the only EV in the UK that came anywhere near my budget. When I showed it to my colleagues at work, one of them went out and bought the MG 5! The BYD does look fantastic, I hear that they're coming to the UK in 2023. I've got three children, 11, 10 and 7. I use to have an MPV which fitted the children perfectly. I'm desperate to get another MPV, but I'm making do until they're reasonably priced and not based on a van.

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

Well, they're there now as the EU and UK rollout is simultaneous. The problem is the UK government put a huge 25% tariff on them to sabotage the competition and increase prices, so the value-for-money ratio is entirely distorted by government meddling.

[@WiseGuy02]

Didn't mention byd bursting into fire all over china.

[@trysmthing4951]

Thanks for the very informative review 👍

[@verbimaarten]

Nice review Gavin!

[@reshanchithrasena3339]

User experience review is what everyone need. Best review ❤

[@scottytnz]

Excellent real-world review, entertaining also :)

[@solmanJapan]

I'm not in New Zealand and not really looking for an EV but wow... What a great review.

[@lizzam]

Charging port location is a localized preference. Australians might love to forward park, but there are many Asian cars that prefers reverse parking. Some locations also require reverse parking only for safety reasons. therefore a side-mounted charging caters for both forward and reverse charge.

[@paulcockerton4158]

Great video! Really well done

[@grantlouw3182]

Good work great info for us, thank you!

[@sydjaguar]

What a great review. You kiwis are so far ahead in the EV race compared to Australia

[@michellet2890]

I do see a lot these cars on aus qld roads. A lot of good reviews for BYD

[@silverblade1654]

BYD is the vehicle with the most spontaneous combustion in my country. In 2022, it will spontaneously ignite at least 48 times in China! Vehicles of this brand are very dangerous!

[@koheki]

But Australia already has apple CarPlay instead of us 😭

[@dongshengdi773]

​@@michellet2890 Fake sales of Chinese EVs Asia's largest new energy automaker goes bankrupt, Why? Warren Buffett reduces stake in China's BYD Sep 10 2022 In the nearly 30 years of domestic auto industry development, China hasn't been able to overcome the core technical issues of automobiles in the era of internal combustion engines. The rise of the new energy vehicle industry, represented by electric vehicles, had prompted the CCP's top brass to plan to seize the high ground in the new energy auto industry and supply chain and to dominate the production and sales of this industry by taking drastic steps to "overtake" its competitors. But now China's star new energy automaker went bankrupt and Warren Buffett reduces his stake in BYD. Why? Because of over government subsidies.

[@dasamkoo2012]

How many charging piles are there in your city?

[@yewenjin6532]

I like your review so much. Looking forward to your next video. There is one thing I want to correct, though it is not very important. Brake plate stop doesn't It means they're more efficient. You can try driving BYD, braking, and not braking on the same road. The energy recovery shown on the dashboard is different. So being able to stop the car by releasing the brakes doesn't mean they're more efficient.

[@martinharrington2163]

I like your “seated heats” comment. Great review.

[@jeffreylee6492]

great video on these EV....I like =d and subscribed ! From Canada

[@autothaiman52]

I did reviews myself and i know how hard ir is. Very well done!

[@mohammadghazal8764]

Amazing video, thanks a lot for all the efforts you put in

[@CulinarySpy]

In the BYD it helps in the daytime if you switch the screen to daytime mode, then you can easily see the numbers etc on the screen. You seem to drive around with the screen in night mode, not a good idea if you want to read it.

[@andreasl4507]

Boring as car brands.

[@nzchainsaw]

Just discovered your channel. Are you guys on TVNZ or TV3? More people should watch your videos. I'm going to look through your other videos but just off this review I'm just about ready to change from my 2011 Prius to the BYD. Will share your channel with my colleague as we are interested to get more LEVs on NZ roads.

[@buzz8019]

Looking forward to seeing the BYD in the UK

[@pieman2010]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@ur67tube]

Excellent video and informative

[@willemtjaffer7356]

Bent u ook van plan om de Smart #1 te testen binnenkort ? Are you also planning to test the Smart #1 in the near future ?

[@echophotography]

Well done mate! Subbed!

[@Bamboo180]

Another great review of two value vehicles.

[@narvuntien]

I enjoyed this video, great gags. I am more excited for the next vechicals from these two manufacturers MG M4 and the BYD Seal which are much more drivers cars and less family cars. I will also give the Dolphin a test drive.

[@hartoz]

I went through the same process myself in Australia and I agree, and bought the Atto 3.

[@chrisnicalane5864]

Hi Gavin, thanks for this. I own a ZSEV in Germany and we have 2 battery sizes avail. I take it that in NZ only the smaller battery is available though? You mentioned it's range, which corresponds to the standard range model here I believe. Best regards Chris

[@davidbuxton5181]

Atto3 high regen mode seems to take a little while to kick in after you toggle it. Your stop test may have still been using standard. It is reasonably weak though but brakes peddle also uses regen.

[@valeriesotardi9642]

This is super helpful. Have you reviewed the BMW i3? Am weighing the pros and cons between the MG ZS EV and the i3.

[@ThomasGreatbatch]

Gotta love some "seated heats" :) Great video though

[@Artzwi]

Been looking forward to this one! You're fantastically entertanining, to the point i'm not allowed to watch these until the gf is here (even if we arent getting an ev yet. Keep up the awesome videos :)

[@EcotricityNZ]

Thanks mate. You've made a happy man old. -Gav

[@RedBatteryHead]

Great prices over there. EU is like 20% more in €. Funny comparison points you use. Fresh and clear test!

[@bellshooter]

Good video, but the MG lane keep assist is not required for MG Pilot to work, if you set up MGP correctly you just need to pull the stalk to you twice to start it, after you have switched on ACC.

[@aaswaddeshpande375]

Amazing Review mate, If possible, can we see the comparison between BYD Atto3 and Tesla Model 3?

[@bricksbymcfly]

Everywhere else in the world the MG ZS EV has 470 liters..with the floor at the lowest point 👌

[@colddiesel]

One I believe, has a heat pump, the other does not. The absence can significantly reduce range in cold weather conditions.

[@antoniopalmero4063]

Off the bat I like the BYD best , but choosing between them isn’t easy at all .

[@stevews]

if you dont care about the Chinese taste of design just go for the byd, but if you like more the VW and UK design go for the MG.

[@ernstpeterlegrand]

For me, the BYD was available while the MG not (in Thailand). But besides, one advantage of BYD is that you can disconnect it from the internet in you want (good against hacking and big brother).

[@mikewong61]

Excellent video!

[@dsloanerider]

This is one of the best and funniest review videos ever. I already knew I wanted the ATTO3, but I watched your video to the end, because it was so engaging and funny. Well done!

[@EcotricityNZ]

Thanks mate! You rock! -Gav

[@henrybreck4055]

Nice one you Kiwi dude, I like your style, you are direct funny & quirky, keep it up......

[@ivanlao4135]

Hi, do you know after the latest software update, does it have real time traffic for navigation/map?

[@dr.pksasidharan3678]

Good review- I love the BYD, it is an amazing car, comfort, safety, range everything is better

[@itsmeammai]

What a great review. I think BYD is best with all features and it gives the best mileage.

[@paulcockerton4158]

Looking forward to the MG4 Vs BYD Dolphin comparison video!

[@markcornwall8132]

Great video Gavin, a lot of effort clearly. The BYD seems a winner.

[@TheMelbournelad]

2:55 man of culture.. had to comb the desert for that one

[@mohiuddinahmad1792]

Nice review ❤❤

[@Leon1one]

Would love an Australian review also!

[@DannChewie]

Great review! Have my Atto 3 on order. You guys in NZ are lucky vs us in Australia. EVdirect our distributor is pretty terrible.

[@dongshengdi773]

Fake sales of Chinese EVs Asia's largest new energy automaker goes bankrupt, Why? Warren Buffett reduces stake in China's BYD Sep 10 2022 In the nearly 30 years of domestic auto industry development, China hasn't been able to overcome the core technical issues of automobiles in the era of internal combustion engines. The rise of the new energy vehicle industry, represented by electric vehicles, had prompted the CCP's top brass to plan to seize the high ground in the new energy auto industry and supply chain and to dominate the production and sales of this industry by taking drastic steps to "overtake" its competitors. But now China's star new energy automaker went bankrupt and Warren Buffett reduces his stake in BYD. Why? Because of over government subsidies. BYD is a joke. They sold mostly hybrids, not EVs . BYD is playing the same playbook as the CCP; copying and stealing other companies' technology. And then manipulating data to exaggerate their narrative. BYD is on top of the list as having the most repairs in China 😂 🤡 😂 My friend has been working in BYD for over 20 years now . He saw how BYD would disassemble other popular cars like Toyota and Tesla, and then copy them .

[@jaredneaves7007]

I think there is a misconception with the BYD regen braking. I test drove a BYD and it appears the regen increases with the brake pedal. It is set up to add more regen when you press the pedal and far before it engages the actual brakes. I might be totally wrong on this but I think this is just the way they designed it to integrate with the brakes and not be set up for single pedal driving. You can see the regen amount increase as you touch the brake pedal to test this.

[@blueosaka2553]

Correct. Think it will be easier for ICE car users to switch to an EV. Not sure if BYD did it because of that. I think it is a good idea.

[@dongshengdi773]

​@@blueosaka2553 BYD is a joke. They sold mostly hybrids, not EVs . BYD is playing the same playbook as the CCP; copying and stealing other companies' technology. And then manipulating data to exaggerate their narrative. BYD is on top of the list as having the most repairs in China 😂 🤡 😂 My friend has been working in BYD for over 20 years now . He saw how BYD would disassemble other popular cars like Toyota and Tesla, and then copy them .

[@CaptTsubasa09]

Chose the MG for its great value. A well balanced comparison. Kudos!

[@philipuren3857]

Good reviews, I like your delivery style and presentation. But could you include service and maintenance info in your reviews please. I am totally new to the EV scene, even somewhat skeptical - as in: what are they hiding? Ok, so we are not paying for petrol and the charging costs are cheaper, but what about the annual services and consumables? I read in one review on EVs generally that their tyres need to be more robust (more expensive than ICE cars) and wear out quicker because of their extra weight from the batteries. Also, you said the ground clearance was measured from the ground to the bottom of the battery which raised an instant red-flag in my mind: if the bottom does scrape, does that mean damaging $15,000 worth of battery - that would not be covered under warranty?

[@QALibrary]

colour me impressed by the BYD but I think I still stick with the MG - the price wins it for me

[@waynehobbs5175]

Champion report! Wish Aussies could do such a quality report. I mean, details like measuring width of rear seat. NOBODY does that here across the ditch.

[@EcotricityNZ]

Wayne, you've made a happy man very old. Thanks mate. :) -Gav

[@KaushalFernando-hk1pz]

Nice review

[@birdie972.]

Thank you for this Amazing video

[@stephenodonohue9876]

Hi Gavin, ove the show. The problem you're having with the Byd's cruise control is it's set at 30 automatically. If you click up, it starts at 30kph. However, if you click down, it will start at the speed you're travelling at. As with you, I was quite nervous every time I set it. A comment on a phone call to BYD (about tyres) set me straight. A big relief. P.S. any chance of doing a piece on EV tyres. I'm finding it impossible to find out choices in OZ (the Atlas tyres on my Atto 3 seem fine, however a named brand might be quieter,more comfortable and give me more confidence when we get to winter). 10 different tyre retailers and not a single informed reply. It seems that no-one in OZ knows. NZ seems much further advanced in EV's than us... so maybe you'll have better luck.

[@stephenodonohue9876]

Actually, I "love" the show, I'm not sure, I "ove" the show :):

[@fakejake8965]

I would go for a set of Michelin Primacy s on the Atto. They are not a dedicated EV tyre but you won't be losing much range and gain a lot over the Batmans. I am trashing the Atto to wear out the tyres as soon as possible 😂 (joking)

[@AegisHyperon]

@@fakejake8965 those are the ones the MG uses

[@AegisHyperon]

I've seen "EV tyres" advertised but they are only for bigger wheels, could go for a bigger rim with smaller sidewall but unsure how that would affect comfort

[@stephenodonohue9876]

@@AegisHyperon ta @AegisHypeeon

[@lindseyhatfield9017]

Is the headrest adjustable on the seats, my wife and I often have issues as we have quite a straight spine and find often the headrest pushes the head forward and we have to adjust them back.

[@tacho44]

Very fair report

[@84wrquattro]

I really enjoy your reviews, keep up the good work. However one of my gripes about EV reviews in general is that battery chemistry is rarely discussed and virtually never mentioned as a reason to buy a particular model. Here we have the BYD Atto 3 with an LFP battery. The benefits from this chemistry over Lithium ion are considerable - no rare metals being extracted using child labour - 3 times the cycle life - lower degredation with use - likes to be charged to 100% - no issues with thermal runaway so it won't catch fire I can't help but feel that these advantages need to be mentioned. If we are buying EV's to lower our carbon footprint then a battery that lasts 3 times as long makes a huge difference to the carbon footprint of the vehicle over its lifetime.

[@SpudOfDoom]

These are all good things, but the current version of the MG ZS has a (50.3kWh) LFP battery too, so it's not a point of difference.

[@jawnmark]

Well done mate! I just feel weird with the interior design of byd and I agree about the price.

[@Raj-nh3fc]

I think most of the good cornering and handling behaviour comes from the low centre of gravity from the floor mounted battery.

[@lironla2]

YOU HAVE THE BEST REVIEW

[@chrispeacock3550]

Another great video, thanks Gavin. Just one comment, I'd love to know a little more on the battery specs of each car - kWh and battery chemistry. Doesn't the Atto 3 have LFP blade batteries with 100% depth of discharge? A great feature. I'm not sure what the MG has. It would be good to include this info as part of future reviews.

[@davosam1968]

i don't know why he didn't mention about that and v2L

[@AegisHyperon]

They both use LFP batteries, ever since Tesla opened in China all manufacturers use their tech

[@AegisHyperon]

@@davosam1968 both have v2l as well

[@silverblade1654]

BYD is the vehicle with the most spontaneous combustion in my country. In 2022, it will spontaneously ignite at least 48 times in China! Vehicles of this brand are very dangerous!

[@dongshengdi773]

​@@AegisHyperon BYD is a joke. They sold mostly hybrids, not EVs . BYD is playing the same playbook as the CCP; copying and stealing other companies' technology. And then manipulating data to exaggerate their narrative. BYD is on top of the list as having the most repairs in China 😂 🤡 😂 My friend has been working in BYD for over 20 years now . He saw how BYD would disassemble other popular cars like Toyota and Tesla, and then copy them .

[@therealkrisjenner]

With the mg, instead of going through the screen to turn the lane tracing on, you can just pull the cruise control stalk quickly towards for autonomous steering you twice to enable mg pilot, as I think the lane cantering in the screen is just to assist the driver. Don’t quote me but I think there’s a difference. Great review!

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

Pilot software is illegal in the entire EU though. If you ever have an accident that way you'll face full liability, if you're unlucky criminal charges as not being in control of the vehicle equals reckless driving.

[@therealkrisjenner]

@@SanderSA-ny3lh good thing I'm not in Europe

[@SanderSA-ny3lh]

@@therealkrisjenner If you want to get killed by idiots smashing uncontrolled cars into you then that's your business, obviously. I don't much feel like dying, or having my kids murdered because some corporation wants to make money off of broken beta software.

[@myvideotablemyvideotable528]

i ve test driven both recently. BYD feels more like an electric car. kinda more grounded. probably becus it is heavier too. but really feels like a different kind of machine. MG seems more spacious inside and seems to have slightly quicker response. maybe byd has some traction control going on. MG dealers dont really care to sell it , its like if you wont buy someone else will. but BYD guy spent a lot of time explaining each and every thing about the car.

[@xbigo3268]

I am from Costa Rica and having talked to the guys at MG, noticed exactly the same and that worries me as I want a great customer service but that attitude does not help.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

We know someone who has bought a ZS EV, and was totally disgusted with the 'bimbo's' salesperson, and they told the car can do 400km plus.

[@myvideotablemyvideotable528]

I can relate to that. i nearly was willing to spend 50k for MG Phev. anyway i went for a different type of vehicle and brand later. very happy with it.@@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834

[@JkJK-pb5qm]

Well organized review. Cover pretty much all aspects. Subscribed. Continue great work. We in North America has very little choice and need to wait for 18 months or more for an EV or hybrid vehicle. Sad. What I want is "take my dollars and give me the Atto 3".

[@scottw4208]

I love these cars! Please bring them to US asap👍👍

[@soha7271]

Not sure Biden will allow its entry or not😢

[@Mariobrownio1989]

Great companion!

[@shyampsunder2003]

You got the USB port comparison wrong. MG has an additional USB port next to IRVM for the dash cam making it a total of 5 USB ports in the ZS EV.