Sime Darby, the distributor of Chinese automotive brand BYD, has recently launched the brand in Malaysia. With the launch comes the introduction of BYD’s first vehicle in Malaysia, the all-electric C-segment SUV called the BYD ATTO 3. Due to its affordability, the ATTO 3 is likely to be the first electric vehicle that many Malaysians will have the opportunity to experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at the BYD ATTO 3 and determine if it’s a worthwhile option for those considering their first EV purchase.

For the exterior, the ATTO 3 may seem unremarkable, and lacking unique characteristics to distinguish it from other vehicles. While it is not unattractive, it does not possess any notable features that catch the eye. With a bulky frame, the car’s 18-inch wheels appear diminutive in comparison. The front of the ATTO 3 is fitted with sharp headlights that are connected with a light bar, a design choice that has become increasingly common among EV manufacturers. These headlights are equipped with full LED lights and feature adaptive high beams.

At the back, the rear end of the ATTO 3 resembles the Mercedes EQA, with LED tail lights and a prominent light bar. Instead of a BYD badge, the top of the light bar comes with a “build your dream” slogan. Sequential turn signals can be seen at the back as well, while standard flashing signals adorn the front. Completing the stylish appearance of the ATTO 3 are its aerodynamic 18-inch rims, which are fitted with 215/55 R18 tires from China.

While some may find the interior of the ATTO 3 fancy, it doesn’t quite suit my taste. The abundance of curves creates a cluttered appearance, despite the interior being relatively simplified. Additionally, the color coordination fails to appeal to me, as I prefer darker hues for my vehicle’s interior. While some soft touch materials are appropriately placed, others seem out of place in an SUV with a price tag of nearly RM 170,000. In the center of the dashboard, there is a prominent 12.8-inch infotainment screen that commands attention. Although it’s capable of switching from landscape to portrait mode, this feature may not be very useful to most people, who will likely stick with the landscape orientation. While the infotainment system supports Apple Carplay, Android Auto was not yet available for the screen at the time of review, making it mostly redundant for me as an Android user while driving.

BYD has incorporated the majority of the in-car settings into the infotainment screen, thereby reducing clutter on the dashboard. The infotainment screen also features integrated climate control. While the climate control feature is pretty basic, what sets it apart is the air quality display, which provides information on the air quality both inside and outside the vehicle. Moreover, the infotainment system is paired with a commendable sound system to enhance your audio experience.

Regarding the climate system, the location of the center AC vents is suboptimal. I experienced minimal airflow during my first day of driving the ATTO 3, even though I had the AC on. Due to the intense heat, it took a considerable amount of time to cool down the cabin. Although the ATTO 3 has ambient lighting, it would benefit from some rearrangement to enhance its elegance. Additionally, I find the instrument cluster too small for such a large vehicle, making it difficult to read with a quick glance due to the excessive amount of information crammed into the tiny display.

Furthermore, in my opinion, the gear lever appears peculiar as it resembles the handle of a shovel. Moreover, the ATTO 3 is equipped with USB-A and USB-C connection ports situated at the front and rear of the automobile to keep your phone powered. Furthermore, BYD incorporates a wireless charging pad, providing drivers with an alternative charging option to keep their devices charged.

The driver seat provides a comfortable seating position, albeit on the taller side. Nonetheless, the ATTO 3 driving position surpasses that of the X70. On the other hand, the rear seats offer ample headroom and legroom, providing a comfortable environment for passengers. The flat floor also accommodates up to three people at the back. In terms of storage, the ATTO 3 boasts a 440L boot space that can expand to 1,340L when the rear seats are folded down. To add more convenience, BYD allows owners to select the height of the tailgate opening, making it possible to open in lower roof car parks without touching the ceiling.

For the powertrain, the ATTO 3 that utilizes a single electric motor at the front with power transmitted to the front wheels. The ATTO 3 comes equipped with a 60.48 kWh battery, providing the necessary power to the electric motor and yielding an impressive theoretical range of 480 km. With a total output of 203 horsepower and a maximum torque of 310 Nm, the ATTO 3 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 km/h.

The ATTO 3 boasts the same advantages as any other electric vehicle, with its electric motor providing instant torque that effortlessly propels the car forward. The powertrain is particularly notable for its energy efficiency, as it proved to be the most efficient electric motor that I have personally tested, with an average power consumption figure of 16.9kW/100km. When charging the vehicle, I found that the 180kW DC fast charger allowed for a maximum charging speed of 87kW. Although the instrument cluster displays an optimistic range of 470 km on a full charge, I estimate that the true range is closer to 400-420 km.

In terms of handling, the ATTO 3 doesn’t offer much to write home about. Although the steering is relatively responsive, there’s a sense of disconnection from the front wheels. Nonetheless, the car remains reasonably stable when navigating turns. The most impressive aspect of the ATTO 3, however, is its ability to absorb bumps and uneven surfaces. Thanks to its soft suspension, the car’s upper and lower halves feel distinctly separate. Even when driving over rough terrain or uneven road markings, passengers experience minimal vibration inside the cabin. This suspension system is particularly well-suited for use on Malaysian roads, where comfort is a top priority. However, the soft suspension also leads to noticeable body roll when taking turns with enthusiasm.

Brakes wise, the ATTO 3 is equipped with decent brakes that are effective for everyday use. However, its regenerative brakes are not powerful enough to provide any significant braking force from the electric motor. When the vehicle is in eco mode, the regenerative brakes do not kick in at all, which could be a way for BYD to prevent the car from slowing down when the throttle is lifted off.

The ATTO 3 comes with an extensive list of safety and driver assistance systems to enhance the driving experience. The safety systems include seven airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability program, traction control system, electronic brake force distribution, and hill descent control. Meanwhile, the driver assistance systems consist of a tire pressure monitoring system, stop and go full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking system, front and rear collision warning, blind spot detection, door open warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive front light.

In conclusion, the ATTO 3 is a comfortable electric vehicle that can efficiently transport you from one point to another. With a price of RM 167,800, it could serve as a first-time electric vehicle for many buyers. Personally, the ATTO 3 does not appeal to me as it lacks an enjoyable driving experience and its interior design is not to my liking. However, if you are interested in purchasing your first electric vehicle, the ATTO 3 is worth considering. Keep in mind that as a new vehicle, its reliability is still something that I did not have the answer for.

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