BYDAtto 3

The Atto 3 EVO is the heavily updated version of BYD’s first UK model, the Atto 3 family SUV. It moves to an 800-volt version of e-Platform 3.0, switches to rear- or all-wheel drive and gains much faster charging. Two trims are sold: rear-drive Design from £38,990 and all-wheel-drive Excellence from £42,730.

## Battery, range and charging

Both versions use a 74.8 kWh Blade battery. Design is rated at 316 miles WLTP and Excellence at 292 miles, with city figures of 441 and 391 miles. DC charging now peaks at 220 kW, so 10–80% takes about 25 minutes – a big step on the original Atto 3. An 11 kW on-board charger means around eight hours for a full charge at home, and a heat pump is standard.

## Performance and driving

Design has a 230 kW (314 PS) rear motor with 380 Nm, good for 0–62 mph in 5.5 seconds and 111 mph. Excellence adds a front asynchronous motor for 330 kW (449 PS) and 560 Nm, cutting the sprint to 3.9 seconds – supercar pace for a family SUV – with a 124 mph top speed. Kerb weights are 1,880 and 1,990 kg.

## Interior and space

The EVO is 4,455 mm long with a 2,720 mm wheelbase, and the boot holds 490 litres, rising to 1,360 litres with the rear seats folded. The quirky cabin keeps the guitar-string door bins, and adds heated and ventilated vegan leather sports seats and a wireless charging pad in the armrest. Grey or beige interiors are available.

## Technology and safety

A 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen and 8.8-inch driver display are standard, along with NFC phone keys, a 360-degree camera and seven airbags. Excellence adds a head-up display, panoramic roof with electric sunshade and heated rear seats. BYD says five-star safety is standard across the range.

## Who is it for?

Families who want a mid-size electric SUV with serious pace and quick charging at a sensible price. Rivals include the Kia EV5, Skoda Elroq, Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4; the rear-drive Design offers the best range for the money.