Chinese auto maker BYD has been introduced to the Irish market with the arrival of their all-electric Atto 3 C-segment SUV designed, by German auto designer Wolfgang Egger with electric European customers in mind, writes Trish Whelan. The car is aimed at the compact family crossover segment and BYD stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’. It will be followed by two other models in August and September.
The Atto 3 is the first car to use the brand's dedicated electric platform bringing what BYD say is the latest in EV innovation in terms of safety, system efficiency, integrated vehicle intelligence and performance. It is powered by a 60.48 kWh battery with a rated 420km range (WLTP combined). The battery, styled 'Blade', passed serious safety impact and piercing tests, and is said to provide an efficient and longer range as well as more power density for optimum performance, including faster charging. The car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
Energy consumption is 16.3kWh/100km or less. With a 150kW DC charger the battery can be recharged from 30pc to 80pc in 29 minutes. Overnight home charging from an almost empty battery to full range, takes 6.5 hours. External devices can be charged by the car’s battery.
The range consists of three specification variants: ‘Comfort’ and ‘Design’ trim levels followed by an ‘Active’ version.
On a short drive in the Atto 3 at its introduction last week, I found the car to be spacious and comfortable with very good headroom for all five occupants, and with plenty of power for everyday use. Interior styling is quite unusual, with lots of curves and lines, especially on the dash which is dominated by a pale coloured 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen, and there's a smaller driver’s screen. The car is equipped with 4G connectivity, with over-the-air updates. GPS Navigation is standard as is smartphone integration.
A hefty suite of safety features is standard and in Euro NCAP safety tests the car achieved 91pc for adult occupant protection and 89pc for child occupant protection.
In Ireland, BYD cars will be distributed and supported by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL), who also import Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and commercial vehicles here. Atto 3 is available initially through dealerships in Dublin and Cork — BYD North Dublin on the Navan Road at BYD South Dublin in Deansgrange. In Cork, models can be viewed at BYD Cork at Eastgate Business Park, Little Island. Additional dealerships will be announced shortly.
With more than 28 years’ experience in battery research and development BYD is globally renowned for its pioneering technology and leading innovations in eMobility solutions. BYD Auto is now focused on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has remained top of electrified passenger vehicle sales in China for nine years in a row.
PRICE: From €37,128 - €38,964.
