BYD Atto 3 launched in India, Will Malaysia be next?

KUALA LUMPUR: The Chinese automaker BYD is ready to hit the Malaysian market with two electric vehicles, the Atto 3 and e6. The former has recently landed on the Indian shores in a single variant priced at Rs 33.99 lakh (approximately equal to RM 190,774). The Indians received the EV very well with almost 1,500 bookings in just a single month of opening its order books. 

What does the Indian-spec BYD Atto 3 have to offer? Let’s know.

Rivalling the likes of the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric in India, the BYD Atto 3 comes equipped with a single electric motor delivering a maximum power output of 204 PS and a peak torque of 310 Nm. The motor is fed by a 60-kWh Blade battery pack letting the EV run for 521 km ( ARAI-claimed) on a single charge. 

Also read: BYD Atto 3: Cars the upcoming electric SUV will rival

As for the latter, the customers get a fast charging option along with the standard means of charging. With the help of an 80kW fast charger, it juices up to 80% in 50 minutes while a 7kW AC socket takes up to 10 hours for a full charge. The EV also offers a vehicle-to-load functionality, by which one can power certain appliances from the battery pack.

Performance-wise, the Indian-spec Atto 3 can run from zero to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds.

In terms of design, the Chinese EV features a premium and sophisticated exterior and a futuristic-looking interior with several creature comforts. Among the key highlights are - 

• Blanked-off silver front grille
• Sleek headlights with LED DRLs
• 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels
• Full-length LED tail lights
• Powered tailgate
• 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster

• Door-mounted circular speakers
• Panoramic sunroof
• Automatic climate control,
• Wireless phone charger
• Powered front seats
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Multi-coloured ambient lighting
• Seven airbags
• 360-degree camera
• Full suite of ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, and lane keeping assist

BYD India offers the Atto 3 in four colour options - Ski White, Parkour Red, Surf Blue, and Boulder Grey. The warranty terms include 8-year/1,60,000 kilometres for the battery, 8-year/1,50,000 kilometres for the motor, and 6-year/1,50,000 kilometres for the vehicle.

Is Malaysia next in line to get the BYD Atto 3?

While the official arrival timeline of the EV is yet to be announced, the reports suggest a launch by the end of this year.

Also read: BYD e6 EV: What to expect?