New BYD Atto 3 details emerge for 2023

UPDATE 26/11/22: EVDirect has reverted the brochure back to the old version without the spec changes noted below and notes smartphone projection is coming in Q3 2022 – which has already passed. It's unclear whether the updated brochure was published with incorrect details or earlier than planned.

The BYD Atto 3 electric crossover SUV will gain minor specification changes for the 2023 model-year.

According to an updated brochure, the affordable BYD electric car will be available with Continental 235/50 18-inch tyres as an option, replacing the standard Atlas Batman 215/55 tyres.

Forest Green has been added to the colour palette, which is already available in its home market in China where it wears the Yuan Plus nameplate. Though, it’s unclear whether it’ll be exclusive to the Extended Range like the Parkour Red currently.

It’s also confirmed the Atto 3 will feature wired Apple CarPlay, but wireless Android Auto smartphone projection capabilities on its 12.8-inch rotating infotainment system. Both much-anticipated systems are still slated to arrive via an over-the-air (OTA) software update by the end of this year for existing owners.

The brochure states that free map updates are supported for up to three years, with the first OTA update in September adding the built-in navigation app powered by Nokia’s Here Technologies.

The BYD Atto 3 starts from $44,381 before on-road costs and state incentives with choice of two lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) ‘Blade Battery’ pack sizes boasting up to 420km of driving range (WLTP), vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability and an energy-saving heat pump as standard.

Image by - BYD via Sina Weibo

Despite the facelifted MG ZS EV ousting the Atto 3 as Australia’s cheapest electric car in most states with a starting price of just $44,990 drive-away nationwide, the BYD is still the best value-packed EV with one fully-specified model.

Independent distributor EVDirect recommenced deliveries of the BYD electric car this week after a three-week hiatus addressing a compliance issue with an Australian Design Rule (ADR) that stipulates the need to have an accessible middle-seat top tether child seat anchor point to be classified as a five-seater car.

But, it’ll face more competition heading into the new year with affordable entrants like the MG4, GWM Ora Funky Cat, and its very own BYD Dolphin small hatchbacks poised to match or undercut the Atto 3’s price tag.