Huge information from BYD Malaysia – the facelifted Atto 3 will likely be launched this coming week on June 5. Whereas we do know the C-segment SUV is ready to obtain some updates inside and outside, we nonetheless do not know concerning the form of modifications that will likely be supplied beneath the pores and skin, as no info has been revealed simply but.
The factor is, the Chinese language EV large has launched two flavours of the facelift globally – not together with the all-new mannequin in China (known as the Yuan Plus there), which this automotive clearly isn’t. The primary is the fundamental model launched in Hong Kong, which will get the refreshed exterior and inside, in addition to sooner 105 kW DC quick charging – however with an unchanged 204 PS/310 Nm entrance motor, 60.48 kWh Blade LFP battery and 420 km of WLTP-rated vary.
The opposite, farther-reaching improve is the Evo, presently unique to Europe but additionally confirmed for Australia. This switches the structure to rear-wheel drive, with the motor boosted to a formidable 313 PS (230 kW) and 380 Nm of torque. This will get it from zero to 100 km/h in simply 5.5 seconds – practically two complete seconds faster than the FWD Atto 3 – whereas the highest velocity has been raised to 180 km/h.
Not fast sufficient? There’s additionally a really bonkers dual-motor AWD model that pushes out 449 PS (330 kW) and 560 Nm, slashing the century dash to a scarcely-believable 3.9 seconds and elevating the highest velocity to 200 km/h. The battery has additionally elevated in capability to 74.8 kWh, yielding WLTP vary figures of 510 km for the RWD variant and 470 km with AWD.
Maybe probably the most spectacular is the change to an 800-volt electrical structure, which allows the Evo’s DC quick charging energy to be boosted from a measly 88 kW to a way more respectable 220 kW. This cuts the charging time from 10 to 80% by practically half – from 40 minutes to simply 25 – regardless of the larger battery.
The automotive additionally features extra compact five-link rear suspension that frees up 50 litres of boot area (now 490 litres, expandable to 1,360 litres with the rear seats folded), whereas the transferring of the motor to the rear has enabled the fitment of a 101 litre entrance boot.
Regardless of which model we get, the Atto 3 will achieve sportier entrance and rear bumpers with twin body-coloured “tusks”, new cascading triangular graphics for the taillights and sleeker black D-pillar trim; the Evo moreover features new 18-inch gray alloy wheels. Inside, there’s a much less rippled dashboard, an Atto 2-style steering wheel with a brand new column-mounted gear selector, a non-rotating 15.6-inch centre touchscreen, a a lot bigger 8.8-inch instrument show and a redesigned centre console with twin smartphone holders.
Whereas Malaysia (and the remainder of Asia) tends to observe Hong Kong in terms of specs, there could possibly be a distinction this time round, as BYD Malaysia has used the slogan “Sooner, Additional, Smarter” for the brand new automotive, hinting that it will likely be the Evo getting the nod for our market.
“Sooner” might confer with both the precise efficiency improve or faster charging, “Additional” nearly actually refers back to the longer vary, and “Smarter” possible refers to built-in Google providers like Google Maps, Google Assistant, YouTube and the Play Retailer – one other characteristic that appears to be unique to the Evo. Plus, the only picture offered exhibits the automotive with out its entrance cost port – one other trace of it being RWD.
All this stuff add value, and usually this might push the value of the Atto 3 past that of pure rivals just like the Proton eMas 7. However keep in mind, BYD’s CKD native meeting plans are presently in limbo, and with out it, the automotive would have been a bit costlier anyway, because of import and excise duties utilized to CBU fully-imported fashions beginning this 12 months.
With the Evo, BYD Malaysia would have a automotive that’s faster than the Sealion 7, whereas providing an extended vary and sooner charging – all at a value not far faraway from that supposedly extra upmarket mannequin in its tax-free pre-2026 guise. Whether or not prospects will have the ability to settle for such a value hike for what was a reasonably inexpensive EV is one other story fully, however that’s past the corporate’s fingers.
Are you excited for the facelifted BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia – whether or not its the essential model or the Evo? Tell us within the feedback.
GALLERY: BYD Atto 3 facelift for Hong Kong
GALLERY: BYD Atto 3 Evo
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