Car Launch: BYD Atto 1

TL;DR: The BYD Atto 1 is a compact, city‑designed EV starting at $29,990 +ORC. It delivers a 5‑star ANCAP safety rating, low running costs, and practical efficiency. Available in Essential or Premium trims, it includes fast‑charging capability and strong safety features across the range. The Premium’s 310km range suits daily urban use, and offers a surprisingly engaging drive, smart packaging, and modern technology.

BYD’s smallest and most affordable car recently launched in New Zealand and – despite its miniature size – is set to make a big splash in the compact EV market.

Since the first batch arrived around Christmas last year, the Atto 1 has achieved over 90 new car registrations. BYD NZ General Manager Warren Willmot says that some of those numbers are dealer demonstrators, but it’s still an impressive start for a compact EV.

The Atto 1 (sold overseas as the Seagull) arrives with more than a new badge. Local models receive added safety features that elevate it well beyond the version sold in China.

Willmot says, “the Atto 1 you see here today is not the same model they have in China. For BYD in NZ, safety is of the utmost importance, and we’re very pleased this has got both a 5-star Euro NCAP and 5-star ANCAP rating.”

In short, the Atto 1 manages to keep costs down without compromising on safety.

The AA was invited to the launch event which took us out to Waiheke Island for an Amazing Race styled event using the Atto 1. The semi-rural backdrop of Waiheke provided scenic views, and despite the obvious preference as a city car, the Atto 1 felt right at home on the uneven and pockmarked roads.

It’s no coincidence that Waiheke was chosen as the location for this event as the island is home to the highest concentration of Nissan Leafs, making the ideal location to showcase another small and affordable EV.

Being a city-designed EV means the battery is on the smaller side. Take it too far from town and you may start to deal with range anxiety; the Essential model offers up to 220km (WLTP), while the Premium steps that up to 310km (WLTP) thanks to its larger battery.

The small battery does makes charging times shorter, with DC fast charging enabling the Atto 1 to charge from 30% to 80% in roughly 22–25 minutes.

The ATTO1 comes in two variants:

• Essential - $29,990 +ORC, 65kW motor, 30kWh Blade battery, 220km range
• Premium - $35,990 +ORC, 115kW motor, 43kWh Blade battery, 310km range

Despite the small battery size, the Atto 1 does present a viable option as a run-around car for commuting to work, school, or university. It may even replace the primary car during the week, which will be saved for longer trips on the weekend.

Our pick of the range is the Premium, which delivers a bit more power and extra range without asking for much more in the budget. Make no mistake though that both options are great cars, and with the average car journey of just 10km, even the Essential’s 220km range gives enough charge for several days of city driving.

Waiheke Island’s winding coastal roads gave the Atto 1 plenty of chances to show off. Due to the short wheelbase, lightweight battery, and front-wheel drive setup, it offers an energetic and playful experience. It handles like a hot hatch most of the time, although the instant EV torque can cause the front-end to feel a little loose when you accelerate. Despite this, the car remains composed and predictable.

The Atto 1 will feel most at home around town thanks to its brisk acceleration and light steering, making it zippy through traffic. The suspension is firm (which is characteristic of small, affordable hatches), and while it’s comfortable on most sealed roads, you do notice changes in the road surface when driving over rougher patches.

Although the car looks small on the outside – about the size of Suzuki Swift – the interior is surprisingly spacious, with plenty of room at the front and even enough room in the back for two adults on short trips.

The centre console features a 10” touchscreen with app support, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even a built-in karaoke app. Most controls live on the screen, although BYD have included a handy row of physical switches beneath it for a more tactile feel.

At 308 litres, boot space is reasonable for a vehicle this size. There is enough room for either a week’s groceries or a pair of small carry-on suitcases. Under the false floor you’ll find a tyre repair kit, charging cable, and the Vehicle to Load (V2L) adapter, which we used to boil a kettle for coffee at Little Oneroa Beach – always a neat EV party trick.

The Atto 1 has a clean, sharp look with just enough styling details to give it personality without standing out too much. It blends easily into an urban setting, and with four colour options on offer, it also offers just enough choice for drivers wanting something a bit more distinctive.

The Atto 1 is a charming and clever compact EV that brings genuine affordability to the electric market. For city commuters, small families, or anyone wanting a cost-effective second car with low running costs, it’s an option that makes a lot of sense.