Hey everyone! I just got a sneak peek at a new electric car that’s causing quite a stir, and I had to tell you all about it. It’s the BYD Atto 1, and it might just be the affordable electric SUV many people have been waiting for.
I saw it at the Jakarta Motor Show, and the buzz was all about its price. For my friends in India, think roughly around ₹10 lakh! For a car that can drive almost 300 km on a single charge, that’s getting a lot of people excited.
So, let’s dive in and see what this little electric car is all about!
First Impressions: A Sporty, Compact SUV
The Atto 1 is a small SUV, about the same size as a Tata Punch or Hyundai Exter. It has a modern, clean design that BYD calls its “Ocean Aesthetic.” In fact, it’s even called the “Seagull” in some countries!
From the front, you’ll notice the sharp, double-slash headlights. From the side, it has some cool diagonal lines on the doors and handles that sit flush with the body. Around the back, a full-width light bar and a sporty-looking roof spoiler complete the look. It’s a stylish little package that sits on 16-inch wheels.
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Inside the Cabin: Simple and Smart
Sliding inside, the first thing I noticed was the space. For a compact car, there’s more than enough room up front. It’s a five-seater, and the seats are comfortable and supportive, holding you in place nicely.
The dashboard is simple and elegant. I really liked the unique circular buttons—they’re a cool and different touch. The steering wheel is a good size, easy to hold, and has physical buttons, which I always prefer over touch-sensitive ones.
Now, for a few downsides. The plastics used on the dashboard and doors feel a bit hard and basic. There’s also a very small touchscreen and a tiny screen behind the steering wheel for the driver. It’s better than nothing, but I wish they were a bit bigger.
But it has all the essentials:
- USB and Type-C charging ports
- A wireless charging pad
- Two cup holders
- A large glove box
- A big armrest (even if it doesn’t open)
Overall, for an entry-level electric car, the interior seems to tick all the right boxes for a comfortable daily drive.
The Big Question: Battery and Range
This is the most important part for any electric car, right? In Indonesia, the Atto 1 comes with two battery options:
- The Smaller Battery: A 30 kWh battery with a claimed range of 300 km.
- The Bigger Battery: A 39 kWh battery with a claimed range of 380 km.
Charging is pretty straightforward. Using a home or public AC charger, you can fully charge the car in about 4.5 to 6 hours. If you need a quick top-up at a DC fast charger, it can handle speeds of 30 kW (for the small battery) or 40 kW (for the big one).
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the verdict? The BYD Atto 1 seems to be a well-packaged deal. It promises a decent range, a nice enough cabin for your daily needs, and the low running costs that come with an electric car.
It’s easy to see why people in Indonesia are loving it, and I can see it having a similar appeal in India if it launches here.
What do you think? Does a small electric SUV like this interest you? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below