Full Marks For The BYD Atto 3 In The Euro NCAP Crash Tests

The Euro NCAP crash safety test program has tested BYD’s Atto 3, the Chinese carmaker’s next launch for India, to see how it fares in crash safety. And if you had your eyes set on it, there is good news as the Atto 3 has aced the tests with a perfect five-star rating. Impressive for a new product, we would say. 

The Atto 3 used in the Euro NCAP crash test had all the safety features available in the India-spec model. So it was fitted with seven airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX, and a suite of ADAS features. The electric SUV scored 91% in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 89% in Child Occupant Protection (COP), 69% in Vulnerable Road Users test and 71% in Safety Assist.  

Starting with AOP, the knees and femurs of both the front dummies had good protection. Even in the full-width, rigid-barrier test, the critical body parts of both the front and rear seat dummies had good protection. That said, maximum points for the electric SUV were awarded in the side barrier test, where it offered very good protection. However, it let down in the side pole impact test as protection offered to the chest was weak. Overall, the SUV’s body shell was rated as stable, which is reassuring. 

In the COP test, the Atto 3 once again impressed by offering good protection for both the dummies in the frontal offset and side barrier impact tests. The front co-driver airbag can also be disabled to install a dummy seat in the front passenger seat, and the Euro NCAP appreciated the clear warnings that the Atto 3 displayed for the same.  

The Atto 3 comes with a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that add a layer of safety. Euro NCAP said the Autonomous Emergency Braking performed well, while the correction of the lane departure warning was gentle when the vehicle drifted out of lane. Plus, the car has a secondary collision avoidance system where the it would use brakes automatically in case of an accident. 

Bookings for the Byd Atto 3 are open in India and prices will be announced in December. It’s expected to cost around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom), and will be a more premium alternative to the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric.