Chinese cars have fulfilled their threat and have assaulted the European market with low prices and very good features, equipment, and quality. Many traditional brands are having a hard time competing with these new brands. However, there are specific cases in which we can find better options than the Chinese both in terms of price and performance. This is the case of this model in question, cheaper than a Chinese one, but with greater range and a larger trunk, plus it has a 7-year warranty. So yes, a highly recommended although little-known purchase option.
We have highlighted the BYD Atto 3 here on countless occasions, especially after our test. It is a model similar to a Hyundai Tucson, for example, but with 100% electric mechanics and, despite this, a lower price than its hybrid version. So it is considered a really interesting option because, in addition, it comes with much more equipment included as standard. Well, the BYD Atto 3 has a tremendous rival and it is none other than the KIA e-Niro. It only measures 3 centimeters smaller, is not Chinese but comes from South Korea and, despite being a little more compact, has 475 liters of trunk capacity compared to the 440 liters that the BYD Atto has. 3. And be careful, because there are other things in which it is also better than the BYD model.
The KIA e-Niro is cheaper than a BYD Atto 3
Compared to the 30,780 euros that a BYD Atto 3 costs the least, the interesting KIA e-Niro can be purchased for 28,000 euros. And be careful, because the BYD Atto 3 has a 204 HP electric motor and the KIA e-Niro has the same, so in terms of power no one stands out. However, the KIA model offers a range of 463 kilometers and, compared to this, the BYD Atto 3 manages to reach a maximum of 420 km under the same WLTP homologation cycle. Quite a surprise, above all, because there is indeed a significant price difference between one model and the other.
Because? Well, among other things, because the KIA e-Niro has a battery with 65 kWh of energy storage capacity and, however, the BYD Atto 3, which is more expensive at the moment, has a battery with 60 kWh of capacity. So in terms of battery, range, trunk, and its 7-year warranty, a priori the KIA e-Niro is a better purchase option than the BYD Atto 3. However, we must be fair and, indeed, there are also other aspects to take into account.
The BYD Atto 3 is worth having a little less range, but it costs more because it comes better equipped, its interior qualities are superior and it has the best technology of the moment. Among other things, its Blade battery is made up of LFP cells. And this battery has proven to be the safest that exists. Not only that, but it has excellent energy density, and with the BYD Atto 3’s electrical system, it shows an extraordinary level of efficiency.
The cold figures on the technical specifications of both say that the KIA e-Niro is a better purchase option. Now, I have been able to drive both and, honestly, I consider the BYD Atto 3 to be a better electric car. But enough to justify the 2,000 euros more it costs? This is already a very personal decision, and the difference in range is perhaps what would matter most to me. Of course, after having been able to try them, between the two I would spend my own money on the BYD Atto 3.
