BYD ATTO 3, Aces The Euro NCAP Test

Chinese brands are fast proving to the world that they have moved leaps beyond producing substandard knockoffs of other makes for its local consumption. Case in point the BYD ATTO 3 which is to be launched in Malaysia this year through Sime Darby, its Malaysian distributor. 

In a recent release by Euro NCAP, the BYD ATTO 3 had successfully attained a five-star rating. For those of you who are still in the dark with regards to BYD, the initials actually stands for “Build Your Dreams” and they have been in the forefront of bus manufacturing for decades before deciding to dabble in the world of budget friendly EV. The BYD ATTO 3 comes standard equipped with the latest in ADAS technologies 

In the test conducted by Euro NCAP, the overall occupant compartment of the ATTO 3 was stable in the frontal offset crash simulation. There was adequate protection to the test subjects knee and femur for both the driver and passenger. This was by analysing the impact deceleration cycle and deformed barrier after the test, where a conclusion was made that the ATTO 3 would provide a well cushioned zone in an event of frontal collision. 

As for the full-width rigid barrier test, the ATTO 3 scored maximum points as it provided class topping protection for all critical body areas. However, the ATTO 3 was rated weak when it came to the severe side pole impact test which tests the level of protection to the chest measured through values of rib compression. Control of Excursion (the extent to which a body is thrown to the other side of the vehicle when it is hit from the far side) was adequate while there was countermeasure to mitigate against occupant to occupant injuries in such impacts. 

Then it came to head restraint, the ATTO 3 front and rear seats provided good protection against whiplash injuries from a rear-end collision. A bonus was the advanced eCall system which alerts emergency services in the event of a crash and automated brake system which applies the brakes after an impact to prevent a secondary collision.

Now as for child occupant safety, all critical body areas were good on the dummies during the frontal offset test and the side barrier impact. Additionally the front passenger airbag could be disabled to allow a rearward-facing child seat placement. 

On the pedestrian side of things, the ATTO 3 provided adequate protection to pedestrians’ heads with some minus points when it came to impact on the stiff windscreen pillars. The vehicle's bumper offered good protection to pedestrians’ legs however protection on the pelvis region was rated poorly.  However the ATTO 3’s autonomous emergency braking system (AEB) was up to task in avoiding potential collision with pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.