BYD has officially revealed its refreshed Atto 3 electric SUV in China, but it’s unclear when it’ll go on sale in Australia.
The Atto 3 – sold in China as the Yuan Plus – gets freshened exterior styling as a part of the update, as well as a handful of new technology features, but there’s no extra power or driving range.
“When we have news on new product coming to Australia we will inform the media,” a BYD Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.
Representatives for the brand have previously said it could take 12 to 24 months for new vehicles in China to be developed for right-hand drive markets such as Australia.
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As previously reported when it was leaked in Chinese government approval documents, the Atto 3’s front bumper now features more aggressive side air aprons which are more closely aligned with those seen on the BYD Seal sedan.
At the rear, the bumper gets a sharper lower portion, while there’s also a new stepped rear spoiler with two split top brake lights, rather than the more conventional strip on the current model.
In China, the Atto 3 is fitted with new-look wheels all round, moving to five spokes instead of the five twin-spokes of the current car.
The patterned C/D-pillar trim has also been replaced with a more conventional body-colour insert.
While that’s the extent of the visual changes on the outside, Car News China reports Chinese examples of the SUV will be equipped with the latest ‘God’s Eye’ advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).
This is powered by three cameras behind the windscreen, four surround-view cameras, five long-range cameras, five millimetre-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars.
One of those cameras appears to sit above the front number plate holder.
Images of the Atto 3’s interior, published by Autohome, show a slightly more conservative look overall.
There appears to be a larger digital instrument cluster, which sits behind a new flat-bottom steering wheel.
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Image credit: Autohome
Other interior tweaks include the gear shifter being moved from the centre console and onto the steering column.
The publication reports this change has resulted in a 50-watt smartphone charger now sitting in its place, capable of holding two phones.
No changes have been made under the skin, with the Atto 3 continuing to be powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 150kW and 310Nm, and batteries ranging from 49.9kWh to 60.5kWh.
The reveal of China’s new Yuan Plus comes after BYD Australia announced it would introduce a new, more affordable Essential base model, priced from $39,990 before on-road costs.
MORE: Everything BYD Atto 3
