The passenger compartment of the ATTO 3 remained stable in the frontal offset test. Dummy numbers demonstrated good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger. BYD showed that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and to those sitting in different positions. Analysis of the deceleration of the impact trolley during the test, and analysis of the deformable barrier after the test, revealed that the ATTO 3 would be a moderately benign impact partner in a frontal collision.
In the full-width rigid barrier test, protection of all critical body areas was good or adequate, for the dummies in the driver and rear passenger seats. In the side barrier test, protection of all critical body areas was good and the car scored maximum points. However, in the more severe side pole impact, protection of the chest was rated as weak, based measured 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 found to be adequate. The ATTO 3 has a counter-measure to mitigate against occupant to occupant injuries in such impacts. The system performed well in Euro NCAP's test, with good protection of occupants' heads.
Tests on the front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision. A geometric analysis of the rear seats also indicated good whiplash protection.
The ATTO 3 has an advanced eCall system which alerts the emergency services in the event of a crash. The car also has a system which applies the brakes after an impact to avoid secondary collisions.
Ratings from the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) are not binding, as it does not certify vehicles for road use. But European consumers pay attention to Euro NCAP's safety tests, and carmakers aggressively market good ratings.
BYD Atto 3 is an all-electric SUV with a battery capacity of 60.48 kWh and a WLTP range of 420 km. It has a pre-sale price of €38,000.
Last week, German car rental company Sixt said it has committed to buying around 100,000 electric vehicles from China's BYD in the coming years.
Source: Euro NCAP
