BYD Atto 3 VS Renault Arkana
BYD Atto 3
Likes
- Good value for an SUV
- Very good value for an EV
- Decent driving range for both models
Dislikes
- The interior design is polarising
- Long-term BYD prospects still unclear
- No spare tyre
Renault Arkana
Likes
- Good looks
- Punchy engine
- Decent equipment list
Dislikes
- Glitchy transmission
- Firmish ride
- Not the cheapest
Summary
BYD Atto 3
We appear to have reached a tipping point in the acceptance of electric vehicles in this country. The early adopters have made their switch but the technology has become more widely accepted, so now carmakers need to woo buyers with conventional means.
That means the tried and tested methods for making any car more appealing to a customer - lower cost and more equipment.
No car demonstrates this better than the BYD Atto 3, which is one of the most popular electric vehicles in Australia. But after an initial surge of buyers happy for a more affordable EV, BYD needs to find fresh ways to attract new customers.
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So, for this updated 2024 Atto 3, BYD has made it cheaper and added some key new equipment, while retaining its previous strengths in terms of value and technology.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | — |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Fuel Efficiency | —L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Renault Arkana
Renault’s Arkana coupe-style compact SUV has been hit with its first makeover, which ushers in a range of styling changes, increased equipment and new model grade names.
There are few cars like it in the compact SUV segment, where vehicles usually favour the boxier, traditional SUV wagon shape over the stylish but often internal space compromised coupe SUVs.
Renault Australia is only expecting about one per cent share of the segment or around 1500 sales a year.
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But if you want to stand out from the crowd of Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX and Toyota Corolla Cross small SUVs then the Arkana might be for you.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.3L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.9L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
BYD Atto 37/10
BYD hasn’t made dramatic changes to the Atto 3 for 2024, but has it done enough to lure in more buyers?
The additional equipment, namely the larger infotainment screen and new tyres, will certainly help make the Atto 3 more appealing. And the technology behind EVs is more understood by the average motorists, so the barriers to making the switch to electrification are dropping.
But the single biggest factor is likely to be the price. At a time when inflation (and other reasons) is driving the cost of new vehicles up, having your updated model go in the wrong direction will only help make potential buyers take notice.
Especially when you consider Toyota’s closest rival to the Atto 3, the bZ4X, starts at $66,000, while the Tesla Model Y is priced from $55,900, making both significantly more expensive propositions. Heck, the cheapest Toyota RAV4 hybrid model starts at $42,260, only marginally cheaper than the Atto 3 Standard Range.
So, if BYD can make its value argument strongly it will help lure more new buyers to take the plunge into the world of EVs.
Renault Arkana7.1/10
The Arkana is a stylish alternative in a sea of same-same compact SUVs. It's relatively well equipped and has some hidden gems in its ownership and running costs that elevate it above some of the competition.
It’s not a bad thing to steer, either, but the lurchy dual-clutch could be a deal breaker for some.
The sweet spot is the Techno, which misses out on the Esprit Alpine’s special touches but represents the most bang for your buck.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.
Design
BYD Atto 3
In a couple of words, not really. At least when it comes to the exterior design.
In fact, the biggest design change for 2024 is actually the colour of our test car, the new Cosmos Black. Apart from that, the rest of the Atto 3 is unchanged visually, which is becoming something of a trademark for EVs, at least from newer brands like BYD and Tesla.
Instead of worrying about adding a new grille, different headlights or an alternative alloy wheel design, brands like BYD are focusing on updating batteries, the technology and other software enhancements to keep their models fresh.
The only exterior change is at the rear, where the previous 'Build Your Dreams' lettering has been replaced by a simple 'BYD' badge.
As for the interior design, kudos to BYD for not following Tesla down the cost-saving-disguised-as-minimalist-design path, but personally the design aesthetic and the variety of colours and trims used aren’t to my taste, but I can see why others may love it. The ‘guitar string’ door pockets are likely a particularly polarsing design choice.
BYD has added a new interior option, with a black/blue trim for the examples finished with grey and black exteriors, while white and blue painted cars get a blue/grey interior.
Renault Arkana
This update isn’t a massive overhaul of the Arkana, rather its “refreshing and enhancing” what was already there according to Renault Australia.
And this remains true with the car’s styling. Not much has changed on the outside except for a few minor garnishes and flourishes, especially on the Esprit Alpine variant.
The coupe styling isn’t for everyone. It’s more popular in Europe than Australia but if you want to stand out from the crowd it’s a good place to start.
The Arkana has curves in all the right places and its little grille made up of little Renault badge diamonds is a welcome addition in a world of wide mouth front ends. The C-shaped LED headlights and a large Renault badge add a bit of pop to its look.
The pinched rear end has LED lighting that runs from the tail-lights to the centre badge and Arkana is spelled out in big, bold letters.
The Esprit Alpine stands out with gunmetal highlights on the front bumper and the front and rear skid plates in the same colour. It also adds a Esprit Alpine badge below the side mirror and front door sill plates.
The Esprit Alpine has 'Tricolour' stitching in red, white and blue on the door trim and steering wheel, which is complemented by blue contrast stitching on the gear shifter, seats and centre console.
Cabin quality is variable. There are some nice feeling materials used on the dash and on the door trims but below eye level there are lots of hard wearing plastics. A big slab of faux wood running along the dashboard doesn’t feel as high-quality as you would like. The quality drops a bit in the back row, which is where carmakers often try to cut costs.
Solid white is the only no cost paint colour, but it is not available on the Esprit Alpine. Metallic white, blue, black, grey and red cost $750.
Buyers can also option a black roof for a two-tone look for $600.
Practicality
BYD Atto 3
The Atto 3 remains classified as a ‘Medium SUV’ but blurs the line between mid-size and small in terms of dimensions, especially inside. It’s not in the same size game as the Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Outlander, but is close in size to the likes of the Honda ZR-V and Mazda CX-5.
While there’s a few key practical storage spaces, there aren’t as many as some newer rivals, which does suggest the Atto 3 design is starting to date or just wasn’t well thought-out enough in the first place; such as putting all the switchgear in the centre console rather than on the dashboard.
This was probably done, at least in part, to accommodate the rotating touchscreen, which seems like a poor design and practicality choice to me. Especially the new one, which at 15.8-inches when rotated to the portrait mode it starts to interfere with your vision and the layout is more user-friendly in landscape mode - both when using the native multimedia system or your smartphone connection.
Space is respectable in the back seats, and there’s both a USB-A and USB-C port for charging devices. While out the back the boot measures 440 litres, which is a respectable amount of space for an SUV this size, but there’s only a tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel.
Renault Arkana
The Arkana isn’t a family SUV, but rather is pitched at younger couples and empty nesters.
Up front there is great forward vision with a higher seating position than hatchbacks and sedans. Electronically adjustable seats and a manually moveable steering wheel means there’s a good seating position for pretty much everyone.
The seats are comfy and the multimedia screen and climate controls are easy to reach. The centre console has a wireless device charger, two USB-A charging ports and a 12-volt socket to keep various devices juiced up.
Two cupholders take up most of the space with minimal storage space leftover. There are decent sized storage bins in the doors and a little net in the passenger seats footwell to stop small items rolling around.
Back seat passengers have their own air con vents and USB charging ports, which is a welcome addition.
In the rear pew is where the Arkana’s stylish coupe-like design dents its practicality. The sloping roof shrinks the windows and reduces headroom, which makes it feel a bit gloomy compared to more boxy-shaped SUVs that makes it no-no for smaller kids.
The boot is a decent size, but it’s longer and lower than other SUVs, which is the price you pay for looking good.
Price and features
BYD Atto 3
As we just mentioned, price has been a critical tool for carmakers looking to keep demand for EVs rolling along as the early adopters fade, and BYD is not immune from this. Earlier in 2024 the Atto 3 Extended Range, the model we’re testing here, started at $50,011 before on-road costs. Then in April 2024, BYD announced a drive-away deal for $45,990 for pre-registered demos.
Now this updated model is priced from $47,499 (plus on-road costs), which is a jump up from the sale price, but is more than $3500 cheaper than the Atto 3 was at the start of 2024. Meanwhile, the Standard model is priced from $44,990 (plus on-road costs), which is also a saving of more than $3000 on the previous model.
The key difference between the Standard and Extended Range models are the batteries, so the specification is similar. Both variants are equipped with LED headlights, power tailgate, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, 5.0-inch digital instrument panel and in-built satellite navigation.
One of the big ticket item changes for 2024 is the upgraded 15.8-inch multimedia touchscreen, which comes with BYD’s signature trick - rotating between portrait and landscape modes. This is upsized from 12.8-inch in the old model. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard too.
Renault Arkana
Initially Renault is launching with just two variants, the mid-tier Techno and top-spec Esprit Alpine, which replace the formerly named Intens and R.S. Line variants.
Despite the update, prices remain the same with the Techno starting at $41,000, before on-road costs, and the Esprit Alpine from $45,000.
An entry-level Evolution grade will arrive later to take the place of the old Zen variant. Expect it to be priced from $37,500.
The Arkana isn’t the cheapest compact SUV on sale with lower starting points for the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30 ranges. It is cheaper than the hybrid-only Toyota C-HR and its French rival, the Peugeot 2008.
The two model grades are fairly well stacked with gear to justify the price, though.
Techno shoppers can expect 18-inch alloy wheels, which swell to 19-inche on the Esprit Alpine and all variants have LED head and tail-lights.
Step inside and the Techno grade has black leather and synthetic suede accented seats, which upgrade to more premium synthetic leather and suede upholstery with contrast blue stitching and Alpine badging in the top-spec grade.
The front seats are heated in both grades and the Esprit Alpine has a heated steering wheel, too.
On the tech front both variants have a 9.3-inch portrait-shaped multimedia display paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver display.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless smartphone mirroring is standard.
The Esprit Alpine version ditches the six-speaker stereo in the Techno for a booming eight-speaker Bose system and it adds a sunroof.
Under the bonnet
BYD Atto 3
As with the design there isn’t much to say about what’s powering the Atto 3 because it’s the same as the 2023 model. Both the Standard and Extended Range use the same front-mounted electric motor, which makes 150kW/310Nm and drives the front wheels through a single speed transmission.
With 0-100km/h times of 7.9 seconds and 7.3 seconds respectively for the Standard and Extended Range, the Atto 3 won’t shove you back in your seat, but it has adequate performance for a mid-size SUV.
Renault Arkana
The Arkana keeps the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from before. It makes 115kW and 262Nm and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto that drives the front wheels.
That’s plenty of grunt for a car this size, but it’s let down by a glitchy transmission that hesitates a lot at lower speeds and doesn’t do its best work when asked to hustle, either.
Efficiency
BYD Atto 3
The Standard Range has a rated driving range of 345km (WLTP) from a 49.92kWh ‘Blade’ lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery while the Extended Range’s bigger 60.48kWh unit increases that to 420km.
Charging is capped at 70kW (DC) for the Standard and 80kW (DC) for the Extended.
One of the major hurdles for EV brands is convincing people that they won’t run out of charge every day. At 420km the Extended Range Atto 3 will get most people through multiple days of commuting, so even with public charging you shouldn’t worry about range anxiety.
Those drivers with commutes longer than 420km per day should be looking at something other than an electric car (and probably a job closer to home).
Renault Arkana
Efficiency is the name of the game with the Arkana’s little turbo engine. The French brand claims it drinks 5.9L/100km on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle but we averaged 7.5L/100km on our circa two-hour country road drive according to the trip computer.
The higher speed twisting and turning country roads we drove on aren’t conducive to low fuel use, though.
It has a 50-litre fuel tank and only requires cheaper 91 RON petrol, which is rare for little turbo engines that usually have premium tastes.
Driving
BYD Atto 3
Driving the updated Atto 3 feels… fine. Nothing special or class-leading, but within the expectations buyers should look for in a mid-size SUV. Which is meant as a compliment to BYD, as it is still a relatively new brand in this very competitive market and there are certainly some noticeably worse rivals in this same segment.
The Atto 3 may not be the most comfortable, most powerful or most dynamic mid-size SUV, but it’s a perfectly nice thing to drive and it will get you from Point A to Point B quietly and smoothly.
Another of the major changes for 2024 is BYD’s decision to ditch the fantastically named, but not very good Atlas Batman tyres, replacing them with Continental rubber. The Atlas tyres were a major drawback on the old model, lacking grip and detracting from the driving experience, with the new ‘Contis’ solving those problems.
Renault Arkana
The Arkana is a bit of a mixed bag on the road. Its engine is a nice little unit but the dual-clutch auto deflates the drive experience.
At lower speeds it hesitates and then gives too much oomph all at once, which can result in some wheel spin. It means you need to be mindful at T-intersections and when turning across traffic and feather the pedals.
This is a symptom of most dual-clutch autos but the Arkana’s is less sophisticated than say ones fitted to Volkswagens, and the Arkana doesn’t have the meaty power and torque bands of performance cars. A conventional torque converter auto would suit it better.
The Arkana does some of its best work at higher speeds, where the dual-clutch is more decisive and it's an admirable highway cruiser.
It isn’t a bad operator through the bends where it exerts excellent body control to minimise rolling. This is complemented by nice steering that is well weighted and accurate. Pedal feel is excellent with no woody or doughy feel to them.
The suspension is on the firmer side and you’ll feel some harsh bumps, especially over consistent smaller ones that it will crash over.
Its rear torsion beam suspension set-up is less sophisticated than the multilink arrangements found in an increasing number of competitors in the segment.
Road noise is noticeable at higher speeds. There's a fair bit of wind noise, too, but it was an especially windy day on our test drive.
The Arkana isn’t a sports car but is a stylish SUV for punting around town and facilitating weekend getaways, but there are other compact players that answer this brief better.
Safety
BYD Atto 3
In terms of safety, both Atto 3 variants get a comprehensive list of both passive and active safety features, enough to score a five-star ANCAP rating.
There’s airbag coverage for all occupants, 360-degree parking cameras, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward and rear collision warning, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear cross-traffic brake and door open warning.
Most of these systems behaved themselves during our testing, although the forward collision warning did seem overly sensitive at times, and sounded alarms over potential accidents that simply weren’t a problem. Still, compared to some modern brands, the BYD systems performed well.
Renault Arkana
The Arkana holds a maximum five-star ANCAP rating, but it is based on the 2019 crash test of the Renault Captur, with which it shares much of its underpinnings. This rating is due to expire in late 2025.
There are six airbags and a range of active driver aids included as standard and the update adds a 360-degree camera view to all grades.
This joins auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise control and speed sign recognition.
A lot of carmakers just tick the box for active driver aids but don’t think of the calibration. Not Renault. The driver aids barely interjected during the launch drive and only chirped up when needed, which is a welcome reprieve from the overly touchy and nannying sensors found in other cars.
Ownership
BYD Atto 3
BYD offers a six-year/150,000km warrant for the vehicle, with eight years/160,000km coverage for the batteries.
Service intervals are every 12 months of 20,000km and while a minor service is only $165, every second visit is more expensive, ranging from $498 to more than $600. There may be less oily bits under the bonnet but there’s still a cost to owning an electric car.
Renault Arkana
There is one part of Renault’s ownership credentials that others can’t match.
Its service intervals are every 12 months and a whopping 30,000km, which is double the industry norm of 15,000km.
If you need to do big kays such as a sales rep or rideshare driver might this will be extremely important.
Five years or 150,000km of capped price servicing visits costs $2385, which is one the expensive side compared to Honda, Hyundai and Toyota but is in the ballpark of similar-sized Kias and Volkswagens.
Renault covers the Arkana with a five year/unlimited km warranty - par for the course in the mainstream market - and five years of roadside assistance.