2022 BYD Atto 3: Heated seats added, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ahead of schedule

The 2022 BYD Atto 3 has been given the green light for sale in Australia, ahead of first deliveries in August or September – with more standard features and driving range than anticipated, and smartphone mirroring tech ahead of schedule.

BYD's new Atto 3 is now listed on Federal Government websites as compliant with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) – the mandatory step all new cars must progress through before they can be legally sold in Australia.

As anticipated, two battery packs have been certified, for the Standard and Extended Range variants – though curiously, 17-inch wheels are available for the smaller battery, one inch smaller than the 18s on the two previously-confirmed model grades.

Drive has contacted local importer EVDirect for comment, however if an entry-level base grade was offered, expect a price even lower than the $44,381 plus on-road costs ($44,990 to $47,000 drive-away) of the current 'Superior' Standard Range.

The filing affirms the Atto 3's measurements: 4455mm long, 1875mm wide and 1615mm tall, with a 2720mm wheelbase. Tare weight is rated at 1680kg with the small battery, or 1750kg with the large battery.

Alongside the certification, EVDirect has updated the Atto 3's standard specification list – which now includes heated front seats (as spotted by BYD owners on Facebook), for the previously-confirmed power seats trimmed in synthetic leather.

No changes have been made to pricing – suggesting the feature may have been planned all along, but wasn't listed in the brochure.

The WLTP claimed driving range of the Standard Range model – which arrives from November or December, following recent delays – has been increased from an estimated 320km, to a 'certified' 345km. The Extended Range continues to be rated at 420km.

Battery capacities are rated at 49.92kWh (usable) for the Standard Range – down 0.18kWh on what was initially promised (50.1kWh), despite a longer range – and 60.48kWh for the Extended Range (up 0.08kWh).

The updated brochure also lists availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – as well as an English-language voice assistant – from the third quarter of 2022 (between July and September) – a few months earlier than the fourth-quarter (October to December) timing previously announced.

These items will be available as software updates over the air.

First deliveries of the 2022 BYD Atto 3 are due to commence in August or September, through a new network of Eagers Automotive-backed dealerships. Click the links below for our past coverage of the new electric car brand.

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