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The updated BYD Atto 3 has been caught on camera in Australia – and the local boss of the brand has hinted at an introduction as soon as next year.
Electric Cars
A facelift for the 2026 BYD Atto 3 electric car could be in local showrooms next year with more power and driving range, to join the new – and cheaper – Atto 1 and Atto 2 in showrooms now.
An updated Atto 3, parked alongside what is claimed to be a 2.0-litre version of the Shark 6 ute, was spotted last week testing in Albury, NSW by a Facebook user.
BYD revealed the revised small SUV in China in February 2025, with tweaked styling and new technology, but Car News China reports it is on the verge of a technical upgrade boosting driving range by more than 25 per cent, and power by more than 50 per cent.
It would help set the Atto 3 apart from the smaller Atto 2, which tops out with a Premium grade only $4000 cheaper than the larger Atto 3 Essential with a longer range.
“We'll have more to say about that next year,” BYD Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Collins, told Drive when asked about the future of the Atto 3.
“What I will say, though, is we're doing a lot of testing in Australia. It doesn't matter which model it is; we're doing a lot of local input into engineering and steering and ride and so on and so forth.
“There will be more information about timing, maybe early next year.”
Styling updates for the latest Atto 3 include changes to the front and rear bumpers, along with revised tail-lights to suit the new era of design signatures, a tweaked rear window pillar shape, fresh 17- and 18-inch wheel designs, reshaped side skirts, and a new beige exterior colour.
Interior upgrades include a larger instrument cluster, a new centre console, and the repositioning of the gear shifter from the central tunnel to a column stalk.
More interesting, however, are mooted changes for 2026 models in China reportedly set to see the fitment of a 74.9kWh battery pack to extrend the driving range rating to 650km based on Chinese CLTC testing, up from 49.9kWh and 60.5kWh batteries currently rated to offer up to 510km CLTC.
It would be paired with a new 230kW electric motor, up from 150kW, which may be moved from the front axle to the rear for improved performance.
BYD recently announced the Atto 2 starting from $31,990 plus on-road costs, despite sharing a lot of the same equipment as an entry-level Atto 3 that starts at $39,990 plus on-road costs, just with additional small luxuries and larger interior space in the bigger vehicle.
A facelift to the model would make the bigger Atto 3 more attractive to buyers tossing up between the two models, but there is no confirmation yet of the model even coming to Australia.
“The best example [for Australian testing] is the Shark [6 ute]. It's just a great engineering package, and the refinements that we've been able to make really make it suitable to local customers,” said Collins.
“All models are different, all segments are different. The expectations of ride and handling are all different, but the key is that we try to nail it for every single segment.
“We are committed to upscaling that part of our business over the next 12 months and localising as much as we possibly can."
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Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
