By Daisy Coles
Writer | Kaituhi
If you’re wondering how to choose the BYD that’s right for you, the answer is: carefully.
The Big Young Disruptor – BYD cars in NZ
BYD is a bold new player on New Zealand roads. Its cars hit our shores in a big way four years ago, and have been an increasing presence ever since. In its first year, BYD sold 3,500 cars here. The current tally of BYDs registered on New Zealand roads is more than 15,000.
BYD didn’t spring into existence when the EV boom began. The company was already a large electronics and battery manufacturer, so it was well placed to dive into making electric cars. Chinese brands collectively now account for more than half of New Zealand plug-in vehicle registrations; BYD has been one of the major drivers of that growth.
When BYD first arrived, Kiwis may have been a little unsure what to think, but that uncertainty didn’t last long. The Atto 3 won the 2022 New Zealand Car of the Year, and BYD’s Dolphins and Seals have since also won awards in this country. Four years on from its arrival, BYD is no longer a novelty EV manufacturer. It’s definitely a mainstream challenger.
So is BYD your best bet for an EV? And which BYD should be the Beast You Desire?
Are BYDs worth buying?
All four BYDs we looked at in our independent testing of electric and hybrid cars have impressive electric drivetrains, but some are considerably better cars overall than others.
When we test EVs and hybrids, we look at a large range of factors based around five categories: body, cabin, comfort, engine and road behaviour. We tested four BYD electric cars currently available in New Zealand: the Atto 2 Premium, Atto 3 Superior, Dolphin Premium and Seal Premium. Our testing found some big differences between them.
As we do in all our product categories, we give the best EVs and hybrids our Consumer Recommended tick. We also ask owners how satisfied they are with their vehicles, and we give their favourite brands our People’s Choice award. If you want to know more, check out our buying guide, where we cover important factors like the different motor types, the key safety features and the insurance costs associated with owning an electric or hybrid car.
Before You Drive – which BYD is right for you?
Best BYD
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Find the best electric or hybrid car
We've independently tested more than 39 models from 22 brands to help you avoid an expensive mistake.
