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Officially unveiled at the Vantage Automotive Centre, the Atto 3 debuts as BYD's first-ever contender in the local compact crossover segment. Coincidentally, the SUV also marks the third passenger-car model by the Chinese maker here, following in the footsteps of the best-selling e6 and van-turned-MPV M3e. A single permanent magnet synchronous motor, paired to a 60.5 kWh Blade Battery, helps to produce 201bhp (150kW) and 310Nm of torque - apparently good for a 7.3 second century sprint. With the Blade Battery, the crossover's NEDC-rated range also clocks in at an impressive figure of 480km. Thanks to its battery architecture, DC fast charging via CCS at up to 80kW is offered on the Atto 3, bringing the battery from 20% to 80% state-of-charge within 42 minutes. AC charging at up to 6.6kW, on the other hand, will see a full recharge done in 9.5 hours. Worth noting is that the Atto 3 falls under the A1 band of the VES, allowing it to qualify for the highest ARF rebate of $25,000. The Atto 3 comes with a refreshing dual-tone interior, mixing blue and beige upholstery (in our eyes at least - the combination is called "Eclipse Blue + Hazy Grey" by BYD) with red-stitching on the seats. Shaped contours across the dash, guzheng-inspired strings along the door bins, and disc-like aircon vents all continue to distinguish the cabin of the crossover. While the driver gets a fully digital five-inch display behind the multi-function steering wheel, taking centerstage is the 12.8-inch Intelligent Rotating Infotainment Display, which can be oriented in either 'portrait' or 'landscape' mode. Another high-tech feature the car offers is the ability to be unlocked and locked via an NFC Keycard. Strangely, it appears that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will only be available in Q4, although Bluetooth Phone Connectivity does come as standard. A BYD OS App will also debut somewhere down the line. The marque's name is spelt out boldly in capital letters too on the car's electrically-operated tailgate, which opens up to 440 litres of boot space (this can be expanded to 1,340 litres with 60:40 folding seats). Five different colours are available for potential owners of the Atto 3, including Surf Blue and Parkour Red. Test drives for the BYD Atto 3 are now being offered and the car open for booking. Local authorised dealer E-Auto has also announced that the car will launch with a special price of $178,888 (the number is supposed to be auspicious), inclusive of COE. Feature Highlights Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto Wireless Smartphone Charging Inbuilt Navigation Electric Tailgate Sunroof Driver and Passenger Electric Seats 12.8" Intelligent Rotating Touchscreen 360° View Camera Adaptive Cruise Control Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure Warning Blind Spot Monitor Rear Cross Traffic Alert Front and Rear Pre-collision Warning Had the opportunity to visit Vantage before the Atto 3's official launch and I must say I left the showroom impressed with the direction BYD is going with its electric vehicles. Granted, the interior styling might be a bit tacky for some, but it is mighty packed with features. Full specs and features here.