BYD Atto 1 vs Citroen C3

The BYD Atto 1 starts from $23,990 before on-road costs, while the Citroen C3 opens at $23,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $26,389 and $26,389 respectively.

The BYD Atto 1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Citroen C3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the BYD Atto 1 and Citroen C3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Atto 1 packs more ADAS features with 1 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Citroen C3.

Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.

Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BYD Atto 1 runs a pure electric powertrain producing 65kW and 175Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.

The Citroen C3 lines up making 81kW and 205Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.

The Citroen C3 has the clear power advantage at 81kW vs 65kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Boot space is 440L in the BYD Atto 1 and 310L in the Citroen C3, giving the BYD Atto 1 a 130L advantage. The Citroen C3 seats 5 vs 4.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 1) vs 5 years (Citroen C3). The BYD Atto 1 has longer coverage.