This impressive result reassures local EV buyers—especially those considering smaller vehicles—that safety remains at the forefront of BYD’s design philosophy. The Atto 1 will be arriving at BYD Nelson at the end of the year, and its top-tier safety result sets a new benchmark for compact EVs in the Kiwi market.
The BYD Atto 1 delivered a strong performance across all major ANCAP categories, including:
82% Adult Occupant Protection
86% Child Occupant Protection
76% Vulnerable Road User Protection
79% Safety Assist
In crash testing, the Atto 1 earned full points in both the side-impact and pole-crash assessments—a remarkable achievement for a vehicle of its size. ANCAP noted how rare it is for a small hatchback to reach the 5-star threshold under today’s much tougher criteria, highlighting just how advanced the Atto 1’s safety engineering truly is.
What makes the Atto 1’s achievement even more noteworthy is that many similarly-sized small cars currently on the market have not been able to reach a 5-star ANCAP rating under modern testing protocols. This reinforces BYD’s commitment to prioritising passenger protection—especially in categories where size typically creates safety challenges.
For New Zealand buyers comparing city-friendly EVs, this result is a significant point of difference. ANCAP themselves stated that occupants of smaller cars are at higher physical risk, making the Atto 1’s 5-star score particularly impactful.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Atto 1 is how BYD has managed to deliver this level of safety while keeping the vehicle positioned at New Zealand’s lowest EV price point. Rather than chasing extended range or premium-priced features at the expense of structural integrity, BYD has clearly prioritised:
Advanced crash protection
A robust vehicle structure
High-performing active safety systems
Strong occupant protection results across all demographics
This reflects BYD’s global safety-first direction and brings exceptional value to New Zealand drivers seeking a small EV that doesn’t compromise where it matters most.
The BYD Atto 1 is scheduled to arrive at BYD Nelson at the end of 2025, and early interest is already strong. With its compact footprint, affordable pricing, and newly-announced 5-star safety rating, it’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated small EVs of the year.
If you’d like to register your interest, arrange a test drive upon arrival, or learn more about the Atto 1, the team at BYD Nelson is ready to help.