Four-year-old BYD Atto 3s are getting new features in a free update
Words: Richard Edwards
BYD Atto 3s that have been on New Zealand roads for four years are getting new features, in a free software update that BYD is sending out to the model.
The V2.0.0 update began rolling out on 2 November and goes all the way back to the first Atto 3s sold here in 2022. It downloads over the car’s built-in 4G connection, so owners don’t need to book a dealer visit.
Over-the-air updates let a carmaker add and change features on cars already on the road, in much the same way a phone gets new functions through software updates.
What owners get
Some of the changes are ones drivers will notice straight away. The rear parking sensors now switch on automatically and stay active while reverse is selected, and there are one-tap controls for the seat heating and ventilation on cars that have them.
The voice assistant can now play songs on Spotify and turn off the heating and ventilation modes, and it can be woken with the steering wheel button even when the screen is off. BYD has also added new apps to its in-car store, improved the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection, and added one-tap switching between driver accounts.
The adaptive cruise control gets a new setting that slows the car before corners, smoother handover when the driver takes over, and a choice of 5km/h or 1km/h steps when adjusting the set speed. BYD says it has also tuned the cruise control and Emergency Lane Keep Assist for narrow and winding roads.
The Atto 3 is not the only BYD getting new software. BYD is also pushing over-the-air updates to the Atto 2, Sealion 6 and Dolphin.
How to install it
BYD says the update can take 30 minutes or more, and recommends running it overnight because the car cannot be driven while it installs. The screens may go dark during the process and the exterior lights may come on.
The car must not be plugged in to charge, or the update won’t install. The battery needs to be above 20%, all doors, the bonnet and the boot must be closed, and the car needs strong Spark mobile coverage. Owners with questions are asked to contact their selling dealer.
The Atto 3 has since been updated as the Atto 3 Evo, which we have reviewed in Dynamic form. BYD has also cut prices across most of its range until the end of the year.
