Verdict
At RM100,000, the BYD Atto 2 undercuts the RM103,800 GAC GS3 by RM3,800 while bringing six airbags, a 51.1-kWh battery and 345 km of EV range. Its 174-hp, 290-Nm motor is slightly down on the GS3’s 177 hp but ahead on torque; nevertheless, the petrol SUV reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds versus 7.9 seconds. The GS3 is 100 mm longer with a 30 mm longer wheelbase and rides on 18-inch wheels, but the Atto 2’s 380-litre boot beats 341 litres. The BYD is the stronger paper choice if its 345 km range suits your use.
Pick the BYD Atto 2 if you want a RM100,000 EV with 345 km of range, six airbags and a larger 380-litre boot.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you prefer petrol power, a quicker 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time and the larger 18-inch wheel package.
Key differences
- Price: BYD Atto 2 RM100,000; GAC GS3 RM103,800.
- Powertrain: Atto 2 has a 174-hp, 290-Nm electric motor; GS3 has a 177-hp, 270-Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine.
- Performance: Atto 2 does 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds; GS3 does it in 7.5 seconds.
- Battery and range: Atto 2 has a 51.1-kWh battery and 345 km range; GS3 has a 47-litre petrol tank.
- Safety: Atto 2 has six airbags; GS3 has two airbags.
- Boot space: Atto 2 has 380 litres; GS3 has 341 litres.
Atto 2
- RM3,800 cheaper
- Six airbags and a 360-degree camera
- 51.1-kWh battery, 345 km range and 82 kW DC charging
- Slower 0-100 km/h time: 7.9 seconds versus 7.5 seconds
- 17-inch wheels versus the GS3’s 18-inch wheels
- No blind spot information system or alarm
GS3
- Quicker 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- Larger 4,410 mm body and 2,650 mm wheelbase
- Blind spot information system, alarm and space-saver spare tyre
- Only two airbags versus the Atto 2’s six
- 341-litre boot is 39 litres smaller
- Costs RM3,800 more
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,000✓ | RM103,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,497 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | — | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 174 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 290 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 51.1 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 345 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 82 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9 seconds | 7.5 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,310 mm | 4,410 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,370 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 47 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 380 litres✓ | 341 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Westlake SU318a | Continental UC6 SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power-adjustable Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 15.6" Rotating Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with 6-speaker Dirac Sound System | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000-km Battery Warranty, 8-year/150,000-km Electric Drive Unit Warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Atto 2 & GS3 for sale
Atto 2 vs GS3 FAQ
Is the BYD Atto 2 or GAC GS3 better?
The Atto 2 is the better-equipped choice on safety and EV hardware, with six airbags, 345 km of range and a 380-litre boot for RM3,800 less. Choose the GS3 if petrol power and its 7.5-second sprint matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BYD Atto 2 costs RM100,000 and the GAC GS3 costs RM103,800, so the GS3 is RM3,800 more expensive.
Which one is easier to charge or refuel?
The Atto 2 supports 7 kW AC and 82 kW DC charging, plus 3.3 kW V2L. The GS3 is petrol-powered and uses its 47-litre fuel tank instead of battery charging.
