Verdict
At RM125,800, the BYD Atto 3 undercuts the RM133,900 Honda Civic by RM8,100 while bringing a 201 hp, 310 Nm front motor, 60.48 kWh battery and 420 km stated EV range. It is also 1.0 second quicker to 100 km/h, at 7.3 seconds. The Civic counters with a 497-litre boot, 63 litres more than the SUV, a lower RM90 annual road tax and a 47-litre petrol tank for drivers who do not want to plan charging. The Atto 3 is the better-equipped choice on these specifications, but its 1,750 kg kerb weight is 401 kg higher.
Pick the BYD Atto 3 if you can charge regularly and want lower entry cost, a 420 km EV range, quicker acceleration and more standard convenience equipment.
Pick the Honda Civic if you want a locally assembled petrol sedan with a larger 497-litre boot, lower RM90 road tax and a space-saver spare tyre.
Key differences
- Price: BYD Atto 3 RM125,800; Honda Civic RM133,900.
- Power and torque: BYD Atto 3 201 hp and 310 Nm; Honda Civic 180 hp and 240 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BYD Atto 3 7.3 seconds; Honda Civic 8.3 seconds.
- Energy storage: BYD Atto 3 has a 60.48 kWh battery and 420 km range; Honda Civic has a 47-litre petrol tank.
- Boot space: BYD Atto 3 434 litres; Honda Civic 497 litres.
- Kerb weight: BYD Atto 3 1,750 kg; Honda Civic 1,349 kg.
Atto 3
- RM8,100 lower purchase price with 201 hp and 310 Nm.
- 420 km stated range, 7 kW AC and 110 kW DC charging, plus 3.3 kW V2L.
- Power-adjustable ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof and 360-degree camera.
- 434-litre boot is 63 litres smaller than the Civic's.
- RM160 annual road tax is RM70 higher.
- At 1,750 kg, it is 401 kg heavier than the Civic.
Civic
- 497-litre boot and a space-saver spare tyre.
- RM90 annual road tax, versus RM160 for the Atto 3.
- Google Services built in, eight speakers and wireless Apple CarPlay.
- Costs RM8,100 more despite lower 180 hp and 240 Nm outputs.
- 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time is one second slower.
- Manual front seats, no sunroof and no 360-degree camera.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM125,800✓ | RM133,900 |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160 | RM90✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 180 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | — | 240 Nm at 1,700 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 73 mm × 89.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.3 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 201 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 310 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 60.48 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 420 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 110 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.3 seconds✓ | 8.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,455 mm | 4,678 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,802 mm |
| Height | 1,615 mm | 1,415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm | 2,735 mm |
| Weight | 1,750 kg | 1,349 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 47 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 434 litres | 497 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R18 | 215/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R18 | 215/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental MaxContact MC5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| 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) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| 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 for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector with Auto High Beam | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power-adjustable Front Seats, Ventilated | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic, Tilt and Slide | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | — |
| Audio | 15.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with 6 Speakers | 9.0" Advanced Display Audio Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, 8 Speakers, Wired Android Auto, Wired and Wireless Apple CarPlay |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Front Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| 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 3 & Civic for sale
Atto 3 vs Civic FAQ
Is the BYD Atto 3 or Honda Civic better?
The Atto 3 is the stronger choice for buyers able to charge, with a lower price, 201 hp, 310 Nm, 420 km stated range and more comfort equipment. Choose the Civic for its 497-litre boot, lower road tax and petrol convenience.
What is the price difference?
The BYD Atto 3 costs RM125,800 and the Honda Civic costs RM133,900, so the Civic is RM8,100 more expensive.
Which has lower annual road tax?
The Honda Civic has lower annual road tax at RM90. The BYD Atto 3 is RM160 per year, a RM70 difference.