Verdict
Just RM2,000 separates these two C-segment SUVs, but they suit rather different Malaysian use. The BYD Atto 3 is the quicker car at 7.3 seconds to 100 km/h, with a 60.48-kWh battery, 420-km EV range and 110-kW DC charging. The GAC Emkoo counters with a much larger 638-litre boot against 434 litres, 19-inch wheels and a head-up display. Pick the Atto 3 for EV running and a longer six-year vehicle warranty; take the Emkoo if petrol refuelling and family luggage capacity matter more.
Pick the BYD Atto 3 if you want a 420-km electric range, 7.3-second 0-100 km/h pace and 110-kW DC charging.
Pick the GAC Emkoo if you need its 638-litre boot, prefer a 55-litre petrol tank and want the lower RM123,800 entry price.
Key differences
- Price: BYD Atto 3 RM125,800; GAC Emkoo RM123,800.
- Performance: Atto 3 reaches 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds with 201 hp and 310 Nm; Emkoo takes 8.8 seconds with 175 hp and 270 Nm.
- Length: Atto 3 4,455 mm; Emkoo 4,680 mm.
- Boot space: Atto 3 434 litres; Emkoo 638 litres.
- Wheels: Atto 3 18-inch alloys with 235/50R18 tyres; Emkoo 19-inch two-tone alloys with 235/55R19 tyres.
- Vehicle warranty: Atto 3 six years/150,000 km; Emkoo five years/150,000 km.
Atto 3
- 420-km EV range from a 60.48-kWh battery
- Quicker 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- 110-kW DC charging and 3.3-kW V2L
- 434-litre boot is 204 litres smaller than the Emkoo's
- No head-up display
- 18-inch wheels versus the Emkoo's 19-inch units
Emkoo
- 638-litre boot
- Head-up display and six front plus six rear parking sensors
- Lower RM123,800 price and Malaysian CKD assembly
- Slower 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time
- Five-year vehicle warranty is one year shorter
- No electric range, DC charging or V2L capability
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM125,800 | RM123,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,497 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 175 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 | 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 | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | — | 7DCT |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.3 seconds✓ | 8.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 190 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,455 mm | 4,680 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,901 mm |
| Height | 1,615 mm | 1,670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm | 2,750 mm |
| Weight | 1,750 kg | 1,540 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 55 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 434 litres | 638 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" 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) | 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 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 with Auto High Beam | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power-adjustable Front Seats, Ventilated | Powered Front Seats with Ventilated Driver's Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding with Manual Recline |
| 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 | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 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 | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade |
| Audio | 15.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with 6 Speakers | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| 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 with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 7 Year, 180,000 km Powertrain 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 & Emkoo for sale
Atto 3 vs Emkoo FAQ
Is the BYD Atto 3 or GAC Emkoo better?
The Atto 3 is better for buyers ready to charge at home or on the road, thanks to its 420-km EV range, 110-kW DC charging and quicker acceleration. The Emkoo is better for carrying luggage, with 638 litres of boot space.
What is the price difference?
The BYD Atto 3 costs RM125,800 and the GAC Emkoo costs RM123,800, so the Atto 3 is RM2,000 more expensive.
Which has more boot space, the BYD Atto 3 or GAC Emkoo?
The GAC Emkoo has the larger boot at 638 litres, compared with 434 litres in the BYD Atto 3. That is a 204-litre advantage for the Emkoo.
