VS
At a Glance
Power
150 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
310 Nm
280Nm@1700
Fuel
—
9.9
Towing
750 Kg
2500
0-100 km/h
7.3 s
8.5
Engine
electric cc
1984
Choosing between the BYD Atto 3 and the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Atto 3 delivers 150 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN produces 147kW@5100. Pricing starts at R699 900 for the Atto 3 and R438 310 for the TIGUAN. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
150 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
310 Nm
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
7.3 s
8.5
Top Speed
160 Km/h
207
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1984
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
9.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
13.5
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
49.9 kWh l
64
CO2 Emissions
—
234
Dimensions
Length
4455 mm
4457
Width
1875-2050 mm
1809
Height
1615 mm
1686
Wheelbase
2720 mm
2604
Ground Clearance
175 mm
200
Kerb Weight
1680 Kg
1609
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
310-1340 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
2500
Load Capacity
—
1510
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
36
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
120000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Atto 3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
TIGUAN
Practicality
TIGUAN
Pros & Cons
BYD Atto 3
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.3 ss)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
Lower starting price (R438 310)
Higher towing capacity (2500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Atto 3 or TIGUAN?
The Atto 3 produces 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque while the TIGUAN delivers 147kW@5100 and 280Nm@1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Atto 3 and TIGUAN?
The Atto 3 starts from R699 900 and the TIGUAN from R438 310. The TIGUAN is cheaper by R261 590 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Atto 3 or TIGUAN?
The Atto 3 has a braked towing capacity of 750 Kg and the TIGUAN can tow 2500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Atto 3 or the TIGUAN?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.