BYD Atto 3 vs GWM Ora 03
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The GWM Ora 03 wins on money kept: 54% retained after three years vs 48%, worth about R 5 430 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Atto 3 | Ora 03 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 900 | R 629 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 233/m | R 11 010/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 73% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 335 508 | R 340 938 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 364 392 | R 288 962 |
| Value after 5 years | R 229 383 | R 244 592 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (established) |
BYD Atto 3 →
The Atto 3 was BYD's first model in South Africa, arriving in 2023 at R768,000 before prices were trimmed to under R700,000. It is a compact electric crossover built around BYD's Blade LFP battery, sold in Standard and Extended Range forms. Like most EVs in SA it sheds value quickly on the used market.
Known for: launching byd in south africa
GWM Ora 03 →
GWM's retro-styled electric hatch went on sale in late 2023 and has sold in tiny numbers, with fewer than 100 units registered in its first three years. Launch pricing near R687k has been discounted to move stock. GWM plans to reboot the Ora line locally with the cheaper Ora 5, so the 03's future is uncertain.
Known for: retro styling and very slow sales
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Atto 3 or the GWM Ora 03?
The GWM Ora 03. It keeps about 54% of its price after three years against 48% for the BYD Atto 3, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BYD Atto 3 loses about R 364 392 over three years and the GWM Ora 03 loses about R 288 962. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BYD Atto 3 runs about R 12 233 per month and the GWM Ora 03 about R 11 010, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.