BYD Atto 3 vs iCaur 03T
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 48% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Atto 3 | 03T | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 900 | R 639 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 233/m | R 11 184/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 48% |
| Value after 3 years | R 335 508 | R 306 746 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 364 392 | R 333 154 |
| Value after 5 years | R 229 383 | R 209 719 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (new entrant) |
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
iCaur 03T →
Launched alongside the V23 in May 2026, the 03T is a second boxy electric SUV offered in RWD or 205 kW AWD form. Pricing runs from R639,900 to R699,900 with NEDC range figures around 431 to 436 km. Both derivatives carry an 8-year/200,000 km warranty, which will matter more than badge equity at trade-in time.
Known for: playful electric suv with awd punch
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Atto 3 or the iCaur 03T?
They are close to inseparable: 48% vs 48% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
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 iCaur 03T loses about R 333 154. 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 iCaur 03T about R 11 184, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.