BYD Atto 3 vs iCaur V23
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 | V23 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 900 | R 519 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 233/m | R 9 087/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 48% |
| Value after 3 years | R 335 508 | R 249 222 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 364 392 | R 270 678 |
| Value after 5 years | R 229 383 | R 170 390 |
| 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 V23 →
A retro, Land Rover-flavoured electric compact SUV that launched the iCaur brand here in May 2026. The RWD costs R519,900 with a claimed 431 km NEDC range, while the AWD is R669,900. It sells on design and personalisation, and EV depreciation in SA remains steep across the board.
Known for: boxy retro styling and ev power
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Atto 3 or the iCaur V23?
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 V23 loses about R 270 678. 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 V23 about R 9 087, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.