BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) vs Mitsubishi ASX (petrol): 5-year cost to own (NZ)
Over 5 years in New Zealand (14,000 km/yr), as of July 1, 2026, the BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) is cheaper from day one — about $42,884 over 5 years vs $48,309 for the Mitsubishi ASX (petrol), a $5,425 difference.
No EV purchase rebate in NZ (the Clean Car Discount ended Dec 2023), and EVs now pay Road User Charges (~NZ$76/1,000 km). Both are reflected honestly — the RUC is included in the totals above. Source: NZTA.
Cheaper to own over 5 years · NZBYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) · $42,884 total · $5,425 less than the Mitsubishi ASX (petrol)
BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) vs Mitsubishi ASX (petrol) — where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · BYD Atto 1 | Petrol · Mitsubishi ASX |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | $17,394 (41%) | $15,355 (32%) |
| Charging / fuel | $4,922 (11%) | $15,800 (33%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~$591) | — |
| Maintenance | $2,247 (5%) | $4,501 (9%) |
| Insurance | $7,000 (16%) | $6,335 (13%) |
| Financing interest | $5,076 (12%) | $5,452 (11%) |
| Registration & fees | $6,245 (15%) | $865 (2%) |
| Total cost of ownership | $42,884 | $48,309 |
When does the BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) win?
At 14,000 km/yr the BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) is already the cheaper car — drive more or keep it longer and its lead grows.
BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) vs Mitsubishi ASX (petrol), side by side
Electric
Lower 5-yr cost
BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf)
- 5-yr total cost
- $42,884
- Cost / month
- $715
- Cost / km
- $0.61
- Starting price
- $29,990
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 14 kWh/100km
Petrol
Mitsubishi ASX (petrol)
- 5-yr total cost
- $48,309
- Cost / month
- $805
- Cost / km
- $0.69
- Starting price
- $31,990
- Powertrain
- Petrol
- Efficiency
- 7.6 L/100km
- NZ electricity
- 34.00c/kWh EA / MBIE
- Petrol (NZ)
- $2.97/L MBIE
FAQ
Is the BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) or the Mitsubishi ASX (petrol) cheaper to own over 5 years in New Zealand?
The BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) is cheaper from day one — about $42,884 over 5 years vs $48,309 for the Mitsubishi ASX (petrol), a $5,425 difference.
When does the BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) become cheaper than the Mitsubishi ASX (petrol)?
At 14,000 km/yr the BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) is already the cheaper car — drive more or keep it longer and its lead grows.
How much more does the BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) cost to buy than the Mitsubishi ASX (petrol)?
The BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) starts at $29,990 — $2,000 less than the Mitsubishi ASX (petrol) ($31,990). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $5,425 in favour of the BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf).
Which costs less per km — the BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf) or the Mitsubishi ASX (petrol)?
The BYD Atto 1 (Dolphin Surf): $0.61 vs $0.69 per km all-in ($715 vs $805 per month).