BYD Salesman Allays Shitbox Fears By Confirming You Won't Find A Better Shitbox For $20K

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

That redheaded young fella at BYD Betoota Heights has told a bloke this afternoon that in terms of shitbox, he'd be hard-pressed finding a better one than the Atto 1.

"It's 20 grand, mate," said Troy Mitchell, a one-year veteran of the Chinese EV sales bullpen.

"It's also got four doors, four wheels, a steering wheel, airbags and air-conditioning. No engine to service either, just put rubber on it once a year and send it."

Troy says he's frequently asked by punters looking to secure a shitbox if the cheapest new car on the lot is indeed a shitbox. He conceded that the BYD Atto 1 is no Yaris or A-Class Benz in terms of styling and build quality, but it's not far off.

"Not too long ago, if you wanted a shitbox, you got a shitbox. Think the MG3. MG anything, really. They had fucken drum brakes. Drums the size of boot polish tins. With asbestos in them. Arm power windows, no air con. No central locking. Handled like a stack of magazines. Engine out of an old mower. Rough as guts. These things, this is the future, mate," he added.

"But yeah. the Atto 1 is a shitbox. But it speaks for itself. It doesn't have the charm of a Proton Jumbuck but it also has a crumple zone that's not your legs. As I tell people looking to come and get one, it's 20 grand. Yes, it's probably going to phone home to China once in a while with all your data off your Bluetooth devices but who cares, it's 20 smackers mate."

A middle-aged shitbox seeker on the sales floor was kind enough to share their thoughts about the BYD and they were mostly complimentary.

"My biggest fear about this car is, you know, me criticising China or something while behind the wheel and then the seatbelt unclicks, the airbag light comes on and the car puts me into the nearest powerpole," they said.

Troy, overhearing this, came over.

"Mate, it's 20 grand. Take it or leave it."

More to come.