A motoring expert has raised concerns about the excessive power in modern family cars, warning that vehicles with over 400bhp are now common but often lack adequate brakes and suspension. Writing in Auto Express, journalist Ellis Hyde highlighted the BYD Atto 3 EVO as a prime example: a family SUV that was upgraded from 200bhp to 443bhp while retaining the same suspension and brakes as the base 303bhp model.
Power Without Control
Hyde argued that such power levels, once reserved for supercars, are unnecessary for family vehicles and can lead to safety issues. He stated: "The BYD Atto 3 EVO is a perfect example of this, because the fairly ordinary SUV that previously produced just 200bhp was recently given a whacking great 443bhp, plus 560Nm of torque....yet the suspension and brakes on this flagship car are the same as those on the base 303bhp version, which doesn't inspire much confidence."
He also noted that inexperienced drivers may struggle to handle such power, adding: "And with these cars being so fast, drivers who have never had access to so much firepower can easily find themselves going way beyond the speed limit without even trying. A 400bhp+ family car sounds like a fun idea, plus it's great the first time you launch it. But you might not feel quite so clever after your third speeding ticket."
Growing Vehicle Size Adds to Concerns
These worries come amid broader concerns about vehicle dimensions. Hannah Budnitz, a researcher at the transport studies unit of the University of Oxford, highlighted the issue of "carspreading" - the trend of cars becoming larger. Speaking to the Guardian, she said: "In many places, parking bays are marked and are not being re-marked gradually in the way the scenario suggests, meaning that larger vehicles can end up taking up two spaces by default - or overflowing into space for other road users."
Christopher Sharp's View
Reach Plc car reviewer Christopher Sharp echoed Hyde's concerns, emphasising the importance of matching power with appropriate components. He said: "If you're going to equip your large, heavy family car with more power than a supercar, you need to ensure the suspension and, crucially, the tyres are capable of handling it. 400bhp+ sounds impressive on paper and may deliver an exhilarating burst of acceleration, but if the tyres and suspension aren't up to scratch, that's a serious concern."
Sharp also pointed to the strain on Britain's deteriorating roads, particularly narrow country lanes, where excessive power offers no advantage. He concluded: "It's not about outlawing cars with excessive power, but rather about manufacturers asking themselves whether it's genuinely needed."
