GAC has previewed its new compact electric hatchback – the Aion UT which is to be launched in China and the Australian market soon. With a bid to challenge models from BYD Dolphin, the MG4, GWM Ora and others for the title of the cheapest EV car in Australia, the Aion UT will be launched in China with three battery offerings, a single 100kW motor and top-quality comfort features.
Characteristics of GAC Aion UT
It measures 4270mm in length, 1850mm in width and stands 1575mm tall, making it not a compact city car like the BYD Dolphin or the MG4, but a traditional hatchback. The Aion UT is available with three batteries – LFP cells, with the ranges of 410 km, 510 km, or 610 km as per the more relaxed Chinese CLTC cycle.
Inside, the UT stands for Utility Terrain and includes a flat floor layout, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch multimedia screen with CarPlay and connected services. The center console has been designed to float with wireless charging ability and a lower cut out for additional space.
Aion calls the UT’s rear legroom “class leading”, and states front seats are completely and individually foldable to turn the car into a sort of living room. The boot space of the hatchback is also large coming in at 440 liters.
Know The Safety System
The Aion UT includes the basic safety system and additional assemblies – front and rear autonomous emergency brakes and airbags.
Even some details, including the charging speed, are still kept under wraps, but according to Chinese media sources, UT will be more affordable and is expected to directly compete with BYD Dolphin.
GAC’s Strategic Entry Into Australia
The Aion UT is among the growing list of electric vehicles that GAC has been developing, the RT sedan, and V small SUV. It is planned that the Aion V will become the first car in Australia by the end of Q2 2025, however, more Aions will flow into the market before hybrid and combustion automobiles make their way into the country. With approximately 4000 sales targeted in 2025, GAC is likely to set it’s prices low enough to capture market share and compete with rivals firmly.
The Aion V will rival models like the BYD Atto 3, Chery Omoda E5, and MG ZS EV replacement, while the Aion UT will need competitive pricing to challenge the BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora, and MG4, all engaged in a 2024 price war. Entering Australia in 2025, GAC will also face competition from newcomers like Xpeng, Skywell, Stellantis-backed Leapmotor, and Geely’s Zeekr and Smart brands.
