NZ pricing confirmed for GAC Aion UT electric hatch

Relative New Zealand newbie GAC has welcomed its second fully electric model to local showrooms, the Aion UT electric hatchback. And it confirmed pricing for the new nameplate at an Auckland launch event earlier today. 

The Aion UT is set to be offered locally in two grades, the standard variant and the Lux. The two models are priced at $39,990 and $43,990 respectively, plus on-road costs. As an added bonus, GAC is offering a free home charger unit for its first customers. 

The pricing positions the GAC towards the upper end of the electric hatchback and compact crossover space, relative to the likes of BYD’s $29,990 Atto 1 and $39,990 Atto 2, as well as the recently launched $38,990 MG4 Urban. 

The Aion UT comes powered by a front-mounted electric motor making 150kW of power and 210Nm of torque. Range from the 60kWh battery pack is rated at a competitive 430km on the WLTP cycle. 

The marque boasts that it takes 24 minutes to charge the UT from 30 to 80% battery capacity when hooked to a fast charger, adding that the model also comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. 

Standard equipment in all models includes a 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.8-inch digital cluster, heated steering wheel, LED headlights, a heated and ventilated driver’s seat, and more. 

The flagship Lux, meanwhile, comes with a power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, a type A rear power port, wireless device charging, and more. 

GAC are keen to underscore the practicality of the Aion UT. The model’s ample 2750mm wheelbase means a huge back seats, and the brand highlighted that the model comes with a private lockbox, an integrated tissue holder, a bag hook, and an ‘open walkthrough space’ between the front doors. 

Whilst the model has yet to be tested by ANCAP, GAC confirmed that it comes with an ADAS suite that includes lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, seven airbags, and is “built to global safety standards”. 

Like the BYD Atto 1 and Dongfeng Box in particular, GAC is offering the Aion UT with a plethora of colour spec options. It will be sold in seven different colours, and two different interior trim colours. 

In addition, the marque confirmed plans to double its current count of dealerships in New Zealand by the end of the year, from five to 10.