by GAC Aion UT: An Affordable Electric Car That Doesn’t Feel Cheap
Not long ago, electric cars were out of reach for most people due to their high price compared to conventional cars. However, in markets like Australia, the situation has changed thanks to new Chinese brands that have made compact electric vehicles affordable for ordinary buyers.
The cheapest electric car in the country is the BYD Atto 1, starting at 26,000 Australian dollars (about 18,100 US dollars). However, its small size is a drawback. The second cheapest is the GAC Aion UT, which solves this problem by offering more space at a price comparable to a base Toyota Corolla. It is this combination of size and price that makes it worth considering.
GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) is a Chinese state-owned brand that entered the Australian market in late 2025. After a week of testing the Aion UT, it became clear that GAC has created an electric car with many advantages.
Key Specifications
Price and Competition
The main advantage of the Aion UT is its price. The first 600 units cost from 30,990 Australian dollars (21,600 US dollars) for the Premium version and 35,990 Australian dollars (25,000 US dollars) for the Luxury. Now prices have risen to 32,990 and 37,990 Australian dollars respectively, but it is still a great deal. For comparison, a Toyota Corolla Hybrid starts at 32,110 Australian dollars.
We tested the top-spec Aion UT Luxury. It is equipped with a 60 kWh battery and a front electric motor producing 150 kW (201 hp) and 210 Nm of torque. The claimed range is 430 km, which is a respectable figure.
Design and Space
The Aion UT stands out from other hatches thanks to its long wheelbase (2,750 mm) and short overhangs. This allows for a spacious cabin. The car looks stylish and modern.
Interior and Equipment
Contrary to expectations, the cabin of the Aion UT does not feel cheap. It features a 14.6-inch infotainment display that is quick and crisp. Climate control settings are always available on the bottom of the screen.
There is also an 8.8-inch driver display, although it has limited customization options. The cabin is adorned with soft synthetic leather upholstery, adding a premium feel. Wireless charging, ventilated and heated seats, as well as a heated steering wheel are available. A panoramic sunroof is a nice bonus.
Despite its compact size, there is enough space for two tall passengers in the rear. The trunk volume is 321 liters, and with the seats folded down, it increases to 689 liters.
Driving Impressions
The GAC Aion UT Luxury proved to be efficient and comfortable. The 150 kW power is sufficient for daily driving, and acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds feels smooth and linear. The car avoids the torque steer typical of some front-wheel-drive electric vehicles.
Efficiency is also impressive: the average figure was 15.1 kWh/100 km, which is better than the claimed 16.4 kWh/100 km. This makes the claimed range of 430 km quite achievable. The level of regenerative braking can be adjusted, but only through the infotainment menu, not via steering wheel paddles. There is no one-pedal driving mode.
A drawback is the steering: it is too light and lacks feedback, making the car feel uncertain on winding roads. The cheap Chaoyang tires also do not help improve handling.
Charging speed is also disappointing: it only supports 87 kW for DC fast charging, meaning 24 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%. AC charging is standard at 11 kW.
Ride quality is excellent. The car handles road imperfections well, providing a comfortable ride. The most annoying aspects are the safety systems: driver fatigue and distraction warnings trigger even with a brief glance away, and the speed limiter constantly beeps. They have to be turned off every time the car is started.
Verdict
The GAC Aion UT is exactly the kind of car that could persuade traditional car owners to switch to an electric vehicle. It is practical, efficient, and pleasant to drive. However, buyers will have to tolerate intrusive safety systems and mediocre regenerative braking. Hopefully, GAC will release software updates that can turn this good electric car into a great one.
Overall, the GAC Aion UT demonstrates that Chinese manufacturers can offer competitive electric cars at an attractive price. It is not perfect, but its strengths — space, comfort, and efficiency — make it a serious player in the market. This is especially relevant amid rising prices for traditional cars and fuel. If GAC can fix the issues with handling and charging, future versions of this car could become a true bestseller.
