The Aion UT, priced at £28,950, is a new electric supermini from GAC, China’s fifth-largest car company. GAC has been producing vehicles since the 1950s and currently makes nearly two million vehicles each year. The UT is the brand’s second model available in the UK, following the V SUV, and the company plans to launch five new model lines in the next 18 months. GAC aims to have 100 dealers across the UK by 2030, signaling its growing ambitions in the European market. The Aion UT is powered by a 60kWh battery, which the manufacturer claims can provide a maximum range of 268 miles on a single charge. A front-mounted motor delivers 201bhp and 210Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 7.3 seconds. Inside, the UT features a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and an 8.88-inch driver display, along with standard equipment such as automatic LED headlights, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, and a 360-degree camera system. It also offers a spacious interior with 440 litres of boot space, which expands to 1,600 litres when the rear seats are folded down. A Premium Pack adds features like a panoramic glass roof, electrically folding mirrors, and a powered tailgate for an extra £1,200. Designed in Milan, the Aion UT has a clean, modern look with flush door handles and two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels. However, some aspects of the driving experience may not meet expectations for a premium vehicle. The car has a firm ride and intrusive lane-keeping assistance, while some hard plastics inside do not match the upscale appearance. During testing, the Chao Yang tyres struggled for grip, and the adaptive cruise control had a minor issue where setting the speed to 70mph would sometimes result in 68mph or 71mph, due to the system’s 5km/h increments. The battery, developed with Chinese manufacturer CATL, uses GAC’s Magazine Battery 2.0 technology and has a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load capability, allowing the car to power devices when parked. Aion is offering a zero per cent finance deal for the UT, with monthly payments of £349 over four years and a £1,949 deposit. A £500 test-drive offer is also available. The Great 8 package provides eight-year/100,000-mile warranties for both the vehicle and battery, along with eight years of servicing and roadside assistance. The interior is standard in Noir, with an optional French Cream interior available for an extra £195. The Aion UT is positioned as a competitor to models like the Renault 5, MG 4 Urban, and BYD Dolphin, aiming to offer UK buyers a practical, spacious, and feature-rich electric supermini.