A LITTLE-known car brand is looking to take on the mighty MINI with an all-electric hatchback that’s set to be launched very soon.
Chinese brand GAC, one of the country’s largest car makers that also has partnerships with both Honda and Toyota, is readying the Aion UT hatchback – billed as “China’s version of the Mini”.
The little motor, which, we must admit, does resemble the famous Mini, has been built with city driving in mind – but comfort, as well.
While they’ve picked a sizable rival in the form of the iconic and historic BMW-built hatchback, the Aion UT is perhaps closer in size to the Volkswagen ID 3 – with its use of interior space remarkably similar.
Speaking to Autocar, GAC’s chief operating officer, Thomas Schemera, who previously worked on Hyundai’s N performance division, as well as at BMW, said the Aion UT must come in at a competitive price.
He said: “From a price positioning point of view, to be higher than other competitors which have a well-established brand, that would be very challenging.
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“Let me put it this way: we have to be smart and clever here to put our morals on the streets and also to simultaneously build the brand, not just with the product presence but supported by campaigns.
“As long as our brand value is on such a low level, we have to do everything to increase it.
“With this mechanism, you can also increase the price step by step for your products. But first of all, you have to build confidence.”
The Aion UT is expected to be released in the UK at the top end of the £20,000-mark, making it significantly cheaper than the £30,795-rated ID 3 and roughly level with the MG 4 EV and the Renault 5.
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It features a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen inside, which operates the likes of the climate controls.
It also comes with an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel showing information such as the car’s speed and range.
Talking of range, the car’s front-mounted, 134bhp electric motor and a 60kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery can go for 267 miles, according to the vehicle’s stats.
Curiously, the front seats can be folded flat to form a bed-like arrangement with the rear seats.
Alongside the Aion UT, GAC also plans to release the Aion V – which, like many mid-size SUVs, is aiming for the Tesla Model Y.
Schemera told Autocar that GAC’s foray into the UK will come “very soon”.
This comes as Britain’s best-selling car is set to be transformed into an EV with drivers offered a “huge incentive” to switch to switch to electric.
Ford hopes the Puma Electric will prompt customers to switch and is launching its money-saving Power Promise to ease the transition.
