Short-range GAC Aion UT on its way to NZ to take on Atto 1?

Damien O’Carroll

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  • GAC is adding a 44kWh Aion UT to open its range in Australia, but will we get it here?
  • We should, because it would likely be priced to take on the BYD Atto 1 and Dongfeng Box.
  • The short-range model would still have a WLTP range of 320km and would likely use the same 150kW motor.

GAC Australia has just announced that it will be adding a short-range version of the Aion UT hatch to its Aussie line-up, potentially opening the door for a cheaper variant of the impressive small EV to land in New Zealand.

The short-range Aion UT is equipped with a smaller 44kWh battery than the car we get here, which utilises a 60kWh battery and packs a WLTP range of 430km. GAC Australia says the 44kWh variant will offer a WLTP range of 320km (WLTP) and will be "a standout performer when it comes to daily driving performance in this portion of the marketplace".

GAC Australia is adding a short-range 44kWh Aion UT to its line up, but will we get it here?

The small hatch is currently on sale in New Zealand in $39,990 Aion UT and $43,990 Aion UT Lux guises, both featuring the 60kWh battery and a single 150kW/210Nm electric motor mounted on the front axle that propels it to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Aion UT shares its platform with the larger Aion V SUV, but is 4270mm long with a 2750mm wheelbase, compared to the larger SUV's 4605mm and 2775mm.

A cheaper short-range Aion UT would likely line directly up with the 43kWh/310km BYD Atto 1 Premium.

While further details of the short-range model’s Australian specification and pricing remain under wraps until closer to its launch in late 2026, it will undercut the existing Aion UT that currently starts at AU$31,990 (NZ$38,360) there.

This could theoretically make an entry level short-range model in New Zealand start around the $35k mark, which would put GAC right in the fight for entry level EVs, with the likes of the $36,990 BYD Atto 1 Premium (43kwh/310km) and the $32,990 Dongfeng Box (43kWh/317km), as well as the upcoming $34,990 Arcfox T1 (42kWh/310km) and the Geely EX2 that is likely to have similar specs and pricing.

A decision on whether or not the 44kWh Aion UT would make its way here has yet to be made, however, with a spokesperson for GAC New Zealand telling DRIVEN Car Guide that they had no information on whether or not it would grace our shores. But the increasing competition in the segment certainly makes a strong argument for it.

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