First Drive: Aion flexes muscles in UK with new UT electric hatchback

What is it?

Aion might get its wish of being more well-known as it has just entered one of the fastest-growing electric car segments; the small hatchback class of late has seen a flurry of new arrivals, from the retro Renault 5 to the quirky Hyundai Inster.

What’s new?

The new UT is the second model to come from Aion UK, and will be followed by five further cars in the coming years. It’s a smallish, five-door hatchback that champions space, a strong electric range and Aion UK’s ‘Great 8’ package – which bundles eight years of warranty, servicing, roadside assistance and MOT cover as standard. On paper, the UT is very compelling.

What’s under the bonnet?

It gets a 60kWh useable LFP battery pack, giving a claimed range of up to 268 miles. That’s impressive in this class – not quite as good as the new 52kWh Volkswagen ID.Polo, but better than top-sellers like the Renault 5. It’s hooked up to a 201bhp electric motor that powers the front wheels, while maximum DC charging is up to 87kW. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) and a heat pump come as standard.

What’s it like to drive?

The result is a car that feels better calibrated than some models from other Chinese newcomer brands, but if you’re after an engaging driving experience then a Renault 5 still reigns supreme. The UT has a firm ride around town, which softens as you pick up speed, and the handling is nothing to shout nor complain about. The seats are comfy, and the steering wheel is nicely round (square steering wheels are all too often a thing these days), but I would welcome better adjustment for the steering as the lack of reach adjustment made for an awkward driving position. Also, the UT is quite a wide car, and you really do feel this in city streets and single-track country lanes.

For humdrum daily driving, the UT is quiet, more than unassuming and more than quick enough – and there’s nothing wrong with that.

How does it look?

What’s it like inside?

But the main highlights are build quality and space. The fit and finish is very good for the most part, and there are some clever storage areas such as the central bin under the touchscreen.

As for space, it’s huge inside. The UT shares its platform with the V SUV, and this makes the interior enormous. There’s plenty of room to stretch out in the back, and the 321-litre boot is spacious for the class.

What’s the spec like?

The £1,200 Premium Pack adds a panoramic roof with electric sunblind, an electric tailgate, and a ventilated driver’s seat.

Verdict

The Aion UT is a compelling proposition for those looking for a small car with a big car feel, both in terms of interior space and equipment.

Add in the fact that it has a surprisingly high-quality feel, and is quiet and easy to drive, and it’s clear Aion is going to make a name for itself in the near future.