Distributor acknowledges new electric compact is in the region, but won’t confirm NZ for now.

REGIONAL availability of a fresh model for the line-up Chinese new entry GAC has put into New Zealand has announced.

Speculation about the Aion UT, a compact electric hatchback, being a definite starter in New Zealand is premature, the distributor suggests.

“Regarding the UT model, unfortunately we are unable to provide any information at this stage,” a spokesperson said today.

“The project is still under consideration and in the development process, so there are no confirmed details available yet.”

GAC has just installed with five dealerships, two in Auckland and the others in Hamilton, Tauranga and Christchurch, with the Aion V medium SUV as it volume contender.

Australian pricing and specification details have just confirmed for the Aion UT, a competitor model to the MG4 Urban that is soon set to come on sale here, along with the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora.

It will be offered across the Tasman in two grades with a 60kWh battery, a 150kW/210Nm front electric motor, and a 430-kilometre WLTP driving range rating.

The entry Premium sits at the equivalent of $38,675 here and the Luxury is $43,511.

By way of comparison, the Aion V already here has identical outputs, but draws energy from a 75.26 kWh battery pack. GAC claims a 510km range, and has launched at $47,990.

As a launch activity across the Tasman, the first 600 Premiums will discount $A1000 and also deliver with a 10-amp portable charger and 22-kilowatt wall charger.

Standard features in the Premium include 17-inch alloy wheels, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, six speakers, and FM/DAB+ radio – but not AM radio.

It is also fitted with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, surround-view cameras, climate control air-conditioning with rear air vents, and a full suite of active safety features.