The BYD Dolphin is about to get some critical competitors in Thailand within the type of the GAC Aion UT. Previewed on the ongoing Bangkok Worldwide Motor Present (BIMS), this cute entry-level electrical hatchback is open for reserving within the Land of Smiles, obtainable in Normal and Premium variants.
Costs are estimated to start out at round 490,000 baht (RM64,200) for a restricted time, rising as much as round 510,000 baht (RM66,800) at retail, based on Headlight Journal. This considerably undercuts the equal Dolphin Normal Vary, though it ought to be famous that BYD is giving a limited-time low cost as a part of BIMS that slashes the worth to 499,900 baht (RM65,500).
The automobile was launched in China earlier this month however international fashions will reportedly obtain a major improve to spice up vary. No change to the entrance motor, which continues to push out 136 PS (100 kW) and 145 Nm of torque, however the battery capacities have been up to date.
In China, the UT can solely be had with both a 34.9 kWh or a 44.2 kWh pack, offering a spread of simply 330 km and 420 km. These are hardly sterling numbers, even on China’s ridiculously optimistic CLTC cycle. Thai fashions, alternatively, get an enormous increase in capability to 50 kWh for the Normal model and 60 kWh on the Premium – each utilizing GAC’s Journal lithium iron phosphate (LFP) know-how.
This method is much like the one BYD took for the Dolphin, which obtained bigger battery choices for international markets. No vary figures have been quoted simply but, however count on them to be within the Dolphin’s ballpark – 340 km for the Normal Vary mannequin, 427 km for the Prolonged Vary, each on the extra reasonable WLTP cycle. The UT might be able to charging from 30 to 80% in 24 minutes by way of DC quick charging at an unspecified enter, GAC claims.
Such is the corporate’s need to compete with the Dolphin that the UT could be very equally sized. Measuring 4,270 mm lengthy, 1,850 mm broad and 1,575 mm tall, it’s 30 mm shorter, 80 mm wider and 5 millimetres taller than the BYD, whereas its 2,750 mm wheelbase is 50 mm longer.
The styling additionally follows the Dolphin’s basic template, with a one-box profile, a brief entrance finish, a sweeping roofline and even very related flush pull-up door handles. To our eyes, nonetheless, the UT seems to be extra interesting, with “winky” sweptback headlights and four-point “matrix dice” fog lights. Alongside the facet, the body-coloured C-pillar insert offers some visible curiosity, whereas the massive taillights and blacked-out rear bumper provides the UT a somewhat “expressive” again finish.
Inside, the UT follows the final template set by the Y Plus MPV, with a clear horizontal dashboard, massive shows and a tall floating centre console, though the concentric sq. air vents are paying homage to previous Citroëns. The freestanding screens encompass an 8.88-inch digital instrument show and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, the latter shared with the Y Plus.
Different options embody a voice management that understands each English and Thai, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automated aircon, lie-flat entrance seats and a Qi wi-fi charger. The Premium mannequin positive aspects powered, heated and ventilated entrance seats, a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate and bigger 17-inch alloy wheels (16s are proven right here). All fashions are provided with Degree 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, in addition to driver assists that embody rear cross visitors alert with auto brake.
The UT may very well be the following Aion mannequin to be offered in Malaysia, however earlier than that may come the a lot posher Hyptec HT SUV, which has already been teased. Would you get this over the Dolphin? Hold forth within the feedback after the soar.
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