GAC AION UT Review: Affordable Chinese Electric Hatchback Shakes Up Israeli Market
The new AION UT electric hatchback from GAC offers impressive space, 204 horsepower, and rich features for 117,000 NIS, challenging the Israeli electric vehicle market.
The Israeli Ministry of Finance is currently reviewing new tax frameworks for electric vehicles, which may drastically reduce or even eliminate current purchase incentives. Officials argue that with EV prices dropping to parity with gasoline-powered cars, subsidies are no longer necessary. However, automotive importers strongly disagree, pointing to environmental and economic benefits. Meanwhile, fierce market competition continues to drive prices down independently.
A prime example of this trend is the new AION UT from Chinese automaker GAC. Designed primarily for urban lifestyles, this spacious hatchback features a wheelbase longer than a Toyota Corolla, a punchy electric motor, comprehensive equipment, and a price tag ranging between 117,000 and 120,000 NIS. Comparable gasoline vehicles in Israel in this price bracket are limited to a handful of basic city cars.
Exterior and Interior Design
The exterior styling of the AION UT is soft and rounded, aimed at younger urban demographics. The clean side profile blends supermini and station wagon proportions, while the rear features playful, amorphous light clusters. Despite its modest length, the long 2.75-meter wheelbase translates into a remarkably roomy cabin. Rear-seat passengers enjoy generous legroom, and the boot offers a useful capacity of approximately 440 liters when utilizing the space under the floor.
The interior adopts a minimalist aesthetic with a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and physical controls kept to a minimum. Material quality is surprisingly high for an affordable EV, featuring soft-touch surfaces on the seats and upper door panels. Standard equipment includes power-adjustable front seats, artificial leather upholstery, 360-degree cameras, and 17-inch alloy wheels, far surpassing traditional entry-level specifications.
Performance and On-Road Dynamics
The AION UT is powered by a front-mounted electric motor delivering 204 horsepower, paired with a 60 kWh battery providing an estimated WLTP range of up to 430 kilometers. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 7.3 seconds, offering lively performance that easily outpaces more expensive rivals at traffic lights. Real-world testing with the air conditioning running constantly yielded a practical range of roughly 350 kilometers, though the maximum charging speed is limited to 87 kW.
On the road, the soft suspension absorbs minor urban bumps effectively, though sharper speed bumps can produce a harsh thud in the rear. The steering is light and somewhat detached, and the abundant power can occasionally challenge the front tires during rapid acceleration. Safety features include active lane assist, though the intervention system can occasionally prove intrusive during daily driving.
Verdict and Competitors
Priced at 117,000 NIS, the AION UT offers exceptional value for money in the Israeli market, undercutting traditional internal combustion engine vehicles while providing rich features. Key competitors in this segment include the MG4 Urban, priced at 120,000 NIS with a 160 hp motor and a 54 kWh battery, and the upcoming Leapmotor B03X, expected to arrive later this year with a competitive price point under 130,000 NIS.
