However, the UT has been optimised for UK roads. While the hatch has been on sale in China for more than a year now, the firm’s European development centre in Milan, Italy, has spent some time upgrading it with revised springs, dampers, bump stops and anti-roll bars to deal with twisty and scarred British tarmac.
Design and interior
Design-wise, the Aion UT shares the Volkswagen ID.3’s aerodynamic shape. Aion says the headlights are designed to look like an owl’s eyebrows, while the rear adopts a minimalist design that’s flanked by a pair of square tail-lights.
The UT’s interior illustrates Aion’s desire to provide a premium experience at a penny-pinching price point. The cabin’s design is somewhat restrained, besides the curved surfaces and metal-effect trim, but generous use of leatherette upholstery and soft-touch plastics should help the UT feel a bit posher than many rivals – on the surface, anyway.
Mounted above the floating centre console is a 14.6-inch touchscreen that is fitted as standard. Unlike models from Aion’s Chinese compatriots, the UT’s infotainment system doesn’t slide or rotate, but it is paired with a digital instrument cluster which we expect will be able to display live mapping, alongside the usual speedometer information.
Building on the premium focus is a long list of standard equipment which includes a heated steering wheel and seats, a 360-degree camera system and 17-inch alloy wheels. The optional Premium Pack adds a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, power-folding mirrors, a powered bootlid and a panoramic sunroof.
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