The Chinese firm Aion, owned by the GAC group, has just lifted the veil on the Y Younger, a 100% electric compact SUV exposed to 119,800 yuan, about 16,200 euros. Rival of the Tesla Model Y and other Volkswagen ID.4, it could quite seduce European customers.
Although Aion is currently only present in its native market, namely China, the brand founded by GAC group in 2019 it could well become essential in the years to come. And for good reason, she already has a range made up of various models of electric cars and recently formalized its latest creation, the Aion Hyper GT sports sedan, a rival to the Tesla Model S and located under the incredible Hyper SSR. But if the firm is back on stage in March, it is for a completely different model.
A new compact SUV
In fact, now it is the turn of the GAC Aion Y Younger be revealed, while the Chinese manufacturer has made it official both on its website and on its page Weibo. As in most electric cars on the market, here we find a complete grill, which in particular could remind us of the Model Y, the frontal rival of this newcomer to the range, but also of the Hyundai Kona. The front face, however, is distinguished by a very original light signaturethat could be reminiscent of wings.
In profile, the SUV adopts minivan proportions, with the roof protection appearing quite high, as well as the beltline. Of course we find Body protections on the sides as well as the wheel arches. The rear is just as stylish, sporting a thin strip of light that also acts as a fire. A stylistic element that also reminds us of what Hyundai offers in its new Kona.
As stated on the Chinese site is homeThe electric SUV is 4.54 meters long, which would allow it to also compete with the Volkswagen ID.4 and other Renault Mégane E-Tech if it came to Europe. The whole set measures 1.87 meters wide and 1.65 meters high. Identical dimensions to the Aion YPresent in the range since 2021, after being presented at the Guangzhou fair in 2020.
Total, only two body colors offered in the electric SUV, which also offers orange elements. If the manufacturer has not communicated the Cx, we note that some work has nevertheless been done on the aerodynamics, as this new Y Younger is equipped in particular with body-integrated handles. 18 or 19 inch wheels complete the set, with a model designed to reduce air resistance, as in the new DS 3 E-Tense that we were able to test.
Disappointing battery life, but affordable
Access on board is via a keyless system, which opens the door as soon as you approach. The driving position is intended to be technological, while it is equipped witha large 14.6-inch touch screen, but it is unknown whether or not it is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is associated with a 10.25-inch digital terminal.
On board this Aion Y Younger fit a total of five people, It has a wheelbase of 2.75 meters. The volume of the trunk has not yet been communicated by the manufacturer. The latter, however, gives some technical data about his SUV, which is available in only one version. Therefore, it is equipped with a 100 kW electric motor, i.e. approximately 135 horsepower for a torque of 176 Nm installed on the front axle.
It is associated with a LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery, a technology that Stellantis will soon adopt, with a capacity of 51.9 kWh. Thus, autonomy is shown at 430 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC cycle. Which is equivalent to approximately 365 WLTP kilometers. On the other hand, Aion has not yet communicated on the time needed for recharging and on the maximum power that the car can collect.
However, the electric SUV, which mainly targets a young clientele, already reveals its price, which is listed starting at 119,800 yuan. which is equivalent to 16,289 euros. An affordable price, but one that will most likely increase if the vehicle is sold in Europe. Thus, the manufacturer would be part of the new wave of Chinese brands to try their luck with us, such as Nio, MG, BYD or even Xpeng and Leapmotor. But it’s not safe at all right now.
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