First look at the new Chinese hatchback coming to South Africa – Photos

GAC was out in force at the Festival of Motoring this past weekend, showcasing a variety of models from crossovers to luxury people carriers.

One of the standout items on display at Kyalami was the new Aion Y – an electric hatchback that will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2025.

GAC’s first electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa, the Aion will likely be a competitor to the BYD Dolphin and the GWM Ora 03, but we’ll have to wait until the pricing is revealed to know for sure.

In the meantime, the Chinese carmaker has provided a short breakdown of the hatchback’s stats, giving us an initial idea of what to expect.

A new electric option

The Aion Y is powered by a front-mounted electric motor, which can generate up to 150kW and 225Nm.

Interestingly, it seems the hatchback will only be offered in a single specification, as the car’s display card noted it has a 63.2kWh battery – large enough to allow for 490km of driving.

In its home market, the Chinese car also has a more affordable 37.9kWh cell, but the attendant we spoke to said this wouldn’t be an option.

It’s possible that GAC decided there wouldn’t be enough of a market for the smaller battery, since most customers would want the better range.

Even if this is the case, the company may still bring in the cheaper unit at a later date if demand picks up.

The styling is another aspect that is sure to catch motorists’ attention, as it has a minimalist front end with a set of “Angel Wing” LED headlights and daytime running lights.

The overall shape and profile has a polygonal aesthetic that sells the futurist vibe you’d expect from an EV, which is further accentuated by the flush door handles.

It also has a tri-tone aesthetic with a main body colour, silver wheel arches, dark 17-inch alloy wheels, and a black roof.

The vehicle itself is 4,535mm long, 1,870mm wide, and 1,650mm tall, making it considerably larger than other hatchbacks.

The upside is that the GAC is rather spacious inside with a reasonably large boot and plenty of legroom for the rear passengers.

The cabin also feels more expansive, thanks to the large windows and a panoramic sunroof that lets in more natural light.

The perforated synthetic leather seats have a light blue strip and a contrasting stitch pattern that extends to the central armrest and the door lining.

Like most Chinese cars, the centre console has a two-stage design with a lower storage shelf.

The upper shelf has a sealable bin for small items, two cupholders, and a wireless phone charger.

The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel has the same light blue accent found on the seats, and the dashboard has a digital driver display and a sizeable 14.6-inch infotainment screen.

GAC also states that the Aion Y will be offered with a Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), which includes functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitoring, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.

More information on the new GAC Aion Y will be announced closer to its launch in the final quarter of 2025.

GAC Aion Y at the 2025 Festival of Motoring