GAC Aion UT stacks up 5-star ratings after new ANCAP results

MANILA: Hot on the heels of its five-star European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) rating, the GAC Aion UT receives the highest mark possible from its Australasian counterpart. 

Per the non-profit automotive safety organization, the test done for the nameplate covers all variants and applies to vehicles built from January 2026 onwards. The rating criteria will be valid from 2026 to 2034 for the small battery electric vehicle from the Chinese manufacturer.

Based on the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), the GAC Aion UT scored highest in Crash Protection and Post Crash. Its ratings in Crash Avoidance and Safe Driving are adequate.

Here is a breakdown of its scores:

• Safe Driving: 68 percent
• Crash Avoidance: 74 percent
• Crash Protection: 90 percent
• Post Crash: 88 percent 

Other stories: BYD showcases Yangwang U8 SUV, U9 hypercar in PH Xpeng X9 gains 5-star ANCAP safety rating Gasoline prices climb anew

ANCAP report

Of the four categories, the lowest rating recorded by the compact electric hatchback is for Safe Driving, which appears to be due to its 25 percent score for “passenger airbag status” (under “occupant classification”).

Notably, the group stated that performance—for driving controls assessment—was limited. Per ANCAP, “physical controls are provided for some key driving functions; however, a number of commonly-used functions require interaction with the vehicle’s central touchscreen.” 

Likewise, its adaptive cruise control does not “adapt to road features such as roundabouts and intersections.”

However, it was praised for its ability to “detect correct seatbelt use and rear seat occupancy,” “detect when a front-seat occupant is sitting ‘out-of-position,’” and “notify the driver when a child has been left in the vehicle” (child presence detection system).

The folks from ANCAP also shared that the GAC Aion UT “correctly identified 67 percent of speed change events—equivalent to 94 percent of the distance driven” (during on-road driving assessment), and that its adaptive cruise control “performed well in detecting and responding to other vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists.”

Broken down, the abovementioned comments reflect a 67 percent grade in “occupant monitoring,” 68 percent in “driver engagement,” and 70 percent in “vehicle assistance.” 

When it comes to Crash Avoidance, the GAC Aion UT performed satisfactorily.

Contributing to its good score were features like an autonomous emergency braking system that “performed well in a number of the more advanced scenarios assessed, involving other vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians, and cyclists,” and a lane departure prevention system that “performed well in helping prevent the Aion UT from running off the road and moving into the path of an oncoming or overtaking car or motorcycle.” 

Similarly, ANCAP shared that its “low-speed collision avoidance performance was generally good, with maximum scores recorded in turning and crossing scenarios involving other cars and motorcycles, and for a cyclist crossing the vehicle’s path.”

Low points for the category include its inability to “prevent unintended forward acceleration towards a pedestrian caused by pedal misapplication,” and limited ability to “avoid a pedestrian when reversing.” Likewise, its limited “cyclist dooring system” was also noted.

The above comments sum up a score breakdown for Crash Avoidance of 69 percent in “frontal collisions,” 93 percent in “lane departure collisions,” and 75 percent in “low speed collisions.” 

Meanwhile, its performance in Crash Protection was alluded to “good or adequate” protection “for the driver and front passenger,” and “good protection” for “child occupants seated in the rear” for the “frontal offset test” (score: 91 percent).

It also offered “generally good or adequate” protection in the “full-width frontal test.”

NCAP also commented that “additional virtual and sled testing demonstrated high levels of protection for occupants of different sizes across a range of crash severities.”

The organization also shared that “side impact performance was particularly strong” (score: 99 percent), and that “rear impact whiplash protection scored highly” (score: 95 percent). Moreover, the GAC Aion UT is fitted with lower ISOFIX tethers, and that “all selected child restraints were able to be safely installed in the rear seats.” 

Post Crash category scores were also good, with NCAP saying that its features and capabilities are “of a high standard.”

Notable observations include rescue information for emergency responders that meet requirements, provision for eCall functionality, “effective battery voltage isolation and post-crash fire risk management,” seatbelt buckles and interior door releases that remain operable following the assessed crash tests, and its ability to provide “the required functionality to assist occupant escape,” should the car enter water.

GAC Aion UT in PH 

The GAC Aion UT is available locally and is sold in a single variant only.

Power comes from an electric motor that puts out 134 horsepower and 145 Newton-meters of torque. It has a 44.12 kilowatt-hour battery that allows the driver to enjoy a range of approximately 400 kilometers on a single charge. 

Speaking of which, it can be juiced up using a direct current charger from 30 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes.

For more information about the GAC Aion UT, check out our review here: 

Pricing 

The GAC Aion UT is priced at P1.068 million. 

With the brand’s ongoing promo, those eyeing the compact car can get it with a complimentary seven-kilowatt wall charger and a free two-year preventive maintenance service program. 

For reference, the wall charger has a base price of P28,496. Installation is not part of the promo. Meanwhile, PMS for the GAC Aion UT costs around P6,667.

Also read:

GAC PH touts tempting offers for Aion UT, V throughout the ‘ber’ months

GAC Aion UT get 5-Star Euro NCAP rating

GAC PH starts accepting pre-orders for GS4 MAX HEV

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/