Multi-brand dealer Vincar EV will be the local authorised distributor for the Chinese carmaker.

Photos by Muhammad Mu’tasim

SINGAPORE

Chinese car manufacturer GAC AION has officially entered the Singapore market, and it’s kicking things off with the launch of their Y Plus electric SUV.

Unveiled last Friday at the carmaker’s new showroom at 24 Leng Kee Road, the Y Plus is set to fight squarely against the likes of the BYD Atto 3 100kW and Citroën ë-C4, with its COE Category A-friendly specifications and highly competitive pricing (starting at S$145,988 with COE).

This also marks the first time that established multi-brand dealer Vincar is operating as an authorised distributor, via its Vincar EV arm.

While the Guangzhou-based electric car brand is still relatively unknown to Singapore audiences, it has enjoyed a great degree of success in its home market since the company’s inception in 2017. It’s the world’s third largest producer of battery-electric vehicles, with over a million units rolling off its production line by the end of 2023.

Its parent company, GAC, is also a long-time joint venture partner of automotive giants Honda and Toyota in China.

Addressing invited members of media at the launch event, Mr. Hugo Ding, Regional Sales Director of GAC AION shared, “Singapore has the highest EV adoption rate in South East Asia. As a Garden City, Singapore is highly focused on eco sustainability. We believe that the Government’s support for EV adoption and transformation is an important opportunity for GAC AION and the people of Singapore.” 

An advanced 63.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate Magazine Battery delivers battery to the Y Plus’ front axle-mounted motor, outputting 100kW (or 134hp) and 225Nm of torque, with a 0-100km/h timing of 9.8 seconds and a rated top speed of 150km/h.

GAC AION is proud of their proprietary battery technology, which has supposedly been tested to a much higher level of severity than its rivals. According to the brand, their battery can withstand a bullet shot from a mainstream rifle and not ignite or explode, thus guaranteeing its safety. It’s also capable of enduring temperatures of up to 1400º C.

In contrast, the more conventional nail penetration test has a much smaller puncture wound diameter (8mm versus 60mm), and pierces through the battery at a much slower rate.

Efficiency-wise, the Y Plus has a combined WLTP range of 430km, and a city WLTP range of 563km.

And it’s not just impressive battery tech that the Y Plus has. The boxy crossover boasts a class-leading wheelbase of 2,750mm, plus bells and whistles that include powered retractable door handles and intricate Angel Wings headlights.

Inside, the Y Plus offers a spacious and advanced cabin that feels more premium than its price tag suggests. GAC AION describes it as being part of their ‘ADiGO SPACE Intelligent Cabin’, with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen display occupying the front dash, as well as Apple CarPlay integration.

Leatherette upholstery and ambient lighting dominate the interior space, with a “floating” centre console positioned up front.

Front-row seats can be fully reclined, allowing occupants to lay flat and enjoy the view above through the panoramic sunroof. Audiophiles will also appreciate the Bongiovi six-speaker premium sound system, which comes as standard.

Rear occupants have access to AC blower and a completely flat flooring, the latter of which Vincar founder and managing director Vincent Tan highlighted by walking effortlessly from one end to the other.

Said Mr. Tan, “We are proud to be chosen by state owned automotive giant, GAC Group to represent GAC AION battery electric vehicles in Singapore. We will offer AION customers the best customer experience and after sales care. GAC AION will become a household name in Singapore.”

The AION Y Plus is now available for purchase, and will make an appearance at the Car Expo this weekend, from 13-14 April.

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