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In Nepal, the decision to purchase a car is often driven by family needs rather than just commuting requirements. For many, a car is the second biggest investment of their lives, playing various roles beyond mere transportation. The GAC Aion Y, a fully electric compact SUV, is designed with this in mind, catering to the needs of families with its spacious interior and thoughtful features.
The GAC Aion Y leans heavily towards fulfilling its familial duties. One of the first things you’ll notice is how wide the rear doors open, a feature that parents with young children will appreciate. The spacious rear seats are ideal for family outings, comfortably seating up to four people when needed. Additionally, rear AC vents ensure that the large cabin remains cool, though the headroom could be a bit more generous.
When you’re not transporting passengers, the GAC Aion Y offers impressive flexibility. The rear seats can be folded down, expanding the boot space from 405 liters to a massive 1200 liters—ample for moving larger items.
Moving to the front, the driver’s seat comes with an electrical adjustment, ensuring comfort even on longer trips. However, the passenger seats lack this feature. The minimalist dashboard design, devoid of buttons, centers around a 14.6-inch touchscreen that controls the AC, sunroof, and audio system. While the touchscreen is responsive and user-friendly, operating it while driving can be challenging.
The GAC Aion Y also features a 10-inch digital display behind the steering wheel, providing essential driving information. The cabin is equipped with multiple compartments for storage, though the lack of wireless charging for your phone is a minor inconvenience.
The GAC Aion Y makes a strong first impression with its design. Up front, the angel wing headlights with LED DRLs are both functional and visually striking, reminiscent of a 90s professional wrestler. The MPV stance is evident from the side, with the angel wing design extending along the profile and 17-inch alloy wheels adding to its style. The hidden electric door handles contribute to the seamless design.
At the rear, the Sky Line LED tail lights stretch across the width of the car, enhancing its visual appeal. While the absence of a rear wiper might be a drawback, the inclusion of copper wiring for defrosting compensates for it.
The GAC Aion Y is powered by a 100kW motor and a 61.54kWh LFP battery, boasting a claimed range of 500 kilometers—a figure that, even if slightly optimistic, remains impressive. The car’s performance is further enhanced by the low center of gravity of the battery pack and a balanced 50:50 weight distribution, resulting in stable handling even on twisty roads.
Although the GAC Aion Y doesn’t come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), it does feature essential safety components like ABS, EBD, vehicle stability control, and eight airbags. The 183mm ground clearance is sufficient for both city driving and trips beyond the urban limits.
Charging the Aion Y is relatively convenient, with options ranging from a 7kW charger that takes 9 hours to a 65kW fast charger that can charge up to 80% in just one hour. More commonly available 30kW chargers will take around two hours.
Priced at Rs. 58.50 lakh, the GAC Aion Y offers excellent value for money. While it lacks some features like front object sensors, ventilated seats, and smartphone integration, the car compensates with its impressive range, spacious interior, and solid safety features.
The GAC Aion Y might not be the most stylish compact SUV on the market, but it checks all the boxes for those seeking a large family car with ample space and decent range for trips beyond Kathmandu. It’s a vehicle that caters to both family needs and the desire for solitary drives under the night sky.
