What's the difference?
Jayco is Australia’s most prolific builder of camper-trailers, caravans and motorhomes. Many of its models are the cheapest options in their class and represent decent value for money.
The company’s cheapest little camper-trailer – the Swift – is the perfect example of that: functional, versatile, packed with features and it costs less than $20,000.
Chinese newcomer GAC couldn’t have timed the arrival of its Aion UT in Australia any better.
At the time of writing, we were in the midst of another Middle East-related fuel crisis, and more buyers than ever before were considering switching to their first electric car.
It’s a good thing there hasn’t ever been a better time to buy one, especially with price tags getting lower and lower thanks to keen new players like GAC.
The Aion UT, which is a vaguely Corolla-sized hatchback is now one of the most affordable new EVs on the market, and aims to outfox its primary rivals, like the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora.
But, as you may have figured out by now, newcomer brands can come with their fair share of quirks. So, is the Aion UT the affordable hatchback it needs to be? We went to its Australian launch to find out.
Overall, the Swift is pretty good value. It’s got a sensible layout, a clever process to set up and offers quite a lot of comfort within a cosy package.
Given the price and the layout, it’s worth considering if you’re also shopping for a forward-fold camper-trailer, which likewise offers an internal living area.
The Aion UT is a cleverly-specified little hatchback and a great entry-point into electric motoring. The software needs a bit of work from a usability perspective, plus the spongy ride and cutesy styling might not be for everyone.
However, with strong points including driving range, cabin space and value, there’s even a pitch for it in some cases to be an only car compared to most of its price rivals, which are more likely to be thought of as a second car runabout in a two-car garage.
The pick of the range is definitely the entry-level Premium. It comes in at a headline-grabbing price with specs to blow rivals out of the water, while only missing out on a few luxuries.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.