Peter Lyon
April 13, 2024
Chinese automaker GAC Motor is getting ready to start a new chapter in Malaysia. It recently appointed nine dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia, unveiled three SUVs (GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo, and Aion Y Plus), and signed an MoU with WTCA for the production of cars locally. This significant development follows the brand making a big splash at the recent Thailand Bangkok International Motor Show.
GAC Aion, the EV subsidiary of the GAC Group, revealed the Hyper HT at the event. Pre-bookings of this EV are now open in Thailand at an introductory price of THB 1,999,900 (approx RM 260k). But we can also expect to see the brand on Malaysian roads soon also.
Th HT’s dimensions are 4,935 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, 1,700 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,935 mm. It is the foundation of the AEP3.0 third-generation electric platform and has a low centre of gravity and a reinforced body construction.
The EV’s rounded headlights, rear gull-wing doors, and retractable door handles all contribute to its sleek appearance. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P chipset powers the 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen located on the dash. This EV also gets a 22-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system, wireless charging pads, and an oval-shaped three-spoke steering wheel.
The Hyper HT incorporates a rear-wheel drive electric motor generating 244 ps. The battery capabilities range between 70-kWh and 93-kWh offering a maximum range of up to 770 km (on the CLTC cycle), although a real-world range would hover around a number more like 550km at best.
On the safety side, the EV is fitted with several advanced driver-assistance technologies, including rear-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
China’s GAC is pushing hard to get its electric GAC Aion subsidiary on the map in Southeast Asia, and we are sure to see its products on Malaysian roads within the near future. Even if we take the brand’s CLTC-rated electric range of 770km with a pinch of salt, its real-world 550km is still very competitive as is its pricing.
