GAC AION UT

The GAC AION UT can detect correct seatbelt use and rear seat occupancy. It can also detect when a front-seat occupant is sitting ‘out-of-position’, however it is unable to classify occupants according to their size.

A child presence detection system is fitted and can notify the driver when a child has been left in the vehicle. The AION UT’s driver monitoring system performed well in detecting common forms of driver distraction, with more moderate performance in detecting impairment or an unresponsive driver.

Performance in the driving controls assessment was limited. Physical controls are provided for some key driving functions, however a number of commonly-used functions require interaction with the vehicle’s central touchscreen.

During the on-road driving assessment, which assesses the accuracy of speed limit identification functionality on local metropolitan and regional roads, the AION UT correctly identified 67% of speed change events - equivalent to 94% of the distance driven.

Adaptive cruise control performed well in detecting and responding to other vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists. It does not, however, adapt to road features such as roundabouts and intersections.

The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system fitted to the GAC AION UT performed well in a number of the more advanced scenarios assessed, involving other vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Performance was particularly strong when turning across the path of another vehicle or motorcycle, and when approaching pedestrians and cyclists from behind. The system was less effective in intersection scenarios where another car or motorcycle crossed the AION UT’s path, and when turning across the path of a cyclist.

The lane departure prevention system 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.

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.

The AION UT does not prevent unintended forward acceleration towards a pedestrian caused by pedal misapplication. Its ability to avoid a pedestrian when reversing was also limited.

A cyclist dooring system is fitted to help reduce the risk of an occupant opening a door into the path of a cyclist approaching from behind, however its capability was limited.

In the frontal offset test, protection was good or adequate for the driver and front passenger, with good protection provided to child occupants seated in the rear. A deduction was applied for the AION UT’s crash compatibility in head-on crashes, where its structure presents additional risk to occupants of an oncoming vehicle, if struck.

In the full-width frontal test, protection was generally good or adequate, although protection of the chest of the small female driver was marginal. Additional virtual and sled testing demonstrated high levels of protection for occupants of different sizes across a range of crash severities.

Side impact performance was particularly strong. Maximum scores were recorded for the driver in the side impact and oblique pole tests. Far-side impact performance also achieved maximum scores, aided by the centre airbag fitted between the front seats, which helps reduce occupant-to-occupant interaction in a side crash.

Rear impact whiplash protection scored highly.

Protection for pedestrians and cyclists was more varied. Maximum scores were achieved for protection of the pelvis, femur, knee and tibia. Head protection was good principally across the windscreen area, with areas of weak and poor protection recorded elsewhere across the front of the vehicle.

The AION UT is fitted with lower ISOFix anchorages for rear outboard seats and top tether anchorages for all rear seating positions. All selected child restraints were able to be safely installed in the rear seats.

The post-crash features and capability of the GAC AION UT are of a high standard.

Rescue information for emergency responders met requirements, with both a rescue sheet and emergency response guide available.

The AION UT has provision for eCall functionality. While eCall notifications are not yet active on the AION UT, vehicles are equipped with the supporting hardware required to enable future activation of this emerging vehicle safety feature. GAC have committed to have eCall functionality operable in all AION UT vehicles by October 2027 - with this commitment required by ANCAP in order for points to be scored.

As a battery electric vehicle, the AION UT demonstrated effective battery voltage isolation and post-crash fire risk management.

Seatbelt buckles and interior door releases remained operable following the assessed crash tests. Access from outside the vehicle was less consistent, with low scores recorded for exterior door opening and tailgate opening.

It was demonstrated that, if the AION UT entered water, the vehicle provides the required functionality to assist occupant escape.