Rugged on the outside, polished on the inside

The V has the fastest DC charging speed among mass-market electric vehicles

- Lee Nian Tjoe

Boasting a rugged exterior design mixed with a generous helping of premium features at a fair price, the Aion V may be just the model the brand needs to gain a foothold in the growing market for electric vehicles (EVs).

Aion was one of seven Chinese EV brands to arrive in Singapore in 2024. While it was among the better performers of that lot, it is still a relative unknown against rivals who have been here for longer.

The V makes it easier to identify the brand as "Aion" is spelt out in full and in extra-large font on its rear hatch.

Earlier models launched here used the stylised G logo of Aion's owner, GAC Group. GAC may be among the biggest car companies in China, rubbing wing mirrors with the likes of BYD and Geely, but it started to expand beyond the home market only more recently.

At 4,605mm long, the V is bigger than the likes of the BYD Atto 3 (4,455mm) and MG ZS (4,323mm).

The V certainly fits the bill as a modern sport utility vehicle. Its boxy silhouette is complemented with touches such as the squarish wheel arches finished in contrasting black on the sandy-beige test car - roof rails and chunky fenders.

As is the trend among EVs, the V boasts elements like funky LED lights, a grille-less "face" - because it does not need to cool a radiator unlike for a car with an internal combustion engine - and flushed door handles that pop up when the car is unlocked.