The influx of new electric vehicle brands into the UK fleet market continues, but the arrival of the Aion UT marks a different approach to winning over corporate buyers.

Stand-out driving dynamics and radical styling are rare for these models, and this new small hatchback contender targets car lists through generous dimensions, high equipment levels and a robust aftersales package.

Behind the wheel, the driving experience is fine as far as it goes, but it does not provide much in the way of excitement. It handles urban routes and motorway journeys adequately, but it delivers very little in the way of dynamic engagement. The steering is light, the ride is geared toward comfort, and the overall road manners and handling traits are entirely standard for a modern compact electric hatchback.

But the specification is perhaps the thing that will win many fleets and drivers over, as well as the comprehensive aftersales backup. The large dimensions provide cabin space and rear legroom that feel far closer to a traditional lower-medium hatchback. This is complemented by a generous 440-litre boot capacity, addressing a common constraint for operators running smaller fleet vehicles.

The interior layout follows minimalist digital trends, dominated by a 14.6-inch central touch interface that controls the climate settings, satellite navigation, and primary vehicle functions. For an entry-level on-the-road price confirmed at £28,950 on the road, the standard equipment level is comprehensive, featuring a synthetic leather interior, heated front seats and reclining rear seats.

An optional Premium Pack adds a further £1,200 to the bill, bringing a panoramic glass roof, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, electric door mirrors, and a powered tailgate. Seems pretty good value, and would offer a reasonable uplift in the residual value for the outlay.

While the cabin utility is a clear positive, the strongest argument for adding the UT to a fleet is the comprehensive backup package. Aion has recognised that entering a new name into the UK corporate market requires a significant layer of reassurance for risk-averse fleets.

The car comes bundled with its so-called ‘Great 8’ aftersales package, which covers eight years or 100,000 miles of manufacturer warranty, alongside eight years of free routine servicing, nationwide roadside assistance recovery, and annual MOT tests.

Its 60kWh battery pack is comparable to those of the MG4 and BYD Dolphin, rather than electric versions of the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa. Energy efficiency is a lacklustre 3.8 miles per kWh, with a useful maximum range of 268 miles.

Checking some comparative residual values forecasts with Cap HPI, it seems to be in a similar ballpark to the MG4 and BYD, although the data company is erring towards caution for Aion as the unknown quantity in the market, the UT being only the second model launched in the UK.

For reassurance, Aion is setting up dedicated parts hubs and continuing to build its dealer network to help keep vehicles on the road.