Aion ES Electric 55.2kWh Review : Simple Plan

The Aion ES could be the car that is more conventional than today’s white goods. But being this simple, it does beg the question of “how much car is really enough car”?

Singapore – Over time, cars have gotten more and more complex and costly. The simplicity behind the Aion ES, takes you back to a time when things were a little less fussy.

A Quirk Doctor

The ES has a certain incongruity about it. On one hand, it is almost as plain as 90s white goods, yet it does not shout, but rather murmurs modernity in small doses around its exterior.

Very quickly, you get a sense that loosely, the ES takes the Toyota Corolla as its spiritual inspirational base car. But this does not come as much of a surprise, since GAC, Aion’s parent company is in a joint collaboration with the Japanese carmaker to build vehicles in China; and they produce a version of the Corolla there, badged as the Levin. If I were to be more accurate in describing the Aion ES, if you know of the Toyota Premio/Allion grey import you occasionally see on our roads, they seem to share a very similar footprint. It does pip the very practical Skoda Octavia too by a bit.

Whichever way you look at it, it is easy to tell that the ES comes across as unpretentious and inexpensive.

It’s All About the Space, No Treble

The interior is as simple as things can get today. Built to cost, where function is prioritised over form. Interior materials are in different textures of black, punctuated by a small sprinkle of frosted silver trim.

Just as unexciting, is its 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, which has a dated and slow-to-respond interface. Over here, it lacks both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which gets me thinking that there is actually no need for a screen, as you could make do with a more simple factory audio-only system… therefore potentially bringing the price of things slightly lower even. With just two speakers for its sound system, you might either have a good laugh at its low quality of sound reproduction, or end up plain frustrated.

Even for the driver, things are budget-friendly. The instrument panel still relies on simple analogue dials, which are quite pleasant. The dials flank a small drive data screen, which sufficiently provides all the data you will need (hence again why you need not have a touchscreen). However, the steering wheel does lack reach adjustment, which I find is non-negotiable.

But while the interior does feel and look rather cheap, the Aion ES does deliver on creature comfort. There is dual-zone climate control for front occupants, and vents for those at the rear. Also, thanks to its long wheelbase, there is heaps of leg space for all. Given that the ES does have a battery under the floor, the foot wells are still quite decently low enough. This means that you are not going to sit in an unnatural manner. Fundamentals guys… fundamentals.

The story of well-thought out dimensions continues with its boot. With 453-litres there is more than enough for most heavy grocery runs. Strangely though, you can only access the trunk via the key fob, which can prove to be frustrating for any owner. A simple cable and pull-tab system shouldn’t be too much to ask.

A Drive as Easy Like Sunday Morning

With a 12.1 second century sprint timing, you would not expect much from the ES. Its front-mounted single motor puts out a humble 132hp (100kW) and 225Nm, which gets you “there”. Of-course being an EV, taking-off from the lights is instantaneous, which means that you will be largely ahead of the pack. However you will find yourself out of puff midway.

What does impress me is despite its rather numb and light steering, the ES delivers its drive with much aplomb. The suspension, while on the softer side, does hold its own around turns; while its pliant nature ensures that the ES is a good cruiser.

I find that the ES Sedan has decent efficiency too, boasting a lab-tested 16.7kWh/100km draw. My own consumption figures at 17kWh/100km, are not far from the truth. As for charging, the ES supports up to 100kW DC, which will get the battery from 20 to 80-percent in 35 minutes. Not too shabby at all.

Price X Space = King

The Aion ES does beg the question of how much can you remove (or reduce) from a car to make it cheaper, before it feels too cheap. Conversely, how much of a value-add does the ES offer from its price point?

It will not attract many, but there will be some who will be drawn by the boxes this one ticks.

Text & Photos: Clifford Chow

Pros	Cons
Price.	Steering lacks reach adjustment
Comfortable drive	Dreadful sound system
	No mechanical boot release

Drivetrain	Full Electric
Layout	Single Motor, FWD
Motor power / torque	132hp / 225Nm
Battery capacity	55.2kWh
Efficiency	16.7kWh/100km
Electric Range	364km
0-100km/h	12.1 seconds
Top Speed	150km/h
VES Band	A1
Dealer	Vincar EV
Price	S$136,988 with COE and VES
Verdict	Price. Space.