GAC Philippines has announced that the GAC AION UT earned a five-star rating in Euro NCAP’s 2026 safety assessment. The electric hatchback was among three Chinese models awarded five stars in the testing organization’s September 2 results. Locally, GAC is offering the Aion UT Elite at an introductory price of ₱998,000 until September 30, 2026.
How the AION UT performed
The AION UT was assessed under Euro NCAP’s updated 2026 protocols, which examine safety across four stages:
| Assessment area | Score |
|---|---|
| Safe Driving | 66% |
| Crash Avoidance | 74% |
| Crash Protection | 91% |
| Post-Crash Safety | 88% |
Euro NCAP reported strong performance from the car’s autonomous emergency braking system and awarded maximum points for rear-seat child protection in the frontal offset test. It also noted a center airbag designed to reduce contact between occupants during side impacts. However, the assessment identified weaknesses, including marginal chest protection for the small female driver in the full-width crash test and insufficient physical controls for key driving functions.
GAC’s release also highlights a body structure comprising 71% high-strength steel and a seven-airbag system. These are relevant engineering details, although the independent test results provide a more useful measure of how the assessed vehicle performs.
For Philippine buyers, the rating’s scope deserves attention: Euro NCAP identifies Premium and Luxury versions, with Premium as the tested variant. The locally marketed Elite is not explicitly listed, so equivalence with the assessed specification still needs confirmation.
Philippine price and availability
According to GAC Philippines, the AION UT Elite’s ₱998,000 introductory price represents a ₱70,000 reduction from its ₱1,068,000 suggested retail price. The offer runs until September 30, 2026, with reservations open through GAC dealerships nationwide. The Philippine Elite uses a 100 kW electric powertrain driving the front wheels.
The result gives prospective buyers useful independent safety information alongside the car’s price and equipment. Confirming which tested safety features are fitted to the Philippine Elite would make that information more directly useful when comparing locally available electric hatchbacks.
