Aiways is unusual in that, unlike any other Chinese EV manufacturer, it has chosen to establish itself in export markets before building a fundamental sales base and widespread recognition at home. It was founded only six years ago yet is already represented in 15 markets.
Up until now, the Shangrao-based firm's volumes have been fairly limited. But with the launch of the U6, it is looking to build on its existing operations and enter more markets, including the UK.
There's pedigree in the styling of this notchback SUV. It was overseen by Ken Okuyama, the ex-Pininfarina chief who is credited with celebrated cars including the Ferrari Enzo, plus some of Japan's bullet trains. As such, the U6 has an eye-catching look as well as a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.25.
Among the distinguishing elements is what Aiways describes as a shark nose, with a blanked-off leading edge, thin horizontal LED daytime running lights and vertically stacked headlights, all housed within a heavily structured bumper with a prominent splitter and small fins low on each side.
The U6 is 4800mm long, 1880mm wide and 1640mm tall, making it a touch larger in all directions than the Volkswagen ID 5, with a 29mm-longer wheelbase to suit.
The U6 has a uniquely styled five-seat interior featuring more tactile and higher-grade materials than those in the smaller, traditionally shaped U5. There is some hard plastic but mostly lower down, below the driver's line of sight. Most surfaces reflect a more mature and upmarket positioning than for Aiways' original model.
Denne historien er fra April 12, 2023-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 12, 2023-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal