Chinese newcomer Aion will add a plug-in hybrid SUV to its UK line-up next year.
The brand is weeks away from the UK launch of its first model, the V electric SUV, and will follow that with the UT electric hatchback in the coming months.
It will then branch out into combustion-engined cars by the end of next year with parent firm GAC’s Trumpchi S7 PHEV.
The S7 is currently in the UK for testing to inform any modifications required to suit our roads.
The V was fitted with firmer springs and dampers after testing on B-roads, and the update has since been rolled out across all of Europe.
Aion will also ditch the Trumpchi branding and S7 name to ensure the PHEV fits into its UK line-up.
In China, the S7 uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a choice of one or two electric motors, driving either the front wheels or all four.
Power outputs range from 386bhp to 493bhp and it can travel between 71 and 127 miles on electricity alone, according to China’s CLTC test and depending on trim.
The S7 will be followed by a further four Aion models by 2030.
Aion Auto UK product director Owen Lloyd told Autocar that the brand was being selective in what models it would bring to the UK, dictating to its Chinese parent company what is appropriate for this market, rather than the other way around.
"It's not like 'there's a smorgasbord of cars, go and [sell them]'," said Lloyd. "That's great, but I wouldn't accept that.
"We'll take this as a starting point and either we'll tweak it for the current-generation car if we think that's within its bandwidth or we will not launch it if we feel we can get the changes and hold back for the next generation."
Aion isn't aiming to conquer a significant share of the UK market right out of the gates. It will have only 25 dealers nationally by the end of this year, preferring to take on top performers rather than placing itself in as many towns as possible.
Managing director Jon Wakefield said it was important to build "trust and confidence" before going on the offensive against rival European and Asian brands.
"You can't just tell people to trust me: it will come down to people's experience of driving and owning the product, and we've got to live up to it," he explained.
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