Compact electric hatch set to join Australia’s EV market

GAC Australia has confirmed the AION UT, an all-electric compact hatchback, as the fourth model to join its local range, with the vehicle set to go on sale mid-year.

The AION UT will be the second fully electric model released in Australia under GAC’s AION sub-brand, following the launch of the AION V medium SUV.

The company says the new hatch has been developed specifically with urban driving in mind, combining compact exterior dimensions with competitive interior space.

Designed at GAC’s Milan Design Centre, the AION UT features a fastback silhouette, two-tone floating roof and pixel-style lighting elements intended to give the car a distinctive, tech-forward appearance.

GAC also points to what it describes as the world’s first “eyebrow-style” headlamp design as a visual signature for the model.

Despite its compact positioning, the AION UT rides on a 2,750mm wheelbase, which GAC says allows for interior space that rivals larger vehicles in the same segment.

Full technical specifications, equipment levels and pricing for the Australian market have not yet been announced.

The confirmation of the AION UT comes as competition in Australia’s electric vehicle market continues to intensify, particularly at the more affordable end of the spectrum.

While early EV adoption was dominated by premium models and SUVs, manufacturers are increasingly turning their attention to smaller, city-oriented cars aimed at price-conscious buyers and urban commuters.

GAC entered the Australian market late last year with a mix of petrol, plug-in hybrid and electric models, including the AION V, M8 PHEV and EMZOOM.

The company has indicated it plans to introduce more than 10 models locally over the next five years as part of its long-term Australian strategy.

Australian furniture brand King Living has expanded its Aura Collection with the launch of a new modular sofa designed to blend contemporary aesthetics with adaptable living.

The Aura Sofa builds on the success of the Aura Island range, first introduced in 2023, which included indoor and outdoor sofas as well as fixed and swivel occasional chairs.

The latest evolution introduces modular functionality to the collection, allowing homeowners to configure the sofa to suit a variety of spaces and uses.

As living spaces continue to evolve, particularly in urban environments where flexibility is increasingly valued, furniture designers are placing greater emphasis on products that can adapt over time.

King Living says the new Aura Sofa has been developed with this trend in mind, enabling customers to create corner, L-shaped or U-shaped layouts, while also allowing additional modules to be added as needs change.

King Living founder David King said the original Aura concept began as an exploration of sculptural design before being reimagined as a modular system.

“Aura began as an exploration of sculptural form. Now, we’ve brought modularity into that design language, giving the freedom to reimagine your space with a modular design made for flexibility,” he said.

The collection’s defining feature remains its soft, flowing silhouette, with curved forms replacing traditional angular sofa designs.

The company describes the sofa as a response to changing lifestyles, where living rooms increasingly serve multiple purposes, from entertaining guests and family gatherings to quiet reading corners and work-from-home spaces.

Its rounded profile and minimalist aesthetic are intended to enhance the flow of contemporary interiors while maximising available space. According to the company, the design is equally suited to compact apartments and larger open-plan homes.

“Today, living space is both a luxury and a constraint. Aura is our response, a purposeful design that proves when intention and fluidity converge, the result can feel both expansive and refined,” King said.

Beyond aesthetics, the new sofa incorporates several engineering features synonymous with the King Living brand.

These include the company’s Postureflex steel suspension system, extra-high pocket springs and its signature steel frame, which is backed by a 25-year warranty. The company says the design has been engineered to deliver long-term comfort and durability.

Sustainability has also been a focus of the design. Each module features a removable cover that can be professionally cleaned, repaired or replaced individually, reducing the need to replace an entire sofa and potentially extending the product’s lifespan.

The Aura Sofa is available made to order in a range of premium fabrics and European leathers, allowing customers to tailor the piece to different interior styles and colour palettes.

Designed, manufactured and sold exclusively by King Living, the Aura Sofa launched in showrooms and online early this month, marking the latest addition to the Australian company’s growing portfolio of modular furniture designs.

Compact electric hatch set to join Australia’s EV market

Chinese carmaker GAC will expand its Australian electric vehicle line-up with the city-focused AION UT hatchback.

King Living has unveiled a modular version of its Aura Sofa, bringing greater flexibility to the sculptural design collection as demand grows for furniture that can adapt to changing lifestyles.