Another domestic car brand is preparing to enter the Hong Kong market, with BAIC and Arcfox to be represented exclusively by APMG.

The brand and new-model launch events are scheduled to take place simultaneously on November 6th at the Ocean Terminal exhibition hall. Ahead of the launch, the Arcfox T1 was evaluated in a test drive. The entry-level, five-seat electric hatchback is targeted at young customers and small families. It delivers 94 PS and has a WLTC range of 310 km, while its price will be announced at a later date.

Founded in 2016, Jihu is an all-electric vehicle brand under BAIC Group. The T1, the first model from the brand to be exported to Hong Kong, is a five-door, five-seat electric hatchback based on the overseas version of the Beta T1. Its design draws inspiration from the Jihu 77 Degrees concept car, which was first unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. The front end features continuous headlights with integrated light strips, while the taillights follow a similar design theme. Other exterior features include a three-dimensional geometric air intake, which the manufacturer says serves an air-guiding function, a roof-mounted rear spoiler brake light and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The T1 measures 4,337mm in length, 1,860mm in width and 1,572mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,770mm. It is similar in size to competitors such as the Aion UT, MG4 Urban and Dongfeng Nammi VIGO Pro. Six exterior colours are available: white, silver, green, blue, grey and the purple finish of the test vehicle.

The interior is available in light and dark colour schemes and features a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen. The doors, windows and air-conditioning vents are operated using physical controls, while most system and function settings, including door mirror adjustment, are accessed through the touchscreen. Physical buttons would provide a more direct means of adjusting the door mirrors. The two-tone cabin features rose-gold accents on the dashboard trim and door-panel buttons. The factory-fitted leather front seats offer power adjustment and ventilation, while the vehicle also features a power-operated tailgate.

Rear occupants have access to legroom, and the floor is flat. The cabin also features a panoramic sunroof measuring 2.34 metres in length. Standard equipment includes automatic climate control with rear air vents, wireless phone charging, front and rear USB charging ports, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, a 540-degree surround-view camera, APA automatic parking, six airbags and a Level 2 driver assistance system. The latter includes AEB automatic emergency braking, FCW forward collision warning, ACC adaptive cruise control and LDW lane departure warning. The boot offers 459 litres of capacity, increasing to 1,352 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Storage compartments, cup holders and hooks are also provided throughout the cabin.

The single-motor, front-wheel-drive Arcfox T1 is equipped with a 42.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery supplied by CATL and incorporates Arcfox's 'Lumina' battery-pack packaging technology. According to the manufacturer, the battery has undergone testing in accordance with, and beyond, the latest safety standards in mainland China. The electric powertrain produces 94 PS and 176 Nm of torque, with a WLTC range of 310 km. The charging port is located on the front right side of the vehicle and supports DC fast charging at up to 70 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 30% to 80% in 25 minutes. The vehicle also supports V2L and V2V external power supply functions. Four driving modes are available: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual, while regenerative braking can be adjusted between 0% and 100%.

The vehicle has a kerb weight of 1,420 kg. During the test drive, the electric powertrain provided moderate performance, with acceleration and power delivery varying according to driving conditions and the selected driving mode. The suspension setup comprises MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. The test drive also provided an opportunity to assess its ride characteristics and body support. The steering wheel's relatively large diameter was another observation during the drive.

The T1 is intended for daily commuting and family use, with its suitability depending on factors such as driving range, charging availability, cabin space and pricing.

In the Hong Kong market, the T1 will compete with several electric vehicles in the same segment. Forte APMG's existing line-up includes the Aion UT, priced from HKD 186,880 (US$ 23,820), and the MG4 Urban, priced from HKD 199,000. Given the T1's WLTC range of 310 km and the number of competing models in the segment, its market positioning will partly depend on the launch price.