GAC Emkoo (2024) Launch Review

GAC Motor South Africa’s 2nd offering in the local market – the GAC Emkoo – isn’t but one of a gazillion models that contests the small crossover market, it competes with long-established offerings in the medium SUV segment… and with notable aplomb!

Another month, another new offering from a fledgling Chinese car brand, right? Meet the GAC Emkoo and first impressions are great. This model follows hot on the (w)heels of the recently launched GS3 Emzoom, but it’s bigger and has a sticker price that’s so compelling it forces me to play an old game.

I call it The Alien Game. It’s where I ask myself: “If an alien landed his flying saucer on my lawn right now, and demanded that I explain why a Lexus NX costs twice as much as a GAC Emkoo (while pointing a ray gun at my temple), could I do it?” Well, in this case, I’d soon be a tiny crater in the suburbs, I’m afraid.

See also: GAC Emkoo (2024) Price & Specs

From China, by way of Portugal

Salvador Caetano is a Portugal-based holding company that has obtained the distribution rights to GAC motorcars in Mzansi. And look, I’m not saying this new family car from the Chinese mainland is as polished an offering as the deeply impressive Lexus NX, but the margins are diminishing rapidly.

When the GS3 Emzoom was launched, it impressed us with its aggressive styling, tight panel gaps and favourable perceived build quality, as well as an eager drivetrain which, once again, does duty here in this larger SUV – but more on that later. I’ll try not to constantly refer to the GS3 Emzoom (starting now) and review the Emkoo on its merits, so allow me to say: it is easily the best Chinese car I’ve driven this year.

We drove the Emkoo on a route (of about 400 km) in the Johannesburg area that comprised urban and rural asphalt roads plus a short stretch of dirt road. When we arrived at our destination, we had almost nothing to moan about. The GAC exhibited not so much as a quirk or emitted an annoying bong or ping.

At first glance, we encountered an attractive, angular aesthetic – the GAC Emkoo has no shortage of kerb presence. The front-end in particular is an origami treat, its V-shaped grille comprising 12 diagonal bars. These are bookended by some impressive 32-LED headlamp clusters that feature sequential illumination (so there’s no need for flicking between regular and high beams, the brand suggests).

The rear end is well conceived too, replete with a large diffuser and mecha-inspired roof spoiler. Mecha meaning as in a large anime-like robot, yet somehow it only complemented the Emkoo’s sharp styling. They’ve also dubbed the newcomer’s taillamps as Quantum Lightsabres and again, I wasn’t offended.

In fact, it felt like I was looking at a Nissan Qashqai (now no longer offered in our market, but still) or a Honda HR-V if their makers’ design teams were allowed to style the SUV of their dreams. And while I think Honda is currently enjoying a good innings, these GACs make you wonder if there’s any space left in the market for Nissan to make a meaningful return to form with their upcoming crossover models.

The Chinese manufacturers’ wares have become not good, but very good. Where GAC did, however, manage to restrain its design team was with perfectly flush door handles that endow the Emkoo with smooth flanks. It’s impressive, as is the overall visual package (highlighted by 19-inch alloy wheels).

GAC Emkoo’s cabin doesn’t disappoint

Clamber aboard and it’s more of the same: the GAC Emkoo’s cabin is a tactile living space finished off in sombre greys and cool blue surfaces, plus a machined “crystal effect” on the centre console and fascia. The helm is covered in hide and features an array of multimedia controls, plus adaptive cruise control.

The automatic aircon receives its own “thrust vector” styling that features physical rotary knobs, as well as the de rigeur slidey, swipey controls on the 10.1-inch touchscreen of our flagship (1.5T Executive Plus) test car. There’s lots of natural lighting in here too, thanks to a (non-opening) panoramic sunroof.

Also in that crystal area around the shift-by-wire transmission lever, you’ll encounter a wireless phone charger. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple Carplay but sadly, not Android Auto.

According to GAC’s spec sheet, the 1.5T Executive Plus’ leather-trimmed front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated, with a memory function for the driver. Both variants feature adaptive cruise control with integrated cruise assist, a 360-degree camera system and keyless start, though.

Naturally, the Emkoo offers the obligatory 3 drive modes (Eco, Comfort and Sport), which not only affect the car’s demeanour but also change the info displayed on the 10.35-inch digital instrument cluster.

But if we’re honest, the pilot is practically obsolete since the GAC Emkoo features “Level 2 autonomy” thanks to an array of safety technologies, including lane-change assist, blind-spot detection, and a veritable ream of acronyms (ICA, RCTA, FCW, AEB etc.) Check out the GAC Emkoo’s full safety spec.

Further fortifying the GAC’s safety credentials is the fact that it comes fitted with 6 airbags (each is said to hold their pressure for 6 sec) in combination with high- and ultra-high-strength steel construction.

What is the GAC Emkoo like to drive?

The GAC Emkoo is powered by the same 1.5-litre dual-channel (and water-cooled) 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor as its GS3 Emzoom sibling. It has high-pressure fuel injection, produces 130 kW/370 Nm and is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch auto. The claimed average fuel consumption is 6.4 L/100 km.

We managed to achieve an indicated consumption figure of around 8.0 L/100 km, which is respectable considering that we hadn’t attempted to drive economically. The GAC Emkoo is a snappily accelerating thing – gear shifts are said to be executed in just 0.2 sec – and it doesn’t mind being hustled along twisty sections of road. You can even use the shift paddles if you’d like extra engagement (in Sport mode).

Granted, the handling is as you’d expect from an SUV the size of a Kia Sportage or Volkswagen Tiguan, with Mcpherson struts upfront, and a multilink rear suspension. On the plus side, it didn’t feel like it was “on the plus side”, instead, the GAC’s handling felt composed, wieldy and, well, enjoyable. To reiterate, we arrived at our destination relaxed, unbothered and with almost nothing to say. And that’s critical.

How much does the GAC Emkoo cost in South Africa?

GAC Emkoo 1.5T Executive	R599 900
GAC Emkoo 1.5T Executive Plus	R659 900

Prices (correct in September 2024) include a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, as well as an impressively long (distance-wise) 5-year/100 000 km service plan.

New GAC Emkoo Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a new/used GAC model listed for sale on Cars.co.za

Summary

And why was our contentment with the GAC Emkoo so critical? Because while being far from boring, the newcomer features that one quality lacking in the constant stream of Chinese metal. That is: the ability to connect on an uneventful level where you’re not bombarded with warning noises, aggressive virtual tugs at the ‘wheel and constant intrusion to break the connection between car and driver. The GAC Emkoo impressed me for simply being a good car, despite wearing all the digital tinsel we’ve come to expect.