The new GAC Emkoo enters a South African automotive market that’s witnessed a exceptional transformation over the previous few years. Specifically, Chinese producers have steadily gained floor the place European, Japanese and Korean manufacturers historically dominated. First of all, what’s behind that title? Well, GAC is a subsidiary of the Guangzhou Automobile Group. And it represents the newest wave of Chinese carmakers bidding for African dominance.
And as The South African reported, the timing couldn’t be higher within the face of possible American trade sanctions. Should they go forward and AGOA is cancelled in 2025, the connection between Chinese producers and South Africa will proceed to evolve shortly. More particularly, in the best way China sees Africa as the ‘final frontier’ for automobiles, and South Africa because the gateway. In a method, President Donald Trump’s wanton aggression might inadvertently profit markets like South Africa. Because Chinese producers can see potential advantages in redoubling their focus and funding into the continent.
GAC EMKOO 1.5T GDI
Recent gross sales knowledge reveals Chinese manufacturers like Haval, GWM and Chery have captured an more and more substantial market share in 2024. Against this backdrop, the GAC Emkoo 1.5T GDI Executive Plus enters a aggressive section with appreciable ambition. Firstly, the car’s exterior design demonstrates simply how far Chinese automotive design has progressed. Long gone are the times of blatant copycat designs.
Striking and carrying clear strains and modern proportions, it’s a lot simpler on the attention than the GAC Emzoom GS3 we reviewed late final yr. The GAC Emkoo has distinctive LED lighting signatures back and front, and punctiliously crafted particulars within the grille. All of which recommend GAC’s designers perceive the significance of first impressions on this image-conscious section.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
Stepping inside, the GAC Emkoo reveals maybe its strongest attribute. The cabin showcases a degree of fabric high quality and a spotlight to element that genuinely impresses. Especially contemplating the car’s aggressive value level of R559 900. Soft-touch supplies cowl most surfaces, whereas leather-based upholstery options exact, contrasting stitching. The panoramic sunroof – normal on Executive Plus fashions – floods the inside with pure gentle. There are additionally loads of good element touches to the fascia that improve the premium ambiance.
However, not every thing about this Executive Plus inside deserves unqualified reward. The infotainment system, for instance, whereas visually spectacular with its giant 10.1-inch touchscreen, reveals a couple of irritating quirks. Moving between menu constructions feels unintuitive. And the system’s tendency to sometimes freeze, significantly when switching between screens, suggests there’s room for enchancment. Generally, although, contact responses are fast, and the general look is consistent with the polished inside.
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Traditionally, a Chinese automotive’s drive traits don’t at all times rank extremely. However, the GAC Emkoo makes a superbly compelling argument for itself. The chassis engineers have achieved a worthy steadiness between consolation, management and grip. The GAC Emkoo shows spectacular composure by corners on its 19-inch Giti tyres. Yet, the chassis maintains wonderful experience consolation and NVH traits in quite a lot of driving conditions. Generally, physique roll is properly contained, inspiring confidence throughout spirited driving, with out compromising its major function as a snug SUV. The electrically assisted energy steering doesn’t really feel particularly communicative. But that’s the trade-off you need to dwell with for adaptive-steering programs these days.
Likewise, the turbo-petrol powertrain presents one other space the place enhancements might be made. The GAC Emkoo encompasses a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque. This is par for the course on this section, however the efficiency feels considerably hampered by the Emkoo’s curb weight. Unfortunately, we weren’t in a position to register a consultant zero to 100 km/h dash time through the check. Likewise, common gasoline consumption through the check was a suitable 8.4 l/100 km, even when that’s larger than claimed. Nevertheless, apart from some occasional turbo lag at low RPM, we have been impressed by the incisive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. One does must be barely cautious turning out of a junction to not get inside-wheel spin although.
THE VERDICT
These shortcomings, whereas noteworthy, needs to be thought-about inside the context of the GAC Emkoo and its spectacular value place. In Executive Plus guise, it gives a compelling bundle of recent options, a lot of house and top-notch inside high quality. And don’t neglect the standard-fit superior driver help programs normally relegated to costly choices by most established producers. Ultimately, the GAC Emkoo 1.5T GDI emerges as a robust, if considerably left-field contender, within the household SUV section. Furthermore, it demonstrates the quickly advancing capabilities of Chinese automotive producers. Who is aware of, as international commerce dynamics with the US proceed to evolve, why wouldn’t ambitious Chinese brands like GAC want to additional set up their presence in South Africa. And all the facility to them.
THE FIGURES
- GAC Emkoo 1.5T GDI Executive Plus
- Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol
- Power: 130 kW @ 5 500 rpm, 270 Nm @ 1 400 rpm
- Performance: 0-100 km/h unknown
- Tyres: 255/45 R19 Giti Amplitude
- Economy: 6.4 l/100 km (claimed) / 8.4 l/100 km (examined)
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automated
- Price: R559 900
DO YOU LIKE THE LOOK OF THE GAC?
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