GAC has launched so many models starting with ‘Em’ — Empow, Emzoom, Emkoo — that it was tough to distinguish between them until I drove them. After getting plenty of seat time in their latest compact crossover SUV, this is one name (and drive) I will not easily forget.
The Emkoo properly introduced itself to me over a two-week test drive, and I will tell you ahead of the full review — the RAV4 and CR-V better take notice. It looks sharp (literally and figuratively) and is fast, loaded, and poised as it sashays through the streets and highways.
But really, it is the design that struck me. Just wow! It has a big body with an angular façade and tail that stands out across all crossover SUV segments. The grille is unlike any other in the segment. It has slats that appear like it is on the bumper and not a separate piece, anchored on either side by fang-like LED headlamps with LED daytime running lamps.
The pointy tail is also a work of art. It has a racing-inspired roof spoiler with cutoffs, gorgeous slim LED taillights, and a snarling underbody garnish that gives it a longer rear overhang. I would give the whole package 99/100. It is unique, fancy, and not dull. It screams fun the first second you see it. I took a point because I would rather they omitted the faux twin-exhaust look. But that is just me being too critical. It is worth mentioning that it has a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, and nifty electric hidden door handles that pop out on approach (if you have the smart key on you).
I prefer a darker tan on the seats because these light ones easily catch dirt, but at least they use perforated leather. It has a lighter shade of brown leather on the door trim and padded dashboard and has aluminum-type panels. The cockpit has two layers, but all the action happens on the lower tier. It houses two screens, a seven-inch digital cluster behind the flat-bottom steering wheel, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. At the front are power-adjustable seats, separated by a wide center console with a designated phone holder, and a roomy storage space underneath, where the designers put two USB ports (Type-A and Type-C).
Meanwhile, the second row has air vents and a Type-A USB port. The cabin is spacious and sophisticated, but the cool part is how it uses toggles for other functions like controlling the temperature and opening the doors. I wish they used a toggle to increase fan speed because that is currently in the touchscreen system. Plus, the middle vents need tightening because if it is not tilted all the way up, it droops to the lowest position.
The Emkoo is not an electrified vehicle, at least the one we are getting. Who knows (wink, wink) if GAC PH will bring in the 2.0-liter hybrid? That is a discussion for another day. This model has a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, just as small as the all-new CR-V. It is a few horses short at 177-HP but has more torque at 270-Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Performance is smooth and slick on the highway. The pull kicks in early at 1,400-rpm, which makes acceleration and overtaking swift. That smoothness goes down a notch in bumper-to-bumper traffic as the gearbox figures out whether to upshift or downshift during stop-and-go.
Despite the horrendous traffic conditions in Metro Manila, I still managed to get 10.7 km/l in mixed driving conditions. Handling is lighter than I would prefer, but it is typical of the segment. It is responsive and precise, which makes it fun, especially at high speeds.
Comfort is good, but it can be better. While the seats are snug, and there is no vibration and harshness from the road, some more noise dampening would do a lot to keep external sounds from disturbing cabin peace.
GAC continues to impress with its current models, especially the 2023 Emkoo 1.5 GL. Priced at P1.498 million, it undercuts the competition by at least half a million pesos. Add that to the reasons you will not easily forget the Emkoo.