Sexy and I know it
Introduction: The GAC Chinese manufacturer is on the move and has a comprehensive plan in place to get a worldwide footprint, through its “One GAC 2.0” strategy. Originally introduced at the 2024 Guangzhou International Motor Show, the “Panyu Action Plan” drives GAC’s transformation through four strategic pillars: Brand Leadership, Product-Centric Development, Pioneering Technology, and International Market Expansion. Through this initiative, GAC has committed to expanding into one hundred countries and regions worldwide by 2027, with an ambitious target of exporting 500,000 vehicles per annum. This bold vision is powered by GAC INTERNATIONAL’s integrated global strategy, unifying its key product lines—GAC, AION, and HYPTEC—under a single “Global GAC” identity. I always get asked the question, would you buy that car and apart from my obvious major criteria answer, I always say one thing extra. My standard criteria are Reliability, Safety, Economy, Resale, Comfort, Looks, luggage space, ground clearance, technology and finally, what is the dealer network like. With close on thirty dealerships countrywide, customers can be content knowing that they are covered in every major hub around South Africa and in a few smaller cities.
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The 1. 5 Liter, 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine has a maximum output of 130 kW and a maximum torque of 270 Nm. The 7-speed automatic transmission worked well, but I did find a tiny lag from take-off, but once going, there was ample juice to quench my thirst for fast driving between the speed limits. GAC MOTOR claim 6.4 kilometres per Liter but I got slightly over the eight mark, understandably, as I only evaluated the Emkoo around town. I found the Emkoo to be super comfortable and it drove beautifully.
Features: The list goes on; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) + Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), 25,5 cm Multifunctional Touch Screen, Surround View Camera System, Head-up Display (HUD), Temporary Spare Tyre, Multifunction Steering Wheel, Electric Hidden Door Handles Four-way Adjustment Steering Wheel, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) LED Headlights (with Height Adjustment + Alarm for Headlights On + Follow Me Home Function), Hill-start Hold Control (HHC), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System Wireless Charger, Automatic Emergency Braking-Vulnerable Road Users Protection (AEB-VRU), Front Passenger Seat 4-way Manual Adjustment, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rain Sensing Front Windscreen Wipers, Leatherette-trimmed Seats, Electronic Parking Brake (with Auto Hold), Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR), Front Passenger Seat 4-way Power Adjustment, Automatic Headlights Induction, Electric Tailgate which was awesome, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), USB Ports (TYPE A + TYPE C), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Self Park Function which I sadly never tried as forgot about it, Heated Front Row Seats, Second Row Seat Backrest Adjustment + 40/60 Split Folding, Front and Second Row One-touch Up and Down Power Windows (Anti-pinch), Dual Front Side Airbags, Android Phone Screen Mirroring, Intelligent High Beam Control System (IHBC), Sunroof with Electric Sunshades, Driver Seat 6-way Power Adjustment, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) + Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Side Curtain Airbags Audio & Video System (Includes Arabic + English Display), Power Side Mirrors (Auto Folding after Locking Doors), ISOFIX Child Safety Seat Anchors Speed-based, Volume Adjustment Ventilated Front Row Seats, Interior Ambient Lights Front Row Seat Belts with Pretensioners and Force Limiters Heated Side Mirrors, Driver Seat 4-way Lumbar Support, Door Open Warning (DOW) Keyless Start System, Blind Spot Detection (BSD)+ Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)+ Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Dual Front Airbags and more!
Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: The simple, yet effective design of the dashboard is excellent with everything at your fingertips. Be careful not to press the start/stop button instead of the hazard lights, as they are fairly close together, but otherwise the space is plentiful and the materials used, of great quality. The exterior is where discerning buyers will take notice and probably many would call to action the booking of a test drive. The Emkoo looks stunning and is definitely going to attract customers looking for a car that combines sexy with technology. The boot size is a respectable 460 Liters and the ground clearance at 160 millimetres giving you some freedom to venture into the country.
Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan: R559 900 (slashed by R100k), 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, as well as an impressively long (distance-wise) 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
In Summary: What a great car. I loved driving it. GAC say, that “its luxurious and spacious interior provides unparalleled comfort, making every trip a unique experience. The EMKOO is not just a car, it is a statement of sophistication and technological advancement, designed for those who demand the best in every aspect of life.” I felt that this vehicle oozed street appeal with its great looks and in my humble opinion, it looks like a combination of the Pace of another manufacturer and the premium brand of a famous Japanese manufacturer. The creation is this sexy and worthy medium sized SUV competitor.
*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs, please contact GAC MOTOR SA*
