Launched: The Emkoo from GAC. Get ready for an SUV that is ready to please!

First it was the Emzoom. A mid-sized SUV that really impressed. Now, barely two weeks later, we have been presented with another vehicle that is also set to claim it’s market share in the very competitive mid SUV segment with the Emkoo. GAC stands for Guangzhou Automobile Group and has teamed up with Salvador Caetano Auto, a very well established international automotive group, for distribution and retail operations in SA. Guangzhou is a sprawling port city in China. But step inside either the Emzoom or the Emkoo, there is nothing in the external shape or the internal offerings to suggest anything Chinese.

I had the opportunity to test drive the Emkoo on launch last week. We tackled the tough routes from Krugersdorp all the way to Rustenburg. Busy roads backed up with plenty traffic, then on to some gravel stretches, just to give this Chinese entrant some local Mzansi feel. The Emkoo was at its best game. We had to tramp on the accelerator pedal on the way back to the airport but the versatile and compatible SUV was more than equal to any challenges we threw at it.     

 

It’s a stand out

The Emkoo turns heads and is an absolute stand out with its fusion of technology and easy appeal. Its flat design, with 12 bars arranged in a "V" shape and decorated with titanium-tungsten alloy strips, highlights the vehicle’s refined craftsmanship. And the rhythmic lighting effect enhances its striking appearance, making it a visual masterpiece.

When it comes to the lights of the vehicle, the matrix LED headlights are notable for their sleek design, with a thickness of less than 20mm. They offer a substantial improvement in brightness, delivering a combined total of 2 650 lumens for both low and high beams - 25% more than earlier lens units.

At the rear, the EMKOO continues to impress with its innovative tail light design. The "lightsaber-inspired" LED taillights, arranged vertically in an "X" pattern, feature 128 embedded LED bulbs, and include a music sync function, adding a dynamic touch.

 

Interior Comfort

Sitting in the drivers’ seat just feels so right. The Emkoo takes comfort to a new level with its interior design. Its cosy, calming and comfortable. This design expresses luxury and adds to the overall driving experience, making every journey relaxing and enjoyable. The blend of traditional elegance and modern sophistication ensures that the interior is as visually striking as it is comfortable.

The cabin is a technological marvel, featuring a vibrant and interactive display system composed of three screens: a 10.1” touch screen, up to a 10” LCD instrument cluster display, and a Head-Up Display (HUD) on the Executive-Plus. This array of screens not only enhances functionality but also adds a dynamic and immersive element to the driving experience, making it engaging and enjoyable. Everything you need is at your fingertips.

I loved, arguably, the Emkoo’s panoramic sunroof. Even when the sun is out in full force, the ambience in the cabin is just right. At night, the unobstructed view of the night sky lets you enjoy the stars. Complementing this feature, the dynamic ambient lighting creates a vibrant atmosphere inside the cabin, enhancing your mood and confidence during every drive. Together, these elements ensure a driving experience that is both luxurious and uplifting.

 

Space: Load Away

The flexible combination of riding and storage space is a key feature. The rear seat passage is flat, and the adjustable rear seats, which fold down, allow a maximum boot capacity of 638 litres. This versatility ensures that the space can be easily adapted to accommodate various needs, making both passenger comfort and cargo versatility a priority. 

Under the Hood

But what about power, handling, and safety. The Emkoo features a robust and efficient powertrain with its 1.5 TGDI engine paired with a 7WDCT transmission. This "golden powertrain" not only enhances driving pleasure but also ensures high efficiency and low fuel consumption. The engine delivers 130kw of power, with a maximum torque of 270 Nm. This combination guarantees an exhilarating driving experience while keeping fuel usage economical at 6.4L/100km. Gear change ratios are exemplary, highlighting the ‘marriage’ of the engine to the gearbox. 

Safe Driving

There are plenty of safety features to ensure you and your loved ones are safe all the time. Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking enhances the drive. Add to this a 360-Degree Camera System, Traction control, 6 airbags and the Emkoo’s safety cage-type bodywork is built to provide maximum protection.  

Verdict

GAC Motor SA is poised for an exhilarating journey with both their offerings, the Emzoom and now the Emkoo. Both derivatives are ready to chart new territories in the very competitive SUV market in SA. Get ready for a ride that is not just about reaching your destination but about savouring every moment along the way. 

Price:

Emkoo Executive 1.5l TGDI: R599 900

Emkoo Executive-Plus 1.5l TGDI: R659 900