Chinese car brands have been making quite the splash in South Africa lately, and GAC is no exception. If you haven’t heard of it before, don’t feel too bad – it only launched locally in 2023, but is already making waves with aggressive pricing, generous spec sheets, and, in the case of the Emkoo, head-turning styling.
The future is now
Let’s start with the obvious – the Emkoo looks like it just rolled off the set of a sci-fi blockbuster. Well, maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but the sharp angles, dramatic LED lighting signature, and massive grille do give it a proper futuristic edge. It’s bold, fresh, and absolutely refuses to blend into traffic. Whether you love it or think it’s a bit over-the-top, you can’t deny that it makes an impression.
Under the bonnet
Beneath all that edgy styling sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 130kW and 270Nm of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which, as is often the case with DCTs, can be a little hesitant at low speeds but otherwise does a fine job of keeping things smooth and efficient.
Out on the open road, the Emkoo feels sprightly enough. There’s enough oomph for overtaking, and while it’s not going to win any drag races, it offers a solid balance between performance and efficiency. The turbo does take a moment to wake up, but once it’s in the zone, the power delivery is linear and predictable.
Fuel consumption
GAC claims an average fuel consumption of around 6.5 litres/100km, which is pretty respectable for an SUV in this segment. However, as we all know now the Chinese tend to be a bit over-enthusiastic with their claimed consumption figures, so real-world figures depend heavily on how and where you drive. Push it a bit and expect numbers to edge towards 8 litres/100km and beyond. That said, for a turbocharged compact SUV with decent power, it’s not unreasonable.
Comfort first
The Emkoo prioritises comfort over outright sportiness, which is no bad thing for a family-friendly SUV. The suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and imperfections, though it can feel a bit firm over rougher surfaces.
Steering is light, making it easy to manoeuvre around town, but it does lack some of the direct feedback you’d find in pricier rivals. On the highway, it’s composed and stable, with minimal wind and road noise intruding into the cabin. The safety systems, including lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, work well to make long-distance travel that much easier.
Cabin features
Step inside, and the Emkoo continues its futuristic theme. The dashboard is dominated by a large infotainment screen, flanked by digital displays and touch-sensitive controls. It’s all very modern, though the reliance on touch controls for even basic functions like climate control can be a bit frustrating while driving.
The materials used are generally good, though there are some cheaper plastics here and there – a common quirk with many Chinese vehicles. But overall, the build quality feels solid, and the seats are comfortable with plenty of support.
Technology is where GAC has gone all out. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping connectivity seamless. A panoramic sunroof adds to the airy cabin feel, while wireless phone charging and keyless entry make life easier. There’s also a 360-degree camera system that’s genuinely useful in tight parking spaces. Safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist come standard, making the Emkoo feel like a premium offering at a not-so-premium price.
The usual bugbears
Of course, no car is perfect, and the Emkoo does have a few quirks that might take some getting used to. The aforementioned dual-clutch transmission can be a bit fussy at low speeds, and some of the tech features feel slightly overcomplicated. Additionally, while the styling is bold and unique, it might not be to everyone’s taste.
GAC in South Africa
GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) is one of China’s largest car manufacturers and has been producing vehicles since 1997. It has been steadily expanding its global presence, and its South African debut in 2023 marked another step in GAC’sinternational strategy.
It has entered the local market with competitive pricing and a solid warranty package, which should help ease concerns about long-term reliability.
When the Emkoo first launched in South Africa, its pricing raised a few eyebrows. However, GAC has since made some significant adjustments, bringing the price down to a far more competitive level. Pricing now starts at R479 900, which makes it a serious contender in the compact SUV segment. Given the generous standard features and futuristic styling, that’s a lot of car for the money. The lower price also puts it within striking distance of more established rivals, making it a tempting option for those looking for something different.
The verdict
The GAC Emkoo is a bold statement from a brand that’s clearly here to stay. It offers funky styling, generous standard features, and a comfortable drive, all at a price that undercuts many of its rivals. Sure, it has a few quirks – but that’s true for most vehicles in this segment. If you’re looking for something fresh, modern, and packed with tech, the Emkoo is worth considering.
