GAC Emkoo coming to Malaysia; here’s what to expect

Three GAC SUVs - GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo, and Aion Y Plus are on their way to Malaysia. The Chinese automaker previewed these models late last month giving a sneak peek into their innovative features and design. Well, we have talked about the GS3 Emzoom and Aion Y Plus in detail, so let's now turn our attention to what the GAC Emkoo has in store.

Dimensions

The GAC Emkoo is a C-segment SUV based on the brand’s Global Platform Modular Architecture (GPMA). It measures 4,680 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a wheelbase of around 2,750 mm. In comparison to the GS3 Emzoom B-segment SUV, the Emkoo is 270 mm longer, 51 mm wider, and 70 mm taller, with a wheelbase extended by 100 mm. The boot offers 638 litres of capacity, expandable up to 1,586 litres with the rear seats folded. 

Exterior

The upcoming GAC Emkoo has an ultramodern design that is sure to turn heads on the road. It features an illuminated grille with twelve bars on each side arranged in a V-shape. These are adorned with titanium-tungsten alloy stripes, showcasing fine craftsmanship. The grille seamlessly merges with matrix LED headlights dubbed as “Eyes of Revelation”. 

The rear profile is dominated by “Lightsaber-inspired” LED tail lights. The four sections of the lights are creatively arranged to create an "X" pattern at the rear. Featuring 126 embedded LEDs, the tail lights also include a music synchronisation feature. Also part of the rear kit is a "mecha-style" spoiler equipped with built-in light-emitting elements and a diffuser with dual integrated exhaust exits.

Interior

The cabin of the SUV also looks futuristic with modern design elements and high-tech features, creating a truly immersive driving experience. It incorporates a D-shaped three-spoke steering wheel, a 10.1-inch floating screen, a digital instrument cluster, a crystal shift knob, and leather seats. Other advanced bits that are likely to be seen on the Malaysia-spec GAC Emkoo are-

• Head-up display
• Apple CarPlay 
• 12-speaker Yamaha sound system
• Automatic climate control
• Panoramic sunroof with electric sunshades
• Dynamic ambient lights
• Air Quality Sensor 
• Voice assistant
• Ventilated front seats with power-adjustable functionality

Engine

Currently, there is no available information regarding the mechanical setup that the Malaysia-spec GAC Emkoo will receive. However, for a clue, we can look at the engine options offered in the global market. It includes three choices - 

• 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol producing 177 PS of maximum power and 270 Nm of torque (most likely to be offered in the local market)
• 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol good for making 252 PS and 400 Nm
• A hybrid unit pairing a 138 PS/180 Nm 2.0-litre engine and a 182 PS/300 Nm electric motor

Transmission choices include - a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a dedicated hybrid transmission.

Safety

As for safety, the Chinese SUV is expected to come equipped with six airbags, hill-start hold control, hill descent control, an electronic parking brake (with auto hold), an electronic stability program, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and a door-open warning.

The ADAS pack may comprise adaptive cruise control with integrated cruise assist, autonomous emergency braking, traffic jam assist, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear collision warning.

Rivals 

The upcoming GAC Emkoo will rival the likes of the Proton X70, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5.

Price and availability

Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA), the official distributor of GAC cars, is expected to launch the Emkoo in the second half of 2024. As for the pricing, we can refer to the Philippines market, where the SUV ranges between PHP 1,298,000 (approx RM 110,609) and PHP 1,498,000 (approx RM 127,652).

Are you excited about the GAC Emkoo launch in Malaysia, let us know in the comments.

Also read: BYD eyes 2024 World Car of the Year titles with two EVs