GAC Emkoo: Could this be the crossover for you?

GAC Motor Philippines has had a strong 2023 with back-to-back launches of promising automobiles —  one of which is the Emkoo.

Equipped with ultramodern styling, a wealth of up-to-date interior appointments, and a decent powertrain setup to boot, it would not come as a surprise that the GAC Emkoo leaves heads turning wherever it is seen. But are the aforementioned features enough to have the nameplate compete in the country’s tightly-contested crossover segment?

GAC Motor Philippines invited members of the motoring media for a quick drive with the Emkoo.

Read until the end of this article to find out if the vehicle is the right crossover for you.

Head-turner

One of the GAC Emkoo’s strongest suits is its looks. The Chinese carmaker ticks all the boxes in the aesthetics department by giving the crossover plenty of bold lines and aggressive angles that gives the vehicle a compelling road presence — rain or shine.

During a trip from Alabang to Batangas, fellow road users were noticeably eyeing the GAC Emkoo convoy crossovers as they made their way to the destination.

And you can’t blame the onlookers as the GAC Emkoo wears its eye-catching “illuminant V-shaped grille,” which is flanked by its “eyes of revelation” headlamps. The bold front fascia is made more powerful by its wide and beefy front end which proudly dons the GAC badge.

The side profile of the GAC Emkoo is also a stunner. Found are various geometric lines that give the crossover an athletic stance. To add to that, it also gets flush door handles, angular wheel arches and door claddings, blacked-out A- and B-pillars, and a set of either 18- or 19-inch two-tone wheels wrapped in 236/60 R18 or 235/55 R19 tires.

Its rear end is also busy with a pair of “quantum lightsabers taillights,” a bold-looking rear diffuser, and a very prominent spoiler.

With such modern flair, it’s easy to see why the GAC Emkoo gets nods of approval from its beholders.

Modern interior

The cabin of the GAC Emkoo perfectly mirrors its exterior. Plenty of modern appointments are found that aim to make one’s journey comfortable.

A good example is these leather-wrapped seats with ventilation functions, so those sitting at the front will not have to worry about traveling under the scorching sun. Further, the driver’s seat has a six-way power adjustment feature, which can definitely help drivers of various statures have a better view of the road ahead.

It also boasts a perforated leather-covered steering wheel with multi-functional controls, a leather center armrest, soft-touch materials on the dashboard and the door panels, as well as a stylish-looking “crystal shift knob” (that kind of reminds us of an Eotech holographic sight) and these modern interior door levers.

When it comes to technology, the GAC Emkoo packs a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display unit with Apple CarPlay. The said screens provide relevant driving data to both the driver and the front passenger.

My only gripe with the GAC Emkoo is its relatively small rear window, which could make maneuvering in tight spaces a challenge. Nevertheless, it has a 360-degree surround-view camera system (viewable from the infotainment display screen), which will help in getting in and out of narrow areas.

Adequate power

Under the hood of the GAC Emkoo is the brand’s 1.5-liter “mega wave” engine. The said gasoline mill is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission system.

On paper, it makes 177 horsepower with 270 Newton-meters of torque.

During the duration of the trip, the GAC Emkoo proved to have adequate power as the group made its way to the location. Power delivery is not abrupt, but propulsion is felt once you get past that rubber band effect.

Admirable brakes, suspension

You have to give it to the GAC Emkoo as part of our journey involved passing through the narrow, zigzag, and downhill section of the Sungay road in Talisay Batangas.

Despite the quick turns and the sharp hairpins, the GAC Emkoo showed that it has what it takes to conquer various terrains and keep its occupants safe in diverse driving conditions.

Stopping power comes from disc brakes, front and back, which is why the GAC Emkoo can handle downhill roads pretty well.

Likewise, it is supported by Macpherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension setup at the rear, which helps minimize body roll — although it is still present.

It is also worth noting that the GAC Emkoo is equipped with various active and passive safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and traffic jam assist, among others.

Final thoughts

The GAC Emkoo comes with a host of features that will entice a lot of car buyers. Further, its looks can leave those on the market for crossovers having second thoughts about their choices as the nameplate can be considered a handsome vehicle.

On that note, it does compete with models like the Ford Territory, which is also built in China.

Pricing for the GAC Emkoo starts at P1.298 million.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa

Also read: 

GAC Motor PH announces lower prices for 2023 Emkoo, now starts at P1.298-M

GAC Motor PH Oct. YoY sales surge by 528%

Head to Head: 2023 Ford Territory vs. 2023 GAC Emkoo