The new GAC Emkoo enters a South African automotive market that’s witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past few years. Specifically, Chinese manufacturers have steadily gained ground where European, Japanese and Korean brands traditionally dominated. First of all, what’s behind that name? Well, GAC is a subsidiary of the Guangzhou Automobile Group. And it represents the latest wave of Chinese carmakers bidding for African dominance.
And as The South African reported, the timing could not be better in the face of possible American trade sanctions. Should they go ahead and AGOA is cancelled in 2025, the relationship between Chinese manufacturers and South Africa will continue to evolve quickly. More specifically, in the way China sees Africa as the ‘final frontier’ for cars, and South Africa as the gateway. In a way, President Donald Trump’s wanton aggression may inadvertently benefit markets like South Africa. Because Chinese manufacturers can see potential benefits in redoubling their focus and investment into the continent.
GAC EMKOO 1.5T GDI
Recent sales data shows Chinese brands like Haval, GWM and Chery have captured an increasingly substantial market share in 2024. Against this backdrop, the GAC Emkoo 1.5T GDI Executive Plus enters a competitive segment with considerable ambition. Firstly, the vehicle’s exterior design demonstrates just how far Chinese automotive design has progressed. Long gone are the days of blatant copycat designs.
Striking and wearing clean lines and contemporary proportions, it’s much easier on the eye than the GAC Emzoom GS3 we reviewed late last year. The GAC Emkoo has distinctive LED lighting signatures front and back, and carefully crafted details in the grille. All of which suggest GAC’s designers understand the importance of first impressions in this image-conscious segment.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
Stepping inside, the GAC Emkoo reveals perhaps its strongest attribute. The cabin showcases a level of material quality and attention to detail that genuinely impresses. Especially considering the vehicle’s competitive price point of R559 900. Soft-touch materials cover most surfaces, while leather upholstery features precise, contrasting stitching. The panoramic sunroof – standard on Executive Plus models – floods the interior with natural light. There are also plenty of nice detail touches to the fascia that enhance the premium ambiance.
However, not everything about this Executive Plus interior deserves unqualified praise. The infotainment system, for example, while visually impressive with its large 10.1-inch touchscreen, exhibits a few frustrating quirks. Moving between menu structures feels unintuitive. And the system’s tendency to occasionally freeze, particularly when switching between screens, suggests there is room for improvement. Generally, though, touch responses are quick, and the overall look is in keeping with the polished interior.
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Traditionally, a Chinese car’s drive characteristics don’t always rank highly. However, the GAC Emkoo makes a perfectly compelling argument for itself. The chassis engineers have achieved a worthy balance between comfort, control and grip. The GAC Emkoo displays impressive composure through corners on its 19-inch Giti tyres. Yet, the chassis maintains excellent ride comfort and NVH characteristics in a variety of driving situations. Generally, body roll is well contained, inspiring confidence during spirited driving, without compromising its primary role as a comfy SUV. The electrically assisted power steering does not feel especially communicative. But that’s the trade-off you must live with for adaptive-steering systems nowadays.
Likewise, the turbo-petrol powertrain presents another area where improvements can be made. The GAC Emkoo features a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque. This is par for the course in this segment, but the performance feels somewhat hampered by the Emkoo’s curb weight. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to register a representative zero to 100 km/h sprint time during the test. Likewise, average fuel consumption during the test was an acceptable 8.4 l/100 km, even if that’s higher than claimed. Nevertheless, besides some occasional turbo lag at low RPM, we were impressed by the incisive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. One does need to be slightly cautious turning out of a junction to not get inside-wheel spin though.
THE VERDICT
These shortcomings, while noteworthy, should be considered within the context of the GAC Emkoo and its impressive price position. In Executive Plus guise, it offers a compelling package of modern features, lots of space and top-notch interior quality. And don’t forget the standard-fit advanced driver assistance systems usually relegated to expensive options by most established manufacturers. Ultimately, the GAC Emkoo 1.5T GDI emerges as a strong, if somewhat left-field contender, in the family SUV segment. Furthermore, it demonstrates the rapidly advancing capabilities of Chinese car manufacturers. Who knows, as global trade dynamics with the US continue to evolve, why wouldn’t ambitious Chinese brands like GAC wish to further establish their presence in South Africa. And all the power to them.
THE FIGURES
- GAC Emkoo 1.5T GDI Executive Plus
- Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol
- Power: 130 kW @ 5 500 rpm, 270 Nm @ 1 400 rpm
- Performance: 0-100 km/h unknown
- Tyres: 255/45 R19 Giti Amplitude
- Economy: 6.4 l/100 km (claimed) / 8.4 l/100 km (tested)
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Price: R559 900
DO YOU LIKE THE LOOK OF THE GAC?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send us a WhatsApp on 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African’s newsletter and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest FREE-to-read news.
