The GAC Emkoo SUV takes on the Proton X70 at a competitive price point.
GAC, a major Chinese automotive player, has been expanding its presence in Malaysia with local partners Warisan Tan Chong and their latest entry aims to take on the family SUV market in style. It’s the new GAC Emkoo and it’s priced as aggressively as it’s styled. This C-Segment SUV slots in between the Proton X70 and Honda CR-V in terms of size and these are its two chief rivals in Malaysia. Our key takeaway is that this car looks like nothing else on the road and is really well equipped for the price and size.
The Emkoo is built on GAC’s Global Platform Modular Architecture and has independent suspension all around with MacPherson style struts in front and multi-link rear suspension. Powering the GAC Emkoo is a 1.5L four cylinder turbo, which looks to be the same engine that’s found under the hood of the smaller GAC GS3 Emzoom. The motor is good for 177PS and 270Nm of torque and also gets the same 7-speed wet dual clutch transmission, which sends all power to the front wheels. The active exhaust flap found on the Emzoom seems to be absent here. 0-100km/h in done in 8.8 seconds and the Emkoo is capable of up to 190km/h in terms of top speed. These are decent figures and they don’t seem to compromise the car’s ability to get decent mileage too as fuel efficiency is rated at 6.6L/100km.
There are two variants available in Malaysia: Premium and Premium Pro. Both have the same mechanical package with the key difference being equipment for an increased price. Standard features on both include:
- pop out door handles
- 10.1″ infotainment unit with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto + 6 speakers
- digital driver display (7″ on Premium model)
- 19″ dual tone alloy wheels
- 50W wireless Qi charging pad
- keyless entry
- push button start
- single zone auto air cond
- rear air vents
- powered front seats
- synthetic leather seats
- 360-degree parking camera
- 6 airbags
- TPMS
- ADAS
- AEB
- ACC with stop and go
- Lane Centering Assist
- Speed Limit Assist
- Auto high beam
The Premium Pro version adds on:
- 10.25″ driver display
- panoramic sunroof with a powered sunshade
- 12-way driver seat adjustment
- ventilated front seats
- heated door mirrors
- air ionizer
- ambient lighting
- powered tailgate
- park assist
The first 500 customers of the Premium spec model will have a free powered tailgate upgrade. The first 500 customers of either vehicle will get an RM4,000 cash rebate and RM10,000 worth of accessories which include:
- front and rear dash cams with 64GB microSD cards
- side sill scuff plates
- a luggage tray
- metal plated pedals
- tinted windows (solar tinting for Premium, security for Premium Pro)
Pricing for the GAC Emkoo is RM123,800 for the Premium and RM133,800 for the Premium Pro and this is BEFORE the RM4,000 discount. The vehicle is locally-assembled at the Segambut Tan Chong factory. It’s available in:
- Ivory White
- Super Star Silver
- Star Lake Green
- Graphite Grey
- Asphalt Black
