GAC Motor Philippines started 2023 strong. Sales of the Chinese brand grew by 228% compared to the same period last year. What better way to maintain GAC’s growth than to expand its selection of sports utility vehicles? Meet the Emkoo, GAC’s latest compact sports utility vehicle that has its sights aimed directly at Ford’s popular Territory. While the Chinese carmaker already sells the GS4 compact SUV in our market, the more premium Emkoo SUV will compete in the upper end of the compact segment.
Variants and prices
For the Philippine market, the GAC Emkoo will be offered in two flavors—the entry-level GE and the higher-spec GL variants. Check out the price list below:
GAC Emkoo 2023 prices
- GAC Emkoo 1.5T GE – P1,413,000
- GAC Emkoo 1.5T GL – P1,553,000
Exterior
The styling of Emkoo was first previewed in 2021 as the Vision Emkoo. While the sci-fi-looking concept SUV had hidden wheels, its design gave a good idea of what to expect in the futuristic production model.
The Emkoo features an angular ‘Ultramodern Design’ with a sporty fastback roofline. Up front it gets a borderless V-shape grille, and this is flanked by slim LED headlights and daytime running lights. Moving on to the sides, diagonal creases extend across the doors. The flush door handles that pop out when activated give the Emkoo a concept car vibe.
The Emkoo gets the mandatory SUV matt black lower body and wheel arch cladding, angular details give it a unique twist. At the rear, it has tall V-shaped ‘Quantum Lightsabers Tail Lights’ that extend up the rear pillars. It comes standard with a rear spoiler that blends with the roof rails. Vertical faux exhaust tips add sportiness to the rear end.
At 4,680mm long, 1,901mm wide, and 1,670mm tall, the Emkoo sits on the bigger end of the compact SUV segment. Its 2,750mm wheelbase is also equally long. Despite being a big compact SUV, it has a decent 1,560kg curb weight.
Interior
The exterior’s futuristic concept car-like theme continues inside. The Emkoo’s dashboard features a horizontal design. A long cylindrical-looking panel contains the central AC vents, it also acts as a perch for the huge floating tablet-like 10.1-inch touchscreen.
All Emkoo variants come with a fully digital instrument cluster that has a semi-floating appearance. Its ‘Multifunctional Steering Wheel’ has a flat-bottom design. The center console features a futuristic-looking ‘Diamond Gear Selector’ and an electronic parking brake. Beneath the console is a hidden space. Instead of conventional inside door handles, the Emkoo uses paddles to open the door.
The entry-level GE variants come with fabric seats, while the higher GL variant gets leather seats. All variants have rear aircon vents, a welcome feature for our warm climate. Extra rear passenger space has been freed thanks to the Emkoo’s flat floor.
Engine and specs
Although a hybrid powertrain option is available in China, all Philippine market Emkoo variants are equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline mill which produces 177hp and 270Nm of torque. This powerplant is mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
The Emkoo is only available as a front-wheel drive crossover SUV. Built on GAC’s ‘Global Platform Modular Architecture,’ the Emkoo has a conventional-for-its-class suspension setup which consists of independent MacPherson struts up front and an independent multi-link arrangement at the rear. Like other C-segment SUVs, disc brakes on all corners are standard.
The entry-level GE variants rolls on 18-inch alloys with 235/60 R18 tires, while the higher-spec GL variant is equipped with larger 19-inch alloys shod with lower-profile 235/55 R19 rubber.
Extra features
To be competitive nowadays, you need to jam as much tech and connectivity features into a vehicle. The Emkoo comes with Apple Carplay and a Bluetooth handsfree phone system. The entry-level GE variant comes with four speakers, while the GL variant gets eight speakers. All variants come with the ‘Speed Based Volume Adjustment.’
The high trim GL variant gets an Air Quality Sensor. In the safety department, the Emkoo is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems which include an Adaptive Cruise Control with integrated cruise assist, forward-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Departure Warning. The GE variant comes with a rear-view camera, while the higher GL variant takes it a step further by having 360-degree-view camera.
More photos of the GAC Emkoo:
