In the Philippines, when you think of a compact sedan, the first thing that comes to mind has to be the Honda Civic. The Japanese nameplate has dominated the local scene for decades, and any new player in the segment would naturally use it as a barometer of sorts.
In that regard, GAC Motor Philippines looks primed to go toe-to-toe with Honda and other sedan manufacturers with its latest offering, the Empow. The GAC Empow debuted on Thursday at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show. Suffice it to say that it's one of the highlights of the first day of the event.
If looks are the only basis, the Empow has what it takes to make a splash in the compact sedan segment. Its sharp headlights form part of a busy front fascia with sculpted lines and eye-catching design elements. The side looks sleek with a character line that starts at the front and extends across the rear wheel arches.
The two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels give off a three-dimensional effect with a chrome and black finish. At the rear of the Empow are sweeping taillights that extend to the side, followed below by a quad-exhaust setup wrapped around a sporty rear diffuser. The massive glass roof also gives an upmarket feel to the sports sedan.
As for the interior, it's more of a mystery right now, but from what other markets have received, safe bets include a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, a pair of floating displays, and a levitating center console housing an electronic gear shifter.
Under the hood of the Empow sits a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 175 hp and 270 Nm of torque with a continuously variable transmission. The power figure is identical to the current Civic, which should put a scare into some of the industry's most established players.
Still, GAC says specs and details have yet to be finalized for our market, so take these figures with a grain of salt. GAC also did not reveal pricing—that will happen when the Empow approaches its launch window sometime in 2023.
Latest News
-
New Jetour Auto Dealership to rise in Iloilo / News
Jetour Auto Philippines has started building a new dealership in Jaro, Iloilo City. With plans to serve the growing demand for mobility in Western Visayas, the new dealership will feature a...
-
Ford Philippines offers exclusive deals this weekend / News
Ford Philippines invites you to enjoy exclusive deals and gifts for test drives or reservations, from December 20 to 22, 2024.
-
ACMobility and BYD team up with Valenzuela City to electrify police fleet / News
BYD Cars Philippines and ACMobility have joined forces to launch Valenzuela City’s pioneering EV police fleet.
Popular Articles
-
Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the Philippines
Jerome Tresvalles · Sep 02, 2024
-
First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beat
Jun 18, 2021
-
Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to know
Earl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
-
Most fuel efficient family cars in the Philippines
Bryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
-
2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to know
Joey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
-
Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunks
Sep 20, 2023
-
Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7
Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
-
Why oil changes are important for your car
Earl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
-
2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about it
Joey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
-
Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the Philippines
Joey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020