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2024 GAC Emkoo GL Review

Looking like it came out of a sci-fi movie, the Emkoo is a crossover that can definitely command your attention.

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GAC Emkoo GL Review

The crossover market is chock full of options from different brands right now and each brand is doing its absolute best to offer a car that can stand out. To make their cars emerge from the sea of crossovers, car manufacturers give their cars extra power, more comfort, or additional equipment. One car company, however, has decided to go above and beyond when it comes to the exterior of one of their cars. The car in question is the GAC Emkoo, a car that is unique inside and out. In this review, we will examine the 2024 GAC Emkoo, covering its pricing, exterior aesthetics, interior technology, performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency, and finally, answer whether the Emkoo can drive as well as it looks.

4.0 / 5
2024 GAC Emkoo GL Review
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 3.5/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.0/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.0/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.0/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.5/5
What You Will Like
  • Unique Exterior
  • Plenty of tech and driver aids
  • Comfortable ride
What You Won't Like
  • DCT is twitchy while in traffic
  • Steering lacks feedback
  • Fuel economy is not impressive
How We Do Our Reviews

Before we talk about the Emkoo’s looks, equipment, and whatnot, let’s take a look at the price tag. The Emkoo range starts with the GE variants priced at P1,298,000 and ends with the GL variant which is priced at P1,498,000. A price that is on par with its other competitors.  When you add the Emkoo’s looks into the equation, you’ve got a car that is both competitively priced and unique.

GAC Emkoo Front

When you first see the GAC Emkoo, the first thing that you will notice is the bold and futuristic front grille. The headlights are sleek and span the edge of the front bumper. The Emkoo’s daytime running lights (DRLs) which also act as the car’s turn signals stretch downwards from the top, accentuating the headlights. GAC calls the design of the headlights “Eyes of Revelation”, a fitting name considering the looks. Lastly, the grille is made up of slats facing downwards, giving the car a wide stance.

GAC Emkoo Grille
GAC Emkoo Wheel
GAC Emkoo Rear

Down the sides, the Emkoo is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 55 series tires. Though the design of the wheels is a bit underwhelming, it matches the aesthetics of the entire car. Up top, the Emkoo features piano black plastics by the doors and chrome finishes on the wing mirrors. Continuing the front end’s use of aggressive edges and cuts, the door’s body lines are well executed and add to the futuristic look.

At the back, the Emkoo’s design gets even more busy, featuring more cuts and creases. The top portion is home to the spoiler and brake light framed by the Emkoo’s sleek taillights. Down below, the car sports a faux dual exhaust garnish, a pair of reflectors, and the reverse light which sits in the middle.

Quirky in the right places

Stepping inside, the Emkoo’s interior is as unique as its exterior. Starting with the dashboard, the Emkoo provides a focused and purposeful design with careful consideration of front visibility. The seats are upholstered in black leather and are complemented by a swathe of quality textures that can be found on the doors and center console.

GAC Emkoo Instrument Cluster
GAC Emkoo Infotainment Screen
GAC Emkoo Interior

The rear passenger area is spacious and pleasant, brought by a combination of comfortable seats and a flat floor. Passengers in the back are treated to amenities such as a rear AC vent, a single USB charging port, and a clear view of the sky thanks to the Emkoo’s wide sunroof. 

Another unique feature of the Emkoo is the car’s unconventional door handles which are incorporated into the car door control panel. The infotainment system features an impressive 10-inch touchscreen, complemented by a seven-inch digital display for the instrument cluster. These screens provide crisp and driver-centric visuals, as the infotain

GAC Emkoo Trunk

Space

Pop open the trunk and you’ll find a vast cargo area inside. Though official trunk dimensions aren’t out, in our test, we were able to fit a single balikbayan box with the rear seats up with no problem. If you want more, the 60:40 rear seats can be folded down to accommodate more cargo. Another plus for the Emkoo is the fact that the rear seats fold down flat which makes moving cargo around an easy task.

GAC Emkoo Front Interior

Quirks in not-so-right places

Though the Emkoo’s interior is a nice place to be in, there are some places where some fine tuning or a rethink could have served it well. Starting with the infotainment screen, the lack of tactile feedback when using the screen has the potential to cause confusion when controlling features like the AC. 

On the subject of the AC, another feature that might be difficult to use while on the move is the physical temperature control located on the right side of the center control panel. The placement of the knob will have drivers leaning forward to adjust them. Though these slight eccentricities are certainly not a deal breaker, the Emkoo’s interior does need some getting used to.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the Emkoo stands out with its extensive array of features. This includes six airbags, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition (including speed limits), high beam assist, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. These sophisticated driver assistance systems add an extra cushion of protection while driving and in turn, give the driver a bit more confidence while on the road.

One feature that stood out to us is the Emkoo’s low-speed follow. This feature not only makes traversing through Manila traffic easier and more bearable, but it also lessens the car’s twitchiness when it comes to low-speed crawling, a trait we’ll get to in a bit. 

Surprise! It’s not an EV

Though you may be fooled into thinking that the Emkoo is powered by electricity, it’s not. Under the hood,  the Emkoo’s powertrain comprises a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. This gives the Emkoo a total power output of 177 hp and a robust 270 Nm of torque. This puts the Emkoo right in the ballpark of other cars in the compact crossover segment. 

GAC Emkoo Engine Bay

On the move

When crawling at low speeds in traffic, the Emkoo’s seven-speed DCT tends to lurch or jerk forward a bit even when you lightly step on the gas. On open roads, however, the Emkoo’s transmission gets more cooperative when you get it up to speed. Our only gripe with the transmission during these speeds is that it takes a bit of time to pick up when you put your foot down.

GAC Emkoo Moving Shot 2

As for the Emkoo’s handling, the steering wheel is exceptionally light for its size though it does take away some connection between the driver and the car. Putting the car in sport mode does help bring back some feeling in the steering wheel but overall, the Emkoo does not provide much in the way of feedback. This trait might be good for drivers who prefer less feedback and intrusion for comfort, but not for drivers who like to feel a strong connection from the road through the steering wheel.

The GAC Emkoo’s fuel economy is not bad but it’s not impressive either. In city driving with the usual Manila traffic, the Emkoo achieves 6 to 6.6 km/L. On the highway, fuel economy improves at 13 to 13.5 km/L. 

Overall, it’s safe to say that the Emkoo is one of the more unique choices in the crossover market today. From the design of the exterior and interior, the Emkoo is definitely a head-turner on the road. 

GAC Emkoo Moving Shot
GAC Emkoo Grille
GAC Emkoo Rear Bumper Trim

Though the Emkoo has a few shortcomings and foibles, the Emkoo makes up for it in a lot of other areas. The Emkoo has an exceptional amount of charisma, it has a generous amount of tech, loads of cargo space, and a comfortable ride. Thanks to these qualities, the Emkoo is a viable option for anyone considering buying a new crossover.

Specifications

Engine

1.5 L

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Performance

177 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Transmission

Automatic

Summary

Name GAC Emkoo GL
Body Type Crossover
Price ₱1,498,000
Transmission Category Automatic

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

Colors

GAC Emkoo Elegant Black Elegant Black
GAC Emkoo Snow White Snow White
GAC Emkoo Lagoon Green Lagoon Green
GAC Emkoo Moon Grey Moon Grey
GAC Emkoo Starry Silver Starry Silver

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