Stand out from the crowd – this is not just ’any other car’!
GAC are on a roll in Qatar. Backed by the strong resources of Domasco, sales are rising fast, powered mainly by the successful GS3, GS4 and GS8. And now, not content with this success and sitting on their laurels, GAC have launched a new look, a complete new design language, in fact.
The most obvious distinction is undoubtedly the styling which is much more dynamic than previous designs and different from most other cars in this segment for that matter. Contrary to the previous ‘classic’ look, the Emkoo’s abundance of chiselled surfaces and amazing front grille make for a particularly unique package. The front detailing, including daytime running lights that cut downwards and sideways and never exceed 2 cm in width, is particularly aggressive and sets the tone for the rest of the car.
The deeply sculpted beltline sits quite high, but not at the expense of excessive bodywork which is instead sculpted into an angular design that rises towards the car’s high rear end. Like with sister Empow, your first look and contact is fantastic. As your approach your Emkoo, with the keys in your pocket or bag, the car unlocks and the door handles pop out – so cool, so contemporary!
Those first impressions increase as you start to enjoy the Emkoo’s interior; it’s great – the driving position, the ergonomic controls, the high tech centre console, the user-friendly screens for information and entertainment, very supportive seats, premium soft-to-the-touch trim materials. Yes, this interior is as eye-catching as the silky, satiny exterior.
The new Emkoo is not just a pretty face; it’s really enjoyable to drive. The turbocharged 1.5 litre engine is powerful, quick off the mark (with some wheelspin if you really try!). Acceleration (i.e. torque) is great, picking up quickly even from lowish revs but it’s really quiet when cruising the highways. The light and self-centring steering makes manoeuvring in traffic and negotiating narrow streets a breeze. Driving is so pleasant, visibility is great, everything is close to hand, touchscreen is smoother than my iPad! All my passengers are comfortable too, and enjoying the Hi-Fi superior sound system and the comfortable space, including the secret cubby hole for your bag, in this large SUV cabin.
ENGINE Third generation 1.5 litre turbocharged four cylinder DOHC, 16-valve with multi-port injection
TRANSMISSION Smooth all-new seven-speed automatic
MAX POWER 177 hp (130 kW) @ 5,500 rpm
MAX TORQUE 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) from 1,400 rpm
EXTERIOR Amazing look! Sharp but sleek, the new Emkoo amazing front grille with distinctive air intakes and lights plus sporty back lights, window, spoiler and dual exhaust pipes; excellent use of chrome, aluminium and carbon fibre effects all combine to complete the new ‘space age’ look
INTERIOR Slip into supportive seats, feel the luxury trim, push button start, feel the flat bottom wheel and enjoy the joystick-style shifter – this SUV feels very sporty! Cool phone-centric environment is so modern, so in-tune with the digital world we live in; not to mention the quality of the supportive seats, the stitching and trim, the use of colour, carbon fibre effect and materials; 7″ instrument cluster and 10.25″ silky smooth touchscreen; wireless charging; Bluetooth integration with Apple CarPlay, superior six-speaker stereo system
SAFETY/SECURITY Front, side and curtain airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD; ISOFIX child safety seat anchors, lane departure warning; traffic jam assist; blind spot detection; disc brakes; hill start control; electronic parking brake; tyre pressure monitoring; high-strength steel compartment – so much tech, you have to check it out at the new showroom.
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Author: Terry Sutcliffe
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