Chinese automaker GAC Motor is continuing its model offensive into the South African market through the introduction of the new Emkoo luxury SUV.
GAC first entered the country around two weeks ago with the GS3 Emzoom, which is positioned as its entry-level offering. The Emkoo now takes the reigns as the flagship of the catalogue, with the all-electric Aion Y to follow in 2025.
The new Emkoo is available in two specifications, the Executive and Executive Plus, with prices starting at R599,900.
Specifications
The starter model, the Emkoo Executive, is delivered as standard with automatic LED headlights with intelligent high-beam control, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Carbitlink smartphone mirroring, Type-A and Type-C USB ports, a 0.96m² panoramic sunroof, electric front seats, and faux leather upholstery.
Furthermore, it boasts a suite of safety and assistance systems encompassing a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, intelligent cruise assist, autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot detection, and six airbags.
Upgrading to the Executive Plus for an extra R60,000 then gets you 19-inch rims, a wireless smartphone charger, a heads-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, driver seat position memory, interior ambient lighting, an electric tailgate, and a self-park function that facilitates automatic parallel and perpendicular parking.
Engine
Powering the Emkoo family is the same 1.5-litre, turbocharged petrol mill and seven-speed automatic transmission found in the smaller Emzoom.
The setup generates 130kW and 270Nm which is channeled exclusively to the front wheels for a combined fuel usage of 6.4l/100km.
GAC hasn’t revealed the performance chops of its pinnacle SUV, though it did confirm that the Emzoom can sprint to 100km/h in eight seconds and reach a top speed of 190km/h.
Given the Emkoo’s larger stature, it should be slightly slower than its more compact stablemate. It also provides Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes.
Price
The South African pricing and model line-up of the new GAC Emkoo are as follows:
- GAC Emkoo Executive – R599,900
- GAC Emkoo Executive Plus – R659,900
Each model is sold with a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan.
GAC Emkoo
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