2024 GAC Emkoo GE 1.5L Turbo DCT

Fully Loaded Base Model

When manufacturers launch all-new or refreshed vehicles, they usually reveal only the top-of-the-line version of that specific nameplate. Sure, there are some brands that also show a mid-range model but more often than not, most car brands in the country want to wow everyone with the fully decked-out variant that has all the bells and whistles.

The same thing goes when they lend out test vehicles for the media to drive since they typically only activate the range-topping and mid-grade versions of a specific vehicle. So when we found out that GAC Motor Philippines has a base model test unit of the Emkoo, we jumped on the opportunity to try it out. After all, we at AutoIndustriya.com always want to try variants that usually don’t get the most attention.

This is not the first time we have driven the Emkoo as we already got to review the range-topping GL model earlier this year. With a price tag of PHP 1.498 million, it’s quite the bargain for those looking at a turbocharged compact crossover that’s stylish and packed to the brim. Having said that, there are buyers still who wish to get something a bit more affordable.

Enter the Emkoo GE which serves as the entry-level variant of the stylish compact crossover. It’s several thousand Pesos cheaper than the GL but we’ll mention its sticker price later. For now, let’s take a closer look at the Emkoo GE and see if it has any major differences with the GL.

Despite being billed as the “base version”, the Emkoo GE looks relatively the same as the GL variant. From its unmistakable front fascia to the distinct LED taillights and the mecha-style spoiler on the tailgate, the Emkoo GE is far from what a typical entry-level model looks like. We did notice, however, that it gets smaller 18-inch alloy wheels, no LED daytime running lights, and lacks the large panoramic glass roof.

In general, we liked how GAC Motor kept this particular variant stylish and pleasing to the eyes. They even kept the electronically-folding door handles which is one of my favorite features on the vehicle. However, I do wish they chose a better set of alloy wheels as I’m not too fond of the turbine-style design found in the GE. I’m also hoping they do something about the faux exhaust ports on the rear bumper.

Hop inside and the cabin of the Emkoo GE looks almost the same as the GL. From the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system to the 7-inch digital instrument display, as well as the stylish & ergonomic center console, everything was pretty much carried over. I’m also happy to report that the power-adjustable driver’s seat is present which made adjusting to my preferred driving position easier. Unfortunately, the front passenger will have to make do with manual adjust. Did I mention it also has a tilt/telescopic steering column?

I was expecting fabric seats on this particular version of the Emkoo but I was surprised to know that GAC Motor put in leather-fabric upholstery which feels supple to the touch. Even the steering wheel is wrapped in leather which gives the Emkoo a more upmarket look & feel. Combined with the soft-touch materials on the dashboard, door panels, and center armrest, GAC Motor made sure owners of the Emkoo GE would not feel shortchanged.

Technophiles will be happy to know it has Apple CarPlay as standard although Android Auto users will be disappointed as they will have to resort to just using Bluetooth or the CarBit app to mirror their phones. The GE variant doesn’t get the 6-speaker DTS sound system from the GL but surprisingly the 4-speaker system still delivers good audio quality.

While it seems I’m all praises, there are some points of improvement for GAC Motor to work on. For starters, I wish they had a separate control panel for the dual-zone climate control. With most of its functions on the touchscreen, making minor changes might distract the driver while on the road. Yes, there are shortcuts on the screen and the dashboard, but having tactile buttons and switches to adjust the climate control will be easier I believe. There’s also the hazard warning light button which is placed near the push-button start. While it seems I may be nitpicking, there have been a couple of times when I nearly pressed the starter button instead of the hazard light. Hopefully, GAC Motor will make changes in a future update.

Like the GL, the GE also doesn’t come with a rear center armrest which is quite odd. Other vehicles in the same price point (and even less) already come with this particular amenity. Some are even equipped with integrated cupholders. I’m not sure why GAC Motor didn’t bother to have this feature available although I do wish they make it available even as a retrofit. Last but not least, it does have what looks to be a wireless charging pad but all variants of the Emkoo unfortunately lack the said wireless feature. It’s just there to hold your phone in place.

Under the hood is (you guessed it) a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine dubbed Mega Wave. It makes 177 PS at 5500 rpm along with an impressive 270 Nm of torque between 1400 - 4500 rpm. Power is then sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission (DCT). If the figures and setup sound familiar, that’s because this is also the same powertrain found in the Empow, GS3 Emzoom, and the M6 Pro MPV.

With the smart key tucked away in my pocket, a push of the starter button was all I needed to do to turn on the vehicle. While its output figures look rather normal, behind the wheel is a different story. The turbocharged engine feels peppy and always seems raring to go when you’re driving spiritedly. Combined with the dual-clutch transmission that changes gear seamlessly on the highway, the Emkoo is quite the cruiser. There were times I had to check my speed while on the open road because there were times I was already reaching beyond 100 km/h on the expressways.

In city driving, however, I wish the Emkoo delivered smoother gear changes. Yes, it has a wet-type DCT but a little bit more refinement from the transmission software would help the crossover switch cogs seamlessly. This is more apparent during stop-and-go traffic where the transmission would sometimes hang onto a gear before switching to the next one.

This conundrum also lets itself known when you need to overtake. Despite having the ability to switch to Sport Mode, there is still a delay between putting your foot down on the accelerator and actually feeling the acceleration. It’s not much, but that minor delay can be crucial in case you immediately want to overtake slower vehicles along two-lane roads.

Some of you might say why not use the manual mode of the DCT to switch cogs quickly? Unfortunately, the Emkoo lacks that feature. It doesn’t even come with paddle shifters which would have made overtaking faster and less of a hassle. Yes, it’s a quick turbocharged crossover, but having manumatic mode on the DCT would have allowed drivers to manipulate the gears should they wish to.

As far as fuel economy is concerned, the Emkoo delivered admirable results. In light city driving, the Emkoo returned between 9 - 10 km/L. On the highway, it returned between 17 - 18 km/L which was not bad given the vehicle’s size.

Speaking of size, the Emkoo measures 4680mm long, 1901mm wide, 1670mm tall, and has a generous 2750mm wheelbase which is the longest in its class. Given its heft, the Emkoo can be quite daunting to drive on narrow roads as you will feel its width in tight spaces. However, it does have light steering so making tight maneuvers will be easy. Combined with its tight turning radius, the Emkoo can easily make short work of U-Turns and parking spots with limited spaces.

The ride quality is great with a ride that focuses on passenger comfort. The vehicle’s soft suspension absorbed every bump on the road and pock-marked streets didn’t matter to the Emkoo. Paired with the vehicle’s top-notch Noise, Vibration, & Harshness (NVH) deadening, the Emkoo kept outside noise to a minimum. For buyers looking at a compact crossover that’s comfy and quiet, the GAC Emkoo should be on the top of the list. Perhaps the only drawback of having a soft-riding suspension is that it makes the Emkoo not the most agile crossover in the market.

At PHP 1.298 million, the GAC Emkoo GE is one feature-packed crossover. Yes, it loses some features only found in the GL version which include the panoramic glass roof, the power tailgate, the power-folding side mirrors, the larger 19-inch alloy wheels, the air quality sensor, the 360-degree camera system, and full leather upholstery. However, I do believe that some of the missing amenities are features one can live without.

And despite being a base model, the Emkoo GE still comes with plenty of intelligent driver aids as standard. These include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and traffic jam assist.

With a price tag of less than PHP 1.3 million, it’s more affordable than its closest competitors like the Ford Territory (starts at PHP 1.335M) and the Jetour Dashing (begins at PHP 1.373M). The 1.5L turbo under the hood is more powerful than it looks although we do hope GAC Motor makes the 7-speed DCT smoother in traffic.

Overall, those looking to get a GAC that wants something bigger (and less edgy) than the GS3 Emzoom need not look far with the Emkoo, especially the “base model” GE.