By Prashirwin Naidu
Life has its ups and downs. On this particular Monday, I was filled with mixed emotions—a blend of excitement and melancholy, as though a grey cloud hovered over me. I was thrilled to make my debut on the Ignition GT television show, a moment made even more special as I honoured my late Uncle Morgan Naidu, one of the founding presenters of this motoring channel.
Reflecting on him brought a touch of sadness, but the GAC Emkoo quickly lifted my spirits. GAC, a new Chinese entrant to the South African market, stands out with its bold design. The Emkoo, one of two models launched locally, features a sharp exterior, a striking front end, and a coupé-like roofline that breaks away from the ordinary. It’s different—and I like it.
Interior
While taking the car for a spin, my peers remarked that the interior resembled a Lexus—a form of flattery, perhaps? The cabin feels well-built and premium, with leatherette cleverly designed to feel authentic. However, the infotainment system was a mixed experience. After several attempts, I finally managed to connect to Apple CarPlay, but the process was quite confusing.
Our top-spec Executive Plus test unit came packed with features. The Head-Up Display caught my attention, while the heated seats and panoramic sunroof were perfect for stargazing. I also enjoyed the ambient lighting. In terms of practicality, the boot space is impressive — it can easily fit four large suitcases with room to spare for a hat or two. Its length offers plenty of flexibility for various needs. Safety is a strong point, with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and
emergency braking among the highlights.
The drive
I found the vehicle cosy, with a calm and gentle driving experience. The 1.5L turbocharged engine delivered power smoothly but occasionally lacked the desired punch. Another issue was the lag when starting off or reversing, leading to a slight jerkiness that felt less refined than expected. The suspension, with its hydraulic shock mounts, handled uneven road conditions well. The seven-speed DCT impressed with its smooth and effortless gear changes. Fuel economy varies with driving style. I managed 8L/100km during occasional relaxed highway commutes in ECO mode.
The GAC Emkoo faces stiff competition from the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, and Nissan X-Trail, as well as Chinese rivals like the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. Consumers should consider all the rivals before making an impulsive purchase, as quality and price are just as important as style. The Emkoo is no pushover and certainly stands out. Chinese brands are gaining attention, competing with established Korean, Japanese, and
German brands. Who knows? They might soon challenge Toyota in South Africa.
The EMKOO comes in two models:
The Executive (R599 900) and the Executive-Plus (R659 900).
