Bookings for the new GAC Emkoo are finally open in Kuala Lumpur and beyond. Importer WTC Automotif has officially opened the GAC Emkoo order books, more than 18 months after the model was originally shown in Malaysia. In the Southeast Asian country, the C-segment SUV will be available in two different models, with the “Premium Pro” model expected to cost RM120,000 and the “Premium Pro” model RM130,000.
The local plant is currently undergoing complete knockdown (CKD) assembly work for the GAC Emkoo, which started in late June and will be the Chinese brand’s second domestically manufactured model. According to the company, the first delivery batch to customers is expected to start by the end of September 2025.
The Emkoo is about the same size as a Honda CR-V
The Emkoo is a C-segment SUV that is somewhat larger than the Proton X70 and more comparable in size to a Honda CR-V.
GAC’s C-segment entry here, like its younger sibling, the GS3 Emzoom, has a very unique exterior design that fully embraces the fighting robot theme. Some of its styling elements have intriguing names, such as the “Eyes of Revelation” headlights, the “Illuminant” V-shaped grille, and the “Quantum Lightsabers” tail lights.
However, the cabin’s interior design is far more traditional than its outside. A floating-style 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the Emkoo’s dashboard is connected to a digital gauge cluster that is 7.25 inches in diameter for the Premium model and 10.25 inches for the Premium Pro.
The tubular trim piece that contains distinctive air vents, a jeweled gear shift lever, a sizable 50W wireless phone charging tray, and, if you choose the Pro model, a multicoloured ambient lighting system is another interior stylistic feature.
The majority of the differences between the two versions are found inside, where the more costly model gets a four-way powered front passenger seat with ventilation, a 12-way powered driver seat with memory and ventilation features, and an extra head-up display.
Both versions use the same 1.5-liter TGDi turbocharged line-four engine, which produces 177 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, just like its little sibling. GAC claims that the Emkoo has a fuel consumption rating of 6.6L/100 km (NEDC), but no performance numbers were given.
Six airbags, a “540-degree” surround vision monitor with transparent chassis view, a tyre pressure monitoring system and an advanced driver assistance kit with SAE Level-2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities are also included in the safety kit that both versions share. However, a fully automated parking assistance system is added to the Premium Pro version.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Given its edgy futuristic styling, cool interior and adequate powertrain, the Emkoo should take on local and international rivals with ease, thanks in large part to its very competitive pricing.