Guangzhou Automobile Group, better known as GAC Motor, has officially launched in South Africa. The relatively new Chinese automotive manufacturer held its local launch and unveiling of its second SUV crossover model to arrive in South Africa, the GAC Emkoo, in Melrose Arch on Tuesday, 27 August.
The company’s first model, the GAC Emzoom, launched in South Africa earlier this August while a third, fully-electric model called the Aion Y has been tipped to show up later this year or early next year.
Get your GAC on
The GAC Emkoo arrives in SA in Executive and Executive Plus derivitives. Both are powered by GAC’s in-house designed 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s good for a peak power output of 130kW and 270Nm of torque, applied to the front wheels. It’s paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that is supposed to be a boon for efficiency, reliability, riding comfort, and fuel consumption.
Both derivatives share many design similarities, with the only visual difference being the customisable interior ambient lights in the Executive Plus model. The pricier derivative’s extras also include a heads-up display function, heated and vented front seats, and the ability to park itself.
Both models come equipped with a long list of acronymed level 2 autonomous driving features, including:
- Surround View Camera System
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
- Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
Add the 7in digital instrument cluster and 10.1in centre-mounted infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android ‘screen mirroring’ to that list and it’s clear there’s a lot of tech on offer. It might take a while to get used to the ‘hidden’ electric door handles though.
What’s the damage?
If you’re interested in taking one of the new GAC Emkoos for a spin, you’re already able to book your test drive online. The Executive and Executive Plus derivatives are expected to go on sale next month featuring sticker prices of R600,000 and R660,00 respectively. Both will come with an inclusive five-year/150,000km warranty plus a five-year/100,000km service plan.