Previewed: GAC Emkoo – C-Segment Offering, CKD Planned

Previewed this week too is the larger and higher-end GAC Emkoo. This C-segment crossover SUV offering from the Chinese marque is set to be locally assembled (CKD) by WTCA and perhaps enter the market later this year.

GAC brand distributors and assemblers WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) completed its three-model preview held last night with the GAC Emkoo. This C-segment SUV offering was showcased alongside its smaller GAC GS3 Emzoom sibling and GAC Aion Y Plus all-electric cousin.

Whilst WTCA didn’t specify exactly when this larger and higher-end offering will be introduced, the firm instead confirmed plans to locally assemble (CKD) it alongside the GS3 Emzoom at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) plant in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.

That last fact is perhaps indication of the firm’s intent at introducing the Emkoo within this year. Having sized it up the flesh, this left-field Chinese alternative is set to woo prospects away from the likes of the Proton X70, Honda CR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and the refreshed Mazda CX-5 too.

GAC clearly has a thing for striking designs, and the Emkoo is no exception to which. Note its V-shaped 'borderless' grille, distinct LED head- and taillights, as well a as its sharp body belt line.

As you can guess by now, the GAC brand seems to have a common theme for all its offerings as each bears rather striking designs. The Emkoo pictured is no exception, but one can argue it does look a lot sharper and, to an extent, more upmarket, over the GS3 Emzoom slotted below it.

Key exterior design touches include its distinct V-shaped borderless grille flanked by “Eyes of Revelation” all-LED headlamps, an equally striking all-LED taillight design and arrangement, as well as an unmistakably sharp body belt line.

On top of being spacious, the Emkoo's innards is set to promise a number of novelties including fully digital instrument and infotainment displays.

On board, the GAC Emkoo’s cabin takes on a highly digital approach, and this is evident thought its adoption of fully digital instrument and infotainment displays primed in its dash. The latter is bolstered by a Yamaha-sourced hi-fi audio suite too, though this remains to be seen.

Over to the mechanical side of things and, overseas, the Emkoo sees a trio of powertrain choices available. It includes both a 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol choice, followed by a 2.0-litre hybrid. However, the Malaysian-spec version is expected to adopt the smallest of said trio.

Said 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo lump should promise 177 HP and 270 NM outputs driving its front wheels via a 7-speed DCT automatic – much like what’s primed in the smaller GS3 Emzoom. GAC also claims this package to offer an average fuel economy as low as 6.8 litres/100 KM.

For Malaysia, WTCA is expected to offer the GAC Emkoo primed with a 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo mill paired witha 7-speed DCT box.

Typical of most Chinese-made alternatives as such, we can also likely expect the WTCA to offer the GAC Emkoo primed with a bevy of advanced driving assistance (ADAS) features that promises Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities at least.

Details beyond what we’ve just relayed here are scarce, but we can expect WTCA to shed more light to which as it gets closer to the Emkoo’s launch date. Speaking of which, the firm remains tight-lipped about it, but we can likely expect to see the GAC Emkoo officially debut locally within this year itself.