It’s true what they say, that a lot can happen within a short period. We see this in basketball games when teams still lose after leading by a big margin with only a minute left in regulation or when you stand in line for your favorite donut flavor only to be told that the last piece was just bought by someone else.
The same goes with vehicle brands. More than a year ago, there were only a handful of Chinese-made vehicles and they were still at a stage where they had to do a lot of work in convincing the public that their vehicles were more than just low-priced, stylish rides.
Fast forward to last week. Along with other motoring journalists I was able to drive (from Alabang to Lipa City and back) the newly launched Emkoo, which is a five-seater compact crossover SUV from Chinese automaker GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co. Ltd.) that has been generating buzz since it was introduced to the public at the Manila International Auto Show last April.
Indeed, Chinese automakers have come a long way. Aided by sophisticated computerized design tools, they are now able to create their own designs and sophisticated drivetrains. GAC, in particular, has ramped up its innovation efforts and successfully released top-notch quality vehicles, providing the Philippine market with attractive choices.
“This trip basically allows the participant to appreciate the Emkoo and its safety features. We want to tell the market that this is one excellent family ride and a good choice for one’s first vehicle,” assured Franz Decloedt, brand head of GAC Motor, who shared that GAC is set to exceed its 2,000-unit sales target by year-end as it has already sold over 1,500 units year to date, up 305 percent from last year.
“October proved to be our ‘best-ever’ sales performance and we are excited for the November and December results. GAC has already sold over a hundred Emkoos and we are expecting that this particular model will contribute more to the company’s total unit sales.”
Our convoy, composed of five Emkoo crossover SUVs, started the trip at the soon-to-be inaugurated GAC showroom along Alabang-Zapote Road near Filinvest Avenue in Muntinlupa City and after a three-hour travel, found ourselves enjoying the famous kapeng barako at Casa Marikit in Lipa City, Batangas.
When it comes to the Emkoo’s interior, its materials covering the panels are soft to the touch and luxurious.
Challenging route
In order to appreciate the Emkoo’s better — in terms of performance, advanced driver aid technologies, and engaging interiors — multi-awarded professional racer George Ramirez and his team arranged a challenging route that took us to the Laguna-Cavite Expressway and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, and down to Ligaya Drive (Sungay Road).
From Talisay (where the Sungay Road ends), we proceeded to Tanauan and entered the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road. We then took the Lipa City exit where Casa Marikit, along Temple Avenue, is located.
The route allowed the drivers to take note of the Emkoo’s various driver aids as it negotiated the traffic-congested South Luzon Expressway, and test the response of its 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine as we drove along Calax and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay, up to the junction where the Tagaytay Public Market is situated. Driving down the famous hairpin bends of the narrow Sungay Road also gave us the chance to test the stability of the Emkoo.
A year ago, I would still be prudent in recommending any Chinese brand to those wanting to buy a new ride. But after driving a number of these vehicles and talking to their owners who have been driving them for a couple of years now, I could confidently say that the majority of Chinese brands — GAC included — have undergone significant improvements in terms of quality and more.
Aside from hiring some of the best designers in the motoring industry, Chinese brands also invested billions of dollars to improve their factories and meet global export standards. In recent years, they have even allowed third party facilities to test the safety of their vehicles.
GAC’s Emkoo, at P1.498 million for the top-of-the-line GL and P1.298 million for the base GE variant, should be on any buyer’s short list of possible vehicle purchase.
THE Emkoo’s prominent wedge-shaped grille and bumper that are flanked by illuminated ‘fang-like’ daytime running lamps on each side.
Head-turner
Design-wise, the Emkoo with its sharp, angular bodywork, is a real head-turner. It has a prominent wedge-shaped grille and bumper that are flanked by illuminated “fang-like” daytime running lamps on each side. The design language, called “Diamond Cut,” is continued at the back where the spoiler and brake lights are framed by the angular taillights.
The Emkoo also has an unconventional feature called pop-out door handles. Unlike typical vehicles, these door handles pop out or protrude when unlocked and are level with the vehicle’s surface when locked.
When it comes to the Emkoo’s interior, its materials covering the panels are soft to the touch and luxurious. Controls like volume and channels are operated via the 10.1-inch central touchscreen mounted above the cylindrical panel that houses the air-con vents as well as the switch for air-con flow control. From inside, paddles are used instead of conventional door handles.
The Emkoo’s central touchscreen is intuitive and has a wide variety of settings (like the drive mode for economy, comfort or sport). This infotainment system also allows Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with mobile devices.
Larger than most
At 4.68-m long, 1.901-m wide, 1.67-m tall, and with a 2.75-m wheelbase, the Emkoo is larger than most compact crossover SUVs. This means a more spacious and comfortable ride for the five occupants that the Emkoo can accommodate.
Powering the Emkoo is a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine that can generate 177 hp and 270 Nm of torque. It is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is more than enough to propel Emkoo’s 1,560-kg curb weight.
When it comes to handling, the Emkoo is surprisingly responsive around corners and you can only feel a little body roll. Steering is good, providing enough feedback if one wants to make sudden lane changes or negotiate a road’s many winding curves. While driving, the Emkoo’s advanced driver assist system, especially the Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning continuously send subtle vibrations to the steering wheel, alerting the driver if he or she is veering off the center of the lane.
Other safety features of the Emkoo include the Adaptive Cruise Control with integrated cruise assist, forward-collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking. The base GE variant comes with a rear-view camera, while the higher GL variant takes it a step further by having 360-degree-view camera.
