The triumvirate of best small SUVs might become a quartet when the GAC EMZOOM launches later this month. Specs have just been confirmed, but we will have to wait until November 18 to see if pricing will pose a threat to MG, Chery or GWM. Given it is initially arriving in a single, luxury-oriented trim, it may be positioned higher than them.
Starting with the mechanical side of things, it also uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which generates 125kW and 270Nm. This compares favourably to the Tiggo 4‘s 108kW/210Nm, let alone the Jolion‘s 105kW and 210Nm, but both of those cars allow 91 RON regular unleaded.
It is unclear at this point if GAC will follow suit, or require 95 RON like the 125kW/275Nm MG ZS Turbo. It utilises a seven-speed, wet-clutch DCT. Fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km compares favourably with rivals.
One area where the GAC trumps its rivals is the infotainment screen size – 14.6-inches versus the 12.3-inch for the Jolion and around 10 for ZS and Tiggo4. Naturally, it is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 50W wireless phone charger.
Other equipment highlights include ventilated drivers seat, panoramic roof, ambient lighting, and a 360-degree camera. A full safety suite includes multiple airbags and an ADAS system consisting of 12 radars. Will the GAC EMZOOM hit the ground running with a good calibration? Time will tell.
From the imagery provided, we can infer the interior will have quite a premium design, particularly the steering wheel and HVAC panel, as well as a crystalline gear selector. But we will have to wait until we get some seat time to assess panel gaps and material quality. Stay tuned for more details.
