Priced from $25,590, the 2026 GAC EMZOOM doesn’t just enter the small SUV segment quietly, it undercuts almost everything around it in terms of total value and equipment. So, what’s the catch?
It’s a new brand for Australia, so there some question marks around long-term ownership experience and support, but, as a physical product, we’re keen to know how it drives and how all of the features work.
Apologies if you notice conflicting specs. We get most of our data from Redbook, but it seems Redbook gets things wrong quite often. For example, Redbook says 250Nm while GAC says 270Nm. Fuel economy is 6.1L/100km according to Redbook and GAC says 6.6L/100km.
2026 GAC EMZOOM: Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 125kW@5500rpm / 270Nm@1400-4500rpm
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.0, 225/55
Kerb weight: 1415kgPower-to-weight: 11.32:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.6L/100km
Power efficiency: 18.93kW:L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 47L/91 RON
0-100km/h (estimate): 9.2 seconds
Starting price: $25,5902026 GAC EMZOOM: How much does it cost?
Yes, the price tag is among the lowest in Australia right now, especially for an SUV. Measuring 4410mm long and 1850mm wide, it is 15mm longer and 55mm wider than a Mazda CX-30, for example. That should give you some idea of its position in the market.
However, the CX-30 price starts from $34,060 (excluding on-roads). And that’s for the base Pure model with a 114kW 2.0L petrol engine. This comes with a 1.5L turbo producing 125kW, and yet starts about $10k south. Is it a seriously inferior vehicle?
GAC provides a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, which is right up there with the best of what’s offered today. Some offer seven years but with a capped distance, while some offer 10 years such as Mitsubishi and Nissan.
2026 GAC EMZOOM: Interior & packaging
For the money, the cabin presentation is genuinely impressive. Leather-style trim, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, highly detailed surround-view cameras, a 14.6-inch touch-screen, and a ventilated driver’s seat all come standard.
This sort of equipment is usually reserved for much higher price brackets, or at least high up variants that are more expensive than this. As a single, highly specified model grade called the Luxury, the EMZOOM makes its value argument very quickly once you step inside.
Space efficiency is another highlight. The basic torsion-beam rear suspension setup benefits rear seat packaging, with a flat floor delivering above-average legroom for this class. It feels usable for adults, rather than merely adequate. There is just a single climate vent in the back of the console, which could become annoying, and there is a single USB-A port down below (although, some rivals miss out on both).
Boot space is also competitive at 341 litres with the seats up and 1271 litres with the seats folded (and they fold flat), giving it solid everyday versatility. Unlike many Chinese vehicles we’ve noticed recently, the boot side walls are not cut deep into boot space; they actually mould with the body and allow for some extra boot width. Under the floor is a space-saver spare wheel.
Material quality is better than expected at this end of the market, and the steering wheel in particular stands out as a nice object to hold; good size and nice shape. Storage is practical, visibility is good, and the overall layout is easy to live with. Although, rear visibility is a bit constrained due to thick D-pillars.
So, what’s not so good in terms of packaging? The tyres fitted to the launch vehicle were an unfamiliar ‘Sentury’ brand, not exactly confidence-inspiring. And the dual-clutch auto transmission is not ideal for this type of run-around vehicle in our opinion, but more on that below.
2026 GAC EMZOOM: Powertrain & handling
Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 125kW and 270Nm. It is one of the more powerful units in the compact SUV class at this price point. On the road, it delivers brisk acceleration off the mark and solid in-gear performance for overtaking. Even so, engine noise is a bit high and harsh under full throttle.
This engine is quite similar to Honda’s 1.5L turbo from a couple of a years ago, in terms of specs and measurements. This is 1497cc and the Honda was 1498cc. Power and torque outputs are also very similar (Honda was 131kW/240Nm), and fuel economy is almost identical, at 6.1L/100km for this and 6.3L for the Honda (NEDC) – the WLTC rating for the EMZOOM is 6.6L/100km.
The compression ratio is actually higher in this, at 11.5:1 compared with 10.3:1 in the Honda. That might explain the noisiness of this unit. Unlike the Honda though this does not come with a sophisticated variable valve timing system for intake and exhaust.
Out on some windy roads the steering is a pleasant surprise. It offers good communication for the segment and feels balanced in weight, contributing to tidy handling through corners when pushed. Body control is excellent, and the chassis remains composed even over mid-corner bumps.
Ride comfort is where things become more mixed. On the launch drive, the EMZOOM felt somewhat choppy over rippled surfaces. However, we noticed the tyres were running at an unusually high 41psi. It’s very likely the ride would settle noticeably at more normal pressures of around the mid-30s.
The torsion-beam rear suspension is a cost-driven choice that helps with packaging, and while acceptable for this type of vehicle, it doesn’t offer the composure of more sophisticated multi-link setups over rougher country roads. But, again, remember that price tag.
In our opinion, the biggest dynamic drawback is the dual-clutch automatic transmission. While quick in theory and incorporating a wet-clutch design (known for being more refined), it feels clunky at low speeds and can roll awkwardly on hills – probably acceptable to most when it comes to sporty hatchbacks and sports cars, but for a practical SUV like this? A conventional torque-converter automatic would almost certainly make the EMZOOM smoother and more relaxing to drive in urban conditions.
2026 GAC EMZOOM: First impressions
The 2026 GAC EMZOOM is a fascinating proposition because of the level of standard equipment, strong turbo performance, spacious interior and extremely sharp pricing. From a pure value standpoint, it’s hard to ignore.
But, this is a brand-new model from a brand new company in Australia, so, long-term reliability, warranty support, and parts supply are all unknown experiences at this time. That uncertainty is softened somewhat by the low entry price, but early-adopters are going to be the guinea pigs.
2026 GAC EMZOOM: Video
