August has been a whirlwind of excitement with GAC MOTOR arriving on South African soil.
In August, the GS3 EMZOOM was introduced to the South African market, and now, with the launch of the brand into the country, the latest addition, the GAC MOTOR EMKOO, has made its appearance.
Salvador Caetano, the official distributor of GAC MOTOR in South Africa, said it finds that the EMKOO adds that “little something more” to the range.
Available in two models, the Executive and that “little something more” the Executive-Plus, the EMKOO is set to turn heads.
The EMKOO unquestionably stands out with its fusion of technology and aesthetic appeal.
Its flat design, with 12 bars arranged in a “V” shape and decorated with titanium-tungsten alloy strips, highlights the vehicle’s refined craftsmanship. And the rhythmic lighting effect enhances its striking appearance, making it a visual centrepiece.
When it comes to the lights of the vehicle, the matrix LED headlights are notable for their sleek design, with a thickness of less than 20mm. They offer a substantial improvement in brightness, delivering a combined total of 2 650 lumens for both low and high beams – 25% more than earlier lens units.
At the rear, the EMKOO continues to impress with its innovative tail light design. The “lightsaber-inspired” LED taillights, arranged vertically in an “X” pattern, feature 128 embedded LED bulbs, and include a music sync function, adding a dynamic touch.
Complementing the futuristic look is a MECHA-STYLE spoiler, further enhancing the vehicle’s aggressive and cutting-edge appearance.
The EMKOO takes comfort to a new level with its interior design, drawing inspiration from oriental philosophy to create a soothing and cosy cabin environment. This thoughtful design approach not only redefines luxury but also enhances the overall driving experience, making every journey relaxing and enjoyable. The blend of traditional elegance and modern sophistication ensures that the interior is as visually striking as it is comfortable.
And if you are looking for the latest in high-tech features, the EMKOO’s cabin is a technological marvel, featuring a vibrant and interactive display system composed of three screens: a 10.1” touch screen, up to a 10” LCD instrument cluster display, and a Head-Up Display (HUD) on the Executive-Plus. This array of screens not only enhances functionality but also adds a dynamic and immersive element to the driving experience, making it engaging and enjoyable. The seamless integration of these displays ensures that drivers have all the information they need at their fingertips while adding a touch of modern sophistication to the interior.
To add to the EMKOO’s appeal, the panoramic sunroof (standard on the EMKOO range), is equipped with electric sunshades and offers an unobstructed view of the night sky, letting you enjoy the stars.
Complementing this feature, the dynamic ambient lighting creates a vibrant atmosphere inside the cabin, enhancing your mood and confidence during every drive. Together, these elements ensure a driving experience that is both luxurious and uplifting.
Shifting gears, we look at the gear shift and spaciousness. The gear shift in the EMKOO is a standout feature inspired by the concept of an energy crystal. Its futuristic design, with an industrial vibe, adds a sleek and innovative touch to the interior. The original electronic dial shifter has been refined with improved ergonomics, making it not only visually striking but also more user-friendly and convenient to use.
The EMKOO’s 1 901mm ultra-wide bodywork delivers a powerful sense of movement and enhances driving stability while also providing a spacious cabin. With a super long 2 750mm wheelbase, it offers generous legroom – 1 059mm in the front seats and 990mm in the rear – ensuring ample space for passengers to stretch out comfortably.
The flexible combination of riding and storage space is a key feature. The rear seat passage is flat, and the adjustable rear seats, which fold down, allow a maximum boot capacity of 638 litres. This versatility ensures that the space can be easily adapted to accommodate various needs, making both passenger comfort and cargo versatility a priority.
Now, let’s talk power, handling, and safety. The EMKOO features a robust and efficient powertrain with its 1.5 TGDI MegaWave engine paired with a 7WDCT transmission. This “golden powertrain” not only enhances driving pleasure but also ensures high efficiency and low fuel consumption. The engine delivers 130kw of power, with a maximum torque of 270 Nm. This combination guarantees an exhilarating driving experience while keeping fuel usage economical at 6.4L/100km (NEDC).
The EMKOO’s MegaStar chassis ensures a driving experience characterised by smooth and stable handling. This advanced chassis system combines strength and refinement with a McPherson Independent Suspension in front, which provides superior stability and responsiveness, enhancing handling and ride comfort, and a Multi-Link Independent Suspension at the rear, which reduces impact and residual vibrations, contributing to a smoother ride and better control. Together, these hydraulic suspensions are designed to effectively manage road impacts and vibrations, making every journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
The EMKOO is engineered to maintain stability across diverse driving conditions, ensuring a safe and secure driving experience. Its advanced safety technologies and comprehensive protection features include:
- Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS): Integrates features such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking to enhance safety and prevent accidents.
- 360-Degree Camera System: Provides a complete view around the vehicle, aiding in parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces.
- Traction Control System: Helps prevent wheel spins and maintains grip on challenging road surfaces, improving overall control.
- Airbag System: Includes 6 airbags strategically placed to provide maximum protection in the event of a collision.
The EMKOO’s safety cage-type bodywork is engineered for exceptional strength and durability. It features the following:
- Submarine Hull-Grade Hot-Formed Steel – utilises advanced steel with a tensile strength of 1500MPa in critical components, including the A-pillar, door sills, and the middle passage. This material provides enhanced protection against impacts and deformation.
- Ultra-High Strength Steel Core – the crew compartment’s core skeleton is constructed entirely from ultra-high strength steel, ensuring maximum resistance to harsh conditions and collision forces.
This robust construction ensures that the EMKOO’s bodywork is highly resistant to impacts, providing superior safety and protection for occupants in various driving scenarios.
The EMKOO is available in the following price ranges:
- EMKOO Executive 1.5l TGDI: R599 900
- EMKOO Executive-Plus 1.5l TGDI: R659 900
GAC MOTOR South Africa is poised for an exhilarating journey with the EMKOO and is ready to chart new territories in the South African automotive market, ready to test drive.
