GAC Motor is a fresh, new brand in South Africa, but just how cautious should locals be over the new entrant?
Image: GAC Motor SA
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GAC Motor, a subsidiary of GAC Group and a Chinese automaker, has recently entered the South African market with two SUV offerings: the GS3 Emzoom and the Emkoo. These vehicles present an alternative for South Africans seeking new motoring options and boast a mix of contemporary designs, advanced technologies, and competitive pricing.
Like the influx of Chinese vehicles to the South African market, both GAC SUVs aim to tap into the growing demand for affordable yet sophisticated vehicles, but they cater to slightly different consumer preferences and driving experiences.
Image: GAC Motor SA
The GS3 Emzoom, introduced in August, one month before the Emkoo, is a compact SUV that focuses on youthful aesthetics and practical functionality. With its sporty design, hidden door handles, and striking “flying-mecha” face, the GS3 Emzoom is intended to capture the attention of the style-conscious driver. On the other hand, the Emkoo is a larger and more premium offering, showcasing a futuristic aesthetic, highlighted by its flat V-shaped grille, matrix LED headlights, and “lightsaber-inspired” taillights.
Inside, both vehicles strongly emphasise comfort and technology, but with differences. The GS3 Emzoom’s interior is practical, featuring ergonomic seating, ample legroom, and a dual-screen dashboard with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen. It also boasts with features like keyless entry, push-button start, and dual-zone climate control. The Emkoo, by contrast, takes luxury a step further with its oriental-inspired cabin, blending traditional elegance with modern sophistication. It also offers a three-screen setup, including a head-up display on the Executive-Plus model.
Image: GAC Motor SA
When it comes to powertrains, both the GS3 Emzoom and Emkoo are powered by GAC’s 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 130 kW and 270 N.m of torque. However, slight differences emerge in fuel efficiency and driving dynamics. The GS3 Emzoom’s powertrain, combined with its lighter build, achieves a 6.2 L/100 km fuel consumption, while the Emkoo, with its larger body and more premium features, consumes slightly more at 6.4 L/100 km. Both vehicles utilize a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with various driving modes to suit different road conditions.
Image: GAC Motor SA
Pricing is a key differentiator between the two models. The GS3 Emzoom starts at a more accessible price point, with the entry-level Comfort model priced at R469 900, while the top-tier R-Style variant is available for R549 900. In contrast, the Emkoo positions itself as a more premium offering, with the Executive model priced at R599 900 and the Executive-Plus model at R659 900.
Both models come with GAC Motors’ 5-year/150 000 km warranty. However, the GS3 Emzoom comes with a 5-year/60 000km service plan, while the Emkko boasts a 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
Image: GAC Motor SA
South Africans will certainly take note of the new entrants to the market. Both the GS3 Emzoom and Emkoo offer appealing alternatives to more established brands, but the real test will come in the aftersales support, an area that often determines the success of new brands. While the vehicles are equipped with modern features and seem well-built, the brand’s aftersales support network is still developing.
As such, as a relatively unknown player in the South African market, GAC Motor will need to prove itself in terms of reliability, resale value, and long-term customer satisfaction. Though Chinese brands are among South Africa’s best-selling brands at the moment, locals should still tread with a measure of caution as these brands continue establishing themselves.
As for GAC, its GS3 Emzoom and Emkoo bring a refreshing new choice to the local SUV market. With their competitive pricing, cutting-edge designs, and comprehensive warranties, they offer an attractive proposition for budget-conscious consumers. However, prospective buyers should carefully consider the brand’s reputation and aftersales infrastructure before making a final decision.
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The post Reason Enough For SA To Get Excited Over New GAC SUVS? appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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