2024 GAC Emkoo Hybrid first drive: Unmatched style, fantastic frugality
Nowhere is hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) technology more sought-after in the Philippines than, unsurprisingly, in the world of crossovers.
In a vehicle segment founded on the principle of combining the best of all worlds, eye-popping fuel efficiency is (happily) the latest must-have feature for brand-new models. With Toyota and Honda Cars laying down the gauntlet, rivals from the People’s Republic are only too happy to take them on.
Hybrids may be the balwarte of the Japanese, but China can easily adapt given its unquestionable global lead in battery-electric vehicle technology. That’s what gave birth to the likes of BYD Philippines’ hottest new model, the Sealion 6 DM-i, and this – the all-new 2024 GAC Emkoo Hybrid.
We got a chance this month to take one up and down Tagaytay to find out how it stacks up among its electrified rivals.
Just beautiful
I have long adored GAC Philippines’ compact crossover because it simply looks like no other.
Whereas the Toyota RAV4 HEV, the Honda CR-V e:HEV and even the Sealion 6 DM-i seem to come from the same blob-like mold, the Emkoo Hybrid carries on the nameplate’s tradition of sharp lines, rakish angles and intricate details.
As with the non-hybrid Emkoo, this electrified variant features boomerang-style LED daytime running lights and headlights that span along the fender, lower bumper and front grill. The use of painted surfaces instead of generic black plastic give the Emkoo Hybrid an aggressive yet classy style.
The side profile is also great to look at – the gloss-black A-pillar, polished 18-inch alloy wheels and those awesome retractable door handles mean this crossover would still look fantastic when I turn 50 years old more than two decades from now. Matte-black plastic around the fenders is used tastefully, accentuating the Emkoo Hybrid’s ruggedness without ruining the lines.
Out back, the Emkoo Hybrid truly displays its youthful looks. The split tailgate spoiler and steeply raked rear windscreen are framed by the boomerang-style LED taillights, which are balanced out by the racy faux diffuser in the lower bumper.
Impeccable refinement
Inside, the Emkoo Hybrid again deviates from its rivals with its sporty character.
Whereas the Sealion 6 DM-i is like an airy lounge, this GAC wants to be a sports car – the high beltline, red interior contrasts, and those well-bolstered, air-conditioned front seats signify a vehicle that wants to be driven. And touches like the fun LED ambient lighting and funky door handles add to this crossover’s uniqueness.
Nonetheless, sensibility is not sacrificed at the altar of style – space is exceptional for five occupants and the Emkoo Hybrid’s cargo area is considerably larger than in its BYD rival. On the move, interior refinement (even with the gasoline engine running) is top-notch, resulting in a luxurious driving feel.
Some things that do need work are the panoramic moonroof, which doesn’t open to provide fresh air into the cabin, and the rather fussy touchscreen infotainment system that still doesn’t have Android Auto. The powerful climate-control system would also do better with separate controls like its more straightforward Japanese rivals.
Rear vision is also quite poor for the class because of that splendid styling, but the crisp and clear 360-degree camera system more than compensates for this (something its Japanese rivals would do better to follow, too).
20 km/l without any fuss
From our jumpoff point at Discovery Primea in Makati City, Mobility PH super-photographer/videographer Tope Crisostomo and I took our Emkoo Hybrid through all sorts of roads to make our noontime lunch appointment in Tagaytay City.
On city streets, the stylish GAC handled bumps with aplomb thanks to the well-tuned dampers. The excellent ride was also noticeable going triple digits on the expressway, where the powerful brakes, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were truly effective in keeping the Emkoo Hybrid steady and true.
And with a combined 235 horsepower from its 2.0-liter gasoline HEV powertrain (co-developed by GAC and Toyota), the Emkoo Hybrid has plenty of poke to get around. It complements its 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission well – there’s none of the unwelcome juddering from the lackluster dual-clutch transmission in the non-hybrid variants.
But despite its sporting pretensions, this GAC isn’t quite a sport sedan because of the considerable body roll, spongy brake pedal, and numb steering that could do with a faster rack. It does feel more composed on the road than the rather floaty BYD.
And speaking of the Sealion 6 DM-i, the Emkoo Hybrid’s less complicated HEV system means that getting 17 to 20 km/l in the city and up to 25 km/l on the expressway doesn’t require you to constantly fiddle with the car’s settings to eke every drop of fuel out.
However, the BYD’s plug-in charging capability means an EV range that can let you enjoy cheap and lengthy commutes on electricity alone.
Why spend more?
On the whole, the P1,698,000 GAC Emkoo Hybrid is a refined, highly fuel-efficient and practical crossover, as well as a credible alternative to the highly popular BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.
The GAC’s more competent driving dynamics and sensational style will attract those who buy a car not just with their heads, but also their hearts. It also blows its Japanese rivals out of the water – saving nearly P1 million on a hybrid crossover is sure to make anyone smile.
After coming back from our fabulous day out – amid the sea of gas-guzzling luxury cars milling in and out that night at Discovery Primea – the Emkoo Hybrid didn’t look even remotely out of place.
Quite the contrary, it made those leviathans look out of place and out of time.
