WTC Automotif (WTCA), a subsidiary of the Tan Chong Group and the authorized distributor for GAC cars in Malaysia, has confirmed that the GAC Emkoo will be launched in Malaysia. Its arrival here follows the introduction of the CKD GAC GS3 Emzoom.

What’s the GAC Emkoo?

For starters, it’s a C-segment SUV that goes against the like of the Honda CR-V, Proton X70, Mazda CX-5, etc. It’s based on the GPMA (GAC Global Platform Modular Architecture) platform that also underpins the GAC GS3 Emzoom.

The GAC Emkoo’s exterior is characterised by sharp edges and straight lines, with a V-shaped frameless grille and sleek lights defining its front end.

Noteworthy features include flash door handles and a rear spoiler, while the headlights and taillights are dubbed “Eyes of Revelation” and “Lightsabers” by GAC.

In China, the Emkoo is available with a few powertrains including a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine (177 PS/270 Nm), a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine (252 PS/499 Nm), and a 2.0-litre hybrid (Combined: 238 PS) system which is co-developed with Toyota.

Also read: China's GAC lineup of flying cars, Toyota tech hybrids, BEVs and hydrogen are ready for the world's diverse customer needs

In the Philippines, the Emkoo is available in two variants – the base GE and the higher GL variants. The pricing of both 1.5T variants are more affordable than the base model Honda CR-V (starting at PHP 2.15 million, around RM 175k), with prices starting at PHP 1.298 million (around RM 107k) and PHP 1.498 million (around RM 123k) respectively.

Speaking of which, the Emkoo is of similar dimensions to the Honda CR-V:

A few months ago, a GAC Emkoo successfully completed a 10,000-mile (16,000 km) journey from China to Malaysia in August 2023. This road trip, documented by Chinese influencer Yundui Media on Douyin, travelled across four countries – China, Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia – with the full support of GAC.

The unit used for this journey was a hybrid version, currently available in Latin America and China, demonstrating the Emkoo's capabilities across diverse terrains and challenging landscapes in Southeast Asia.

Also read: Cross-Continental Journey: GAC Emkoo travels from Chengdu, China to KL

Coming to Malaysia, you said?

We were invited by GAC Motor and WTCA to experience the current crop of GAC models sold in China. During the test drive event, two right-hand drive (RHD) GAC SUV models were parked alongside each other – GAC GS3 Emzoom and the GAC Emkoo.

For some context, Malaysia was GAC Motor's first venture into the right-hand drive (RHD) market, introducing the GS3 as the first RHD model.

GAC initiated its local assembly (CKD) project in Malaysia at the WTCA Segambut factory – the first CKD project for GAC in the world. Putting two and two together, it pretty much confirms the arrival of the GAC Emkoo, and will likely be CKD as well.

Further details are still scarce at the moment. WTCA did not provide a timeline for the GAC Emkoo’s arrival in Malaysia. Given that production for the GAC GS3 Emzoom is set to commence in April 2024, with sales expected to kick off in mid-2024, it’s reasonable to expect that the Emkoo will arrive sometime in 2H 2024.

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