Having spent most of my December holidays with a bigger GAC product, I was delighted to finally have a turn with its more compact sibling…
You should know: You can find my long-term report of the GAC Emkoo Executive by clicking here, or watching this video on Youtube. Back then we were kindly offered either the Emkoo or Emzoom, but after our initial choice it took a long time before this smaller GAC model came around for a visit.
What you’re looking at now is a base-model GS3 Emzoom 1.5TG Nova; and actually quite refreshing. Usually the press fleets stock only top-tier derivatives and, where applicable, tick every single options box. Not only does that tend to cloud our judgement, it also means that we’re looking at the top of a vehicle range price list.
More info: Not so with this Emzoom, as it starts the range at R360,000 with six models making up neat increments to the current top dog R Style Plus at R530,000. Each GS3 Emzoom is powered by a 1.5L turbo-petrol 4-cylinder sending up to 130kW or 270Nm through a 7-speed DCT to the front wheels.
The drive train efforts don’t always feel cohesive – although that can be said for most of its DCT rivals, too – so a bit of practise is required before the Emzoom reacts in a desired manner. Steering feedback, ride quality, noise levels and cabin finish are very much acceptable; and again, on par with today’s other offerings.
Why you should: 0-100km/h is claimed at just eight seconds, and top speed of 190km/h. Its maker also claims that the Emzoom uses an average of just 6.2L/100km from the 47L tank, for a theoretical range around the 750km mark. The boot takes 340L – 1,270L with the rear seats folded down – and the turning radius is 11.3m.
This Nova model has base features like remote central locking with hidden door handles, LED headlights, a few powered goodies, two airbags, automatic air-conditioning, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with smartphone connectivity, cruise control, various driver aids, three drives modes and rear park sensors.
Why you shouldn’t: Go up the spec ladder and you’ll find more automated items, some powered or adaptive goodies, leather seats, a sunroof, rear view camera, extra driver aids, more airbags and a digital gauge cluster. Except for the airbags and camera, not much else would tempt me away from this bargain price though…
What else: Case in point: I enjoyed the half-analogue gauge cluster, which made a wonderful change to the now-commonplace screens which all show a little car on an imaginary road, utterly confusing numbers as tacho- or speedometers, and hardly any useful information. I also thought that these half-cloth blue seats were extremely stylish.
Conclusion: In fact, at the price of a decent Polo, the GAC GS3 Emzoom with its turbo engine makes a strong value proposition for itself. You can currently choose from eight exterior colours and each new vehicle comes with a 5-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, first-owner lifetime engine warranty, and 5-year/60,000km service plan.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,497cc in-line 4-cylinder turbo-petrol |
| Transmission: | 7-speed DCT, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 130kW @ 4,000rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 270Nm @ 1,400rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | 6.2 L/100km (claimed) |
| 0-100km/h: | 8.0 seconds (claimed) |
| Top Speed: | 190km/h (claimed) |
| List Price: | R339,900 |