GAC announces new entry-level Emzoom SUV at Festival of Motoring

The sub-R400,000 SUV market is becoming a hotly contested space, and the latest manufacturer to enter the ring is Chinese brand GAC.

Its importer, Salvador Caetano Auto, used the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami this week to announce a new entry model called the Emzoom Nova.

Retailing at R359,900, it lowers the entry price of the Emzoom by a cool R50,000. As a reminder, the regular Emzoom range comprises the 1.5T Comfort (R419,900), 1.5T Executive (R439,900), and 1.5T R Style (R489,900).

The new entry model can be told apart by its unique grille with horizontal elements as well as bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels. The Comfort model, by contrast, has a vertical ‘waterfall’ style grille and 18-inch rims.

The Nova base model retains the familiar 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, fitted to its siblings, which delivers 130kW through the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

It also retains the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and has black cloth seats, and customers will also benefit from a service plan and a lifetime warranty, applying to the first owner.

GAC’s Festival of Motoring stand also showcased the upcoming Aion Y electric car, with a range of 490km, and the outlandish-looking M8 minivan, which will seek to give the Mercedes V-Class a run for its money.

The bold new M8 luxury MPV is set to reach our shores this year, featuring a huge ‘waterfall’ grille and luxurious interior with reclining seats for rear occupants.

Set to go up against the Mercedes V-Class, the M8 features a large panoramic sunroof, 14.6-inch infotainment system, ventilated seats and powered sliding doors.

The plug-in hybrid version delivers 274kW and 630Nm, while the 26 kWh battery pack allows a claimed range of up to 120km.