Lead Hook
The GAC Emzoom hits Australian showrooms at AU$25,590, making it one of the nation’s cheapest new SUVs. While the price is eye‑catching, the review from Carscoops reveals a vehicle that feels half‑finished where it matters most – the drivetrain.
Powertrain & Performance
Under the sleek hood sits a 1.5‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder delivering 125 kW (168 hp) and 270 Nm (219 lb‑ft) of torque. The engine is paired with a seven‑speed dual‑clutch transmission. On paper the combination looks competitive, but the reviewer describes the DCT as the worst‑calibrated they have ever encountered. Light throttle inputs cause the car to surge, making low‑speed manoeuvring and parking a chore, while gear changes feel slow and clunky even in Sport mode.
Premium Interior at a Budget Price
Where the Emzoom truly shines is inside. A 7‑inch digital instrument cluster sits behind a piano‑black bezel, and a 14.6‑inch infotainment screen dominates the dash, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin is finished with soft‑touch plastics, a leather‑wrapped flat‑bottom steering wheel, metal speaker grilles, ambient lighting, a sunroof, and a 360‑degree camera – features that would normally belong to a vehicle costing well over AU$40,000.
Competitor Comparison
At its price point the Emzoom competes directly with the Chery Tiggo 4 (AU$23,990) and the Hyundai Venue (from AU$23,000). Both rivals are priced slightly lower, but they lack the Emzoom’s striking exterior design and the high‑end cabin appointments. However, neither the Tiggo 4 nor the Venue suffers from a DCT; the Venue uses a conventional automatic, and the Tiggo 4 employs a CVT, giving them smoother low‑speed behaviour.
User Feedback & Real‑World Impressions
The reviewer notes that the dual‑clutch’s abrupt launch makes smooth city driving nearly impossible, and the rev‑hang adds to driver fatigue. Steering feels heavy through the first few degrees of turn‑in before lightening out, which feels inconsistent. By contrast, once the car reaches higher speeds the transmission becomes more tolerable, and the interior quality earns genuine praise – the reviewer says they would believe the Emzoom cost three times its actual price based solely on cabin feel.
Overall Outlook
The Emzoom’s combination of an ultra‑low price, eye‑catching design, and a near‑luxury interior gives it strong appeal to budget‑conscious buyers who value style. Yet the flawed DCT is a significant barrier to broader acceptance, especially for city drivers who need smooth low‑speed response. GAC will need to refine the transmission or offer an alternative powertrain if it hopes to compete more effectively against established cheap‑SUV rivals.
Bottom Line
For AU$25,590 you get a vehicle that looks and feels premium, but you pay the price in everyday drivability. The Emzoom is a compelling glimpse of how Chinese manufacturers can undercut legacy brands on price and interior quality – it just isn’t quite ready for mass‑market acceptance until the transmission issues are resolved.