2026 GAC Emzoom review: Australian first drive

It's not a bad time to be a budget car-buyer in Australia. While new car prices have generally been rising at a strong clip since the days of COVID-19, we're getting a flurry of activity in the area under $30,000.

There isn't much starting with a '1' any more, as only the entry-level Kia Picanto Sport slides in under the $20,000 barrier.

But in the next price bracket, we've got plenty of choice to wade through. They're mostly classified as SUVs – essentially mildly jacked-up hatchbacks – as they attract the majority of buyer interest.

Chery's Tiggo 4 has been selling its socks off in recent months, leading other choices like the MG ZS and GWM Haval Jolion. Mahindra's XUV 3XO and the Suzuki Fronx are new, and we've got some other stalwarts like the Hyundai Venue and Kia Stonic to consider.

This is a field in which the GAC Emzoom wades into – a 4.4-metre-long small SUV with a price of $25,590 plus on-road costs.

It's one of the trio that GAC launches with in Australia, along with the Aion V (electric medium SUV) and M8 (plug-in hybrid people mover). This is the cheapest offering, and could be the best chance for the brand to get a foothold in this incredibly competitive market.

It's a sharp price that puts the Emzoom right into the thick of the competition. It's also well equipped overall, with a panoramic sunroof, leather-like seating material and an electric boot dispelling any econobox vibes.

There's also a 14.6-inch infotainment display, wireless phone charging, a ventilated driver's seat, electric seat adjustment, dual-zone climate control and automatic LED headlights. Not bad for the spend, I think you'll agree.

Other standard equipment includes a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, six interior airbags and autonomous emergency braking.

While we might lament the loss off the properly-cheap car, with a stripped out list of standard equipment, the value quotient for the Emzoom is strong.

The Emzoom's driving experience continues to make a positive first impression. It's a well-balanced and honed car, with the right mixture of ride comfort, bump absorption, body control and handling. This isn't always the case – especially with lower-budget cars – but we do have a commendable amount of polish here.

In fact, it's not a bad car to throw through the corners or explore some twisting country back roads. And if you value the driving experience, this Emzoom would be a better bet than the likes of the Chery Tiggo 4 or GWM Haval Jolion.

Body control is good, steering feels balanced and responsive, and there's enough control through the suspension to stay nicely connected through the road. A soft and wafting ride quality – which is a common theme in Chinese cars – isn't present here. Instead, there's enough stability to keep the body controlled through corners and over persistently rough and wallowing roads.

But at the same time, there is enough damping to help smooth out the poorly maintained roads. It's on the firm side overall, but not overtly so. Some will appreciate the slightly more tied-down nature of the Emzoom, but others will find it agreeable regardless.

A turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine pushes the approximate 1400kg of car along well, leaning into that broad range of torque happily. It gives pliable and less laggy performance at a range of speeds, with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifting smoothly. It's not a lightning-fast gearbox with the crisp, blipping gear changes other dual-clutches have.

Some might see that as a criticism, as it slurs the changes more like a torque converter automatic might, but I don't mind it so much. I prefer to live without the jerkiness.

Performance is brisk overall, matching the otherwise fun driving dynamics to provide something enjoyable, and even a little bit entertaining.

However, the powertrain isn't as efficient as other options out there. There are hybrids available at this price point, as well as naturally aspirated engines that lack the outright poke of this turbocharged unit.

We saw a figured that hovered around 8-8.5 litres per 100 kilometres on our test, which is higher than the claim of 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.

The car dines on the cheaper 91RON regular unleaded fuel at least, whereas some others need more expensive fuel.

Service costs are not yet divulged by GAC – it's still early days for the brand in Australia – but the warranty is solid at seven years and unlimited kilometres.

However, the range of service centres and dealerships is still relatively light, with 11 listed on the brand's website. You can expect that number to grow in the coming years, along with the range of models offered by GAC.

There is a lot to like about the Emzoom from the inside, and it's not just about the long laundry list of standard equipment. Build quality feels good here, with a solid sense of construction and quality in the materials. Especially for the price.

It's a fairly practical cabin as well. A small-ish centre console is helped by the underslung storage beneath the twin cupholders, which is also where you'll find the two USB power outlets and a 12V plug.

The wireless charging pad up front has some additional storage space next to it, and some physical controls for fan speed and temperature are welcome inclusions, instead of being managed through the central display.

The second row is good for the segment, and is helped along by an air vent, a fold-down armrest and good visibility. There are also map pockets, no transmission tunnel to trip over, and a single USB power outlet.

The boot of the Emzoom – which measures in at 341 litres – shows perhaps a little bit of priority for the second row. The Chery Tiggo 4 has more boot space, for example. The second row folds flat with a 60/40 split to give a little over 1200L of storage space.

Underneath the floor of the boot you'll find a space-saver spare wheel.

The Emzoom feels a bit refreshing in a way, because it's not just a cheap car that feels like it's been built to a price. There is a sense of quality here – through interior and driving experience – that gives it an edge of advantage over other small SUVs at a similar price.

In other words, it doesn't win on price or powertrain efficiency, but it does score points on polish and perceptible quality.

If you value the driving experience, this car is worth a closer look. Buyers might struggle to find a dealer nearby, as that footprint is still in its infancy and is looking to grow. Also, its servicing costs have a question mark over them.

Sam Purcell has been writing about cars, four-wheel driving and camping since 2013, and obsessed with anything that goes brum-brum longer than he can remember. Sam joined the team at CarAdvice/Drive as the off-road Editor in 2018, after cutting his teeth at Unsealed 4X4 and Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures. Off-road writer of the Year, Winner - Sam Purcell

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