GAC Empow: hits and misses

GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group Company Limited) Motors Philippines entered the local sedan market segment with the launch of the Empow back in 2023. 

The Empow, however, isn’t a mere barebones model. In fact, it was positioned and designed by the Chinese maker as a worthy competitor to the likes of the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla Altis. 

So, from the get-go, the model promises engaging driving characteristics mixed in with a refined cabin and plenty of onboard safety tech. 

But what exactly are the strengths of the GAC Empow? Also, does it have any weaknesses buyers should be aware of? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Sporty design

One key strength of the GAC Empow is its striking design. 

Starting with its front end, it wears a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamp clusters and stylish-looking LED daytime running lamps. The aforementioned are complemented by a sizable grille, as well as a sculpted hood up top.

From the side, one can view its distinctive profile that was enhanced by the presence of a ducktail spoiler and an ample amount of body lines. Its rear likewise boasts a pair of “Fierce Ruby Diamond” LED taillights, as well as a quad exhaust setup. 

Apart from looking good, the exterior of the GAC Empow, particularly the top-spec GE trim, boasts the following features: 

• Power folding and adjustable side mirrors
• Automatic headlamp functionality
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Side mirror heating functionality
• 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels

Feature-rich cabin

Besides its handsome exterior, GAC also took great care to make its interior visually appealing and cushy. 

Keeping everyone inside the GAC-made sedan, for example, is a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents. Most surfaces inside the cabin, including the seats, are likewise clad in leather. 

For the front seats, the GAC Empow GE offers heating, six-way power adjustability, and a center armrest. The rear cabin seats, meanwhile, come with a 50:50 split function for extra versatility and a reclining feature for added comfort. 

Available for the Empow driver is a 7-inch digital gauge, an electronic parking brake, a multi-function leather steering wheel, paddle shifters, a drive mode selector, passive entry and start, and a push-to-start button. 

Upping the mood for the Empow’s occupants is a panoramic sunroof and a multi-color intelligent ambient lighting system. Likewise available are USB ports for the front and rear rows, a 12-volt accessory outlet, and an eight-piece speaker system. 

For onboard entertainment and navigation, the Empow depends on a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. 

Additionally, the GAC Empow boasts a trunk space of 375 liters. Sure, it isn’t the biggest in the segment, but it is more than enough for several bags during weekend getaways or for several days worth of groceries. 

Peppy performance

Likewise, the GAC Empow gains points from driving enthusiasts for its peppy engine. Specifically, it utilizes a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline mill paired with a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission. 

The model, like its rivals, is a front-wheel-drive model. In total, it can generate up to 174 horsepower and 270 Newton-meters of torque. With the said kind of engine output, it can definitely hold a candle against the non-hybrid versions of the Honda Civic, such as the V and RS Turbo. 

For ride quality and handling, the Empow depends on a front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link suspension system. Braking power for the car is also ensured by front and rear discs. 

To ensure optimal performance, the GAC-made five-seater model likewise offers several drive modes. For the top-spec Empow GE, it has Economy, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. 

Per GAC, Sport+ provides a launch control feature. Under the said mode, the vehicle also opens up its exhaust valves to provide a throaty, deeper exhaust note. 

Cons

No blind-spot monitoring

As mentioned above, the GAC Empow, especially the top-spec GE, comes standard with a lot of safety gear. It has anti-lock braking, dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, stability control, tire pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and an engine immobilizer - among others. 

The sedan’s mid-spec GB top-spec GE variants also have a suite of advanced driver-assist systems, which is excellent. However, it does lack a blind-spot monitoring system - a crucial piece of kit, especially when dealing with the chaos of metro traffic. 

For the other ADAS components available to the Empow GB and GE, here’s a list: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• High beam assist
• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Traffic jam assist

GAC Empow: specifications

Model	GAC Empow GE
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,700 x 1,850 x 1,432
Wheelbase (mm)	2,736
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning Ambient lighting Power-adjust driver’s seat Power-folding side mirrors Rain-sensing wipers 12-volt accessory outlet USB ports Six-piece speaker set
Guage cluster	7-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Seven-speed wet type dual-clutch
Horsepower	174
Torque	270 Nm
Technology
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control High beam assist Forward collision warning Autonomous emergency braking Lane departure warning Lane keep assist Traffic jam assist
Price	P1.348 million

Final thoughts

For its price ranging from P1.225 million-P1.348 million, the GAC Empow provides a lot of value for its would-be adopters. Notably, its turbocharged engine promises plenty of performance. Plus, it has loads of creature comforts and a decent safety kit. 

Sounds enticing, but folks in the market for a sedan should give the GAC Empow and its rivals a test drive first. Doing so, after all, will help determine if it really is the right fit for your needs. 

Also read: 

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