Let’s check out the GAC Emkoo Hybrid's interior

Over the years, the crossover segment has practically become a battlefield. Each brand in the Philippines now has subcompact and compact entries into the said market, and many have even begun to introduce nameplates with electrified trims. 

One marque duking it out in the local crossover arms race is GAC Motor Philippines with the Emkoo Hybrid - a promising compact five-seater nameplate with a striking design and a peppy electrified powertrain. 

For the unaware, the Emkoo Hybrid utilizes a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with a battery, an electronic motor, and a dedicated hybrid transmission. 

The GAC model’s internal combustion component can produce 140 horsepower (hp) and 180 Newton-meters of torque. Meanwhile, its electric motor further adds 179 hp and 300 Nm of torque. 

With the said output, it is one of the most powerful offerings in its segment. Plus, the model boasts an impressive 22.1 kilometer per liter fuel economy, as estimated by GAC. 

Apart from its peppy hybrid powertrain, the electrified version of the Emkoo boasts a sharp, hyper-modern exterior. Its dashing good looks are likewise complemented by an array of features, which include power folding side mirrors, LED lighting, a power tailgate, a heated rear windshield, automatic headlamp functionality, rain-sensing wipers, and a set of 19-inch wheels. 

In addition, the GAC Emkoo Hybrid is priced reasonably at P1.698 million. 

All of the aforementioned sounds good, but what is the Emkoo Hybrid’s interior offering its prospective buyers? Let’s find out. 

Cabin punching upmarket

The Emkoo Hybrid’s cabin has so many creature comforts, to the point that it can be described as “punching upmarket.” 

For starters, the dashboard of the GAC crossover houses a sizable 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen display. It is linked to a six-piece speaker speaker, and it depends on Apple CarPlay and CarBit Link for smartphone connectivity. 

For keeping all occupants cool and cozy, the GAC nameplate comes equipped with an automatic air-conditioning (AC) system with rear vents for the vehicle’s second row. The said AC unit aboard the Emkoo Hybrid can also ensure that the cabin stays fresh via its negative ion generator and its air quality sensors. 

The hybrid version of the Emkoo also has a panoramic sunroof, which is great for further upping the mood for fun road trips or even the usual daily drive. In addition, the model also has front seat ventilation, leather upholstery, and a 60:40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility. 

On the one hand, the driver of the hybrid GAC crossover also has access to the following features:

• Flat bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Electronic parking brake
• Seven-inch digital gauge cluster
• Keyless entry system
• Push-to-start button
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Front cabin armrest
• Four-way adjustable steering column
• Type A and C USB ports

Moreover, the Emkoo Hybrid boasts a trunk capacity of 420 liters with the rear seats up. The aforementioned is more than enough for two medium-sized suitcases, but the trunk can be expanded to accommodate larger cargo. Plus, the rear floor is relatively flat, so arranging stuff inside it is a breeze. 

Striking cockpit

While the exterior of the GAC Emkoo Hybrid looks hyper-modern, its cockpit also comes with a striking visual style. 

For instance, the vehicle’s shift knob is made out of polished metal and is adorned with a crystal-like decorative centerpiece. The surrounding center console also has an interesting grooved pattern. 

All around the front cabin of the Emkoo Hybrid are blue-tinged stitches, which provide a good contrast against the predominantly black and silver theme of the vehicle’s interior. The aforementioned goes well together with an ambient lighting system to create a refreshing atmosphere for the hybrid ride’s occupants. 

Even more eye candy can be found on the vehicle’s dashboard, which houses silver-clad central vents for the AC. The said piece uses a unique rotating control scheme, which likewise makes it easier to use. 

Likewise notable is the sloping direction of the dashboard. It does a lot in terms of forward visibility, and it makes the central display easy to reach. 

Lots of safety features

Like many other crossovers in the market right now, the GAC Emkoo Hybrid was loaded with a lot of safety features. 

As standard, it comes with anti-lock braking, dual front airbags, dual front side airbags, side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and tire pressure monitoring - among others. 

The aforementioned are further reinforced by a wide array of advanced driver-assist systems, which include the following: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Integrated cruise assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Forward collision warning
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• High beam assist
• Blind spot detection
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear collision warning

Final thoughts

The GAC Emkoo Hybrid, when it comes to interior features, is definitely hard to ignore. It has enough goodies packaged inside its cabin to match more premium nameplates currently sold in the country despite its relatively accessible price. Package the aforementioned with a peppy powertrain, and what you get is a very enticing crossover. 

Folks who are seriously considering the GAC Emkoo Hybrid, however, should give it a test drive first. Take the time to sit inside the front and second rows and fiddle around with its many on-board functions. Doing so, after all, will truly acquaint you with the crossover, compared to merely reading off specs from the internet. 

GAC Emkoo Hybrid: specifications

Model	GAC Emkoo Hybrid
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,680x1,901x1,670
Wheelbase (mm)	2,750
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Automatic air-conditioning Negative Ion Generator Power-folding side mirrors Panoramic sunroof Rain-sensing wipers Electronic parking brake Keyless start Six-piece speaker system Power-adjust driver’s seat Power tailgate
Infotainment system	10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and CarBit Link (Android integration)
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Dedicated hybrid transmission
Horsepower	140
Torque	180 Nm
Hybrid system	Electric motor, battery
Hybrid system output	179 hp, 300 Nm
Technology
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Integrated cruise assist Traffic sign recognition Forward collision warning Autonomous emergency braking Automatic emergency braking Lane keep assist Lane departure warning High beam assist Blind spot detection Rear cross-traffic alert Rear collision warning
Price	P1.698 million

 

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