The updated GAC Emzoom is now available in PH with Php 1.059M starting price

After its change of hands locally, the GAC brand is aiming to get back on track in our market. The Chinese automaker has gone all-in on electrification, introducing a handful of hybrid electric (HEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) models. But what about those who still aren’t ready to make the switch?

Not to worry as those still looking for a more traditional pure-ICE vehicle are still getting some love as GAC Philippines has officially introduced the updated version of its Emzoom subcompact crossover.

First known as the GS3, then as the GS3 Emzoom when the current generation arrived in 2023, the Emzoom was once one of the brand’s more popular offerings in our market. This new update brings a few changes that aim to keep it interesting, especially in these times when electrified crossovers are taking the market by storm.

For starters, the lineup has been trimmed down from three to just two variants. The GS variant is gone, while the GB and R-Style variants remain. Pricing is as follows:

• Emzoom 1.5 GB – Php 1,059,000
• Emzoom 1.5 R-Style – Php 1,159,000

Regardless of variant, the Emzoom is largely identical as before, retaining its sharp and sporty appearance, only receiving minor changes on the outside. The GB gets a new front grille with a mesh-style pattern, while its lower grille receives horizontal elements. Meanwhile, the R-Style keeps its waterfall-style grilles, but now gets a blacked-out GAC emblem, loses its contrasting orange accents, and also rides on smaller 18-inch wheels.

The interior also remains largely unchanged, except for a larger 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The R-Style adds a new wireless phone charger and seat ventilation for the driver. 

Available exterior colors for both variants are Graphene Grey, Ivory White, Moonlight Grey, and Superstar Silver. The interior is also available in two different color combination options: Blue and Black or Brown and Black.

As mentioned earlier, the GAC Emzoom is still a pure-ICE vehicle. It remains unchanged mechanically, still powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. Output also remains the same at 177 horsepower and 270Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

In the safety department, the Emzoom R-Style still gets a suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), with the update adding Integrated Parking Assistance and Blind Spot Video Driving Assistance.

While the market really is angling more towards electrified offerings from different automakers, regardless of segment, especially with high fuel prices, do you think there’s still room for the GAC Emzoom, and do you think these little updates will help keep it relevant?

_{Photos from GAC}