After launching in August 2024, GAC introduced us to the Emzoom, a new quirky and out there mid size SUV that had something up its sleeve in the form of the R style which puts the body racer term to the extremes. The car gained some good traction over time and even had a special price adjustment which saw some models of the Emzoom fly off the shelves as some industry reports noted that GAC's local sales grew by thousands of percentage points within a single year.
Now to continue a theme which we suppose is to get more South African glutes in seats, GAC has introduced a new entry point into the brand and it will be called the Emzoom Nova. We joined the GAC bunch at the Wits Anglo Dome in what the brand deals was a relevant place to host this new model which is named after a real star that exists, which you can locate..
GAC announced that there are some new models beckoning local introduction
Now it is no secret that GAC has been fairly quiet, unlike the brands from its country that have been launching nonstop. They too have decided to add some more variety for South Africans to choose from the GAC range. We first set our eyes on a fancy MPV from the brand called the M8 , which is up for sale now and is claimed to be priced at 1.6 million rand - eyewatering.
To add to that, they will be bringing some more attainable products like the YUE 7, which should be a boxy hybrid off-roader that employs the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor combination we've come to know. This would be poised to compete with the likes of the TANK 300, Land Rover Defender, and the Toyota Prado and Land Cruiser 300 Series.
The next car that was confirmed to be making landfall soon is the Aion 60i, which is a 5-seater family SUV that can either be had as a fully electric vehicle with a 62 kWh battery pack delivering a pure electric range of up to 650 km or as the now more common range extender- a 1.5L engine combined with a 29 kWh battery, allowing for an impressive combined range of up to 1,240 km. While we don't know the full details on specs, pricing, and all other related details, GAC personnel claim that these models should be available in 6 to 9 months.
Does the Nova have a unique changes from the other Emzoom derivatives ?
Anyways, the Nova retains quite a good bunch of features and goodies, as well as some exterior distinctions. The exterior of the Nova derivative gets a different grille design that is more honeycomb mesh-type, as opposed to the vertical slats that you get when you enter the Executive trim spec. Here, you also have these new 17-inch alloy wheels that are a new design, and then the rest is more or less a recognizable GS3 Emzoom.
Some of the features that the Nova comes with as standard include cruise control, rear parking sensors, a multifunctional steering wheel, keyless entry, and remote start, just to name a few.
How good is the cabin if at all ?
The interior, too, changes. Here, you will have to settle for a cloth and faux leather combo seat arrangement instead of a full leather setup, which is still quite comfy. Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging pad here either but a old school USB in put to connect your cable. You also lose out on a digital instrument in exchange for an analog dial, which still does a pretty good job of displaying your vitals, like fuel consumption, speed, and all other important bits.
Not all bad, though, because you still have that big infotainment screen that allows for wireless phone connectivity at your convenience. The cabin is still more or less covered in plush soft materials and faux leathers that have a unique and bright colorway of blue, regardless of what exterior paint you choose.
Are the any changes to the engine or upgrades?
Not all bad, though, because you still have that big infotainment screen that allows for wireless phone connectivity at your convenience. The cabin is still more or less covered in plush, soft materials and faux leathers that have a unique and bright colorway of blue, regardless of which exterior paint you choose.
Just a point to boast : the GAC Emzoom has a five- star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, thanks to a 58.9% high-strength steel body, which has been tried and tested by GAC at their various research and development facilities.
Pricing
For those looking to get their hands on a GAC Emzoom Nova, the starting price of the vehicle is R359,900, which includes a 2-year / 30,000 km service plan attached to a lifetime warranty for the first owner.