GAC Motor Philippines is one of the fastest-growing new players in the automotive industry, offering both internal combustion engine and hybrid-engine propelled sedans and SUVs at attainable price points. Distributed locally by the global brand Astara, it currently offers six nameplates.
Among its offerings, the Emzoom sedan remains the brand's volume driver, with the top trim, GS3 Emzoom 1.5R-Style DCT (dual clutch transmission), as its best-selling model. As expected in a hero trim, the GS3 Emzoom 1.5R-Style DCT includes all the bells and whistles GAC has to offer, making it a compelling case in terms of value for money.
However, not every car buyer has the same priorities or preferences. Take, for example, sunroofs. While some buyers love having sunroofs, others may prefer to avoid them due to potential long-term maintenance issues or other reasons.
Until recently, buyers who didn't want a sunroof had to opt for the entry- or mid-trim variants, both of which featured a basic exterior trim, lacking the racing design nuances of the RS-style.
To address this, GAC has quietly upgraded the mid-grade GB trim while maintaining its affordable price point. Now called the Emzoom Touring, it boasts a bolder, sportier design while retaining its exceptional value. This reconfigured trim offers more features, giving buyers who appreciate the styling of the R-Style trim but don't need all the top-variant extras more options straight from the showroom.
In terms of performance, the Emzoom is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), delivering 174 horsepower and 270 Newton-meters of torque. This powertrain is consistent across all trims and is the same (though with slightly different tuning) as that of the GAC Emkoo and GAC Empow. The Emzoom also maintains the distinctive torquey feel that GAC vehicles are known for.
The Emzoom Touring enhances its predecessor's styling with bold upgrades like the R-Style Body Kit, center-mounted dual exhaust pipes, and the addition of the Touring badge. These design elements create a sleek, modern aesthetic similar to the higher-tier model, while maintaining the original suggested retail price (SRP) of P1.098 million. This makes the Emzoom Touring an attractive option for those seeking style and performance without compromise.
Inside, the Touring features a leather steering wheel, a 10.25-inch multifunctional touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android phone mirroring, leather seats, second-row air conditioning vents, and a rear USB port. It also includes safety and convenience features such as cruise control, a rear view camera, passive entry-passive start, tire pressure monitoring system, hill-start hold control, and electronic parking brake with auto-hold.
The GAC Emzoom is available at all GAC dealerships nationwide with the following SRPs: GS3 1.5 GS DCT – P998,000; GS3 1.5 Touring DCT – P1.098 million; GS3 1.5 R-Style DCT – P1.198 million. Available colors include Salt Lake Blue, Graphene Grey, Moonlight Grey, Superstar Silver, Ivory White, and the new Galaxy Lilac that is exclusive to the Touring trim.
The GAC Emzoom comes with a 5-star Asean New Car Assessment Program rating, a warranty for the first 5 years or 150,000 kilometers (whichever comes first), and 24/7 emergency roadside assistance for the first year.