GAC has launched the all-new Emkoo in the Malaysian market.

Competing with the Proton X70, the Emkoo is offered in Premium and Premium Pro variants.

Pricing has been confirmed. Locally assembled in CKD form in Segambut, the Emkoo starts at MYR 123,800 (US$ 29,400) for the Premium variant, rising to MYR 133,800 (US$ 31,700) for the Premium Pro.

Both prices are on-the-road without insurance and include a five-year/150,000 km warranty and a seven-year/180,000 km powertrain warranty. Both variants share the 1.5-litre turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine from the GS3 Emzoom, producing 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 270 Nm of torque between 1,400 and 4,500 rpm.

This engine is paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, also carried over from the Emzoom.

Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 8.8 seconds, with a top speed of 190 km/h and fuel consumption rated at 6.6 litres per 100 km under the NEDC cycle. Suspension is independent, using MacPherson struts at the front and multilink at the rear.

Built on the Global Platform Modular Architecture (GPMA) shared with the Emzoom, the Emkoo measures 4,680 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height. It is 161 mm longer and 70 mm wider than the Proton X70, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase that is 70 mm longer.

The Premium variant includes keyless entry, push-button start, single-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, a seven-inch digital instrument display, a six-way power-adjustable and ventilated driver's seat, faux leather upholstery, six speakers, and a 360-degree camera system with a transparency function.

The Premium Pro variant adds a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade, 12-way driver and four-way passenger power-adjustable seats (both ventilated), heated door mirrors with auto-dipping, an air ioniser, and multi-colour ambient lighting.

A powered tailgate, also provided to the first 500 Premium customers, opens to a 638-litre boot, expandable to 1,586 litres with the rear seats folded.

Both variants are equipped with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centring assist, speed limit assist, and automatic high beam.

The Premium Pro also features park assist. Six airbags, stability control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system are standard across both variants, contributing to a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.