Introduction:
Today, we bring you the first promotional announcement of 2024, as well as an in-depth analysis of a series of Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) Trumpchi brand models. Whether you are looking to order the models mentioned in this article or want to gain a deep understanding of this brand’s vehicles, don’t miss this blog. Our recommended Christmas promotion model is the GAC Trumpchi Emkoo. This is a compact SUV positioned in the compact SUV segment. And its predecessor was the best-selling GS4 compact SUV in China.
Emkoo offers consumers three different powertrain options, including the 1.5T turbocharged engine for mainstream consumers. It also provides the performance-oriented 2.0T turbocharged engine, and the environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient 2.0L hybrid model. It covers almost all powertrain types that compact SUV customers might need. Let’s introduce them one by one.
Trumpchi Emkoo 270T Super Nova Series:
Mainstream Powerhouse
First, let’s introduce the Emkoo 270T Super Nova series, which is aimed at mainstream consumers and has the highest sales with the 1.5T engine. This inline-four-cylinder 1.5T turbocharged engine can output 177 horsepower at a maximum of 5500 RPM and a maximum torque of 270 Nm within the 1400-4500 RPM range. These figures are among the top in mainstream 1.5T engines. It is also equipped with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, making it a very popular powertrain configuration in the market. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in about 7.8 seconds.
This 1.5T engine was ranked third in the 2021 China’s Top 10 Engines. The Emkoo has a length of 4680 mm, a width of 1901 mm, a height of 1670 mm, and a wheelbase of 2750 mm, providing excellent interior space. The standard version of this 1.5T model has a name of Super Nova, while the mid-to-high-end models are Super Nova PRO and Super Nova MAX. The main difference in configuration between them lies in comfort features such as the power trunk and larger central control screen. However, for basic safety features such as airbags and L2-level advanced driver assistance systems, the entry-level Super Nova model comes with all these features as standard.
Dimensions and Safety
The Emkoo Super Nova comes with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, while the Super Nova PRO and MAX are equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels. Those of higher end equipment are to configurate in the compact SUV segment. They also provide a compact spare tire and electronic parking brake function. In terms of safety, the Emkoo is fully equipped, with front and rear six airbags, tire pressure display, and the PRO and MAX versions also offer reminders for all seatbelts unfastened. ESP and ISOFIX are also standard features. The active safety features of the Super Nova include lane departure warning, active braking safety system, and forward collision warning. The PRO and MAX versions also provide road rescue calls, fatigue driving reminders, rear collision warnings, and DOW door opening warnings, among other functions.
Abundant Equipment to Comfort Your Driving
In terms of driving and handling, the Emkoo offers three different driving modes: sport, economy, and standard. It also includes features like automatic parking, hill-start assist, and hill descent control as standard. It even provides rear parking radar, a rearview camera, and a millimeter-wave radar as part of the driver assistance system. Those of complicated instruments offer convenience, especially for novice drivers. Even the entry-level Emkoo comes with L2-level advanced driver assistance functions, including full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, and road traffic sign recognition. Higher-end models also feature lane change assistance and automatic parking.
The Super Nova offers keyless entry and start, and mid-to-high-end models even have hidden electric door handles. However, in my opinion, this feature may not be very convenient to use in high-latitude cold regions and may even pose a risk of not being able to open the door in icy and snowy weather. Mid-to-high-end models have also equipped with power tailgates with memory function. LED headlights are standard, with adaptive high and low beams and delayed shutdown functions. The Emkoo comes with a non-openable panoramic sunroof and rain-sensing wipers. The central control screen is 10.1 inches in the standard version, but it upgrades to a 14.6-inch screen with CAR-PLAY functionality in the PRO and MAX high-end models.
The LCD instrument panel also upgrades from 7 inches to 10.25 inches. The Emkoo provides two USB/TYPE-C charging ports in the front and one in the rear. Higher-end models also have wireless charging for front phones. The seats are made of faux leather, and the driver’s seat has power adjustment. Mid-to-high-end models also have power adjustment for the front passenger seat and heated front seats. High-end models even offer seat ventilation and driver’s seat memory function. The automatic air conditioning not only has rear air vents but also features an ion generator, air purification, and PM2.5 filtration. It also provides electronic child locks. The most noticeable drawback is the absence of a 4WD model, and the urban driving fuel consumption is not low, about 10 liters per 100 kilometers.
Trumpchi Emkoo Neutron Star Series
Performance-Oriented and Impressive Powertrain
Now let’s talk about the second model of Emkoo, the Neutron Star version equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine. Clearly, this 2.0T turbocharged engine, with a claimed 252 horsepower, is designed for performance-oriented customers. This 2.0T turbocharged engine, with a model number of 4B20J1 using the Otto cycle, achieves an astonishing thermal efficiency of 40.23%, the highest among all existing 2.0T turbocharged engines in China. You might say there are engines with thermal efficiency as high as 44% now. Yes, but those are engines for hybrid applications, like the Miller or Atkinson cycle engines, and they naturally have lower power.
To better demonstrate the power of this high-performance engine, the Emkoo Neutron Star is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission from AISIN. To the best knowledge, AISIN transmission provides ample power for this compact SUV. With this AISIN 8AT transmission, it can output a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1750 RPM and continues to output in the range of 1750-4000 RPM. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time has not officially announced. But according to various automotive bloggers’ tests, it’s about 7.2 seconds, which, to be honest, is somewhat lower than the claimed figures. The configuration of the Neutron Star series, the most powerful powertrain combination, is satisfying.
Features
As mentioned earlier, it includes L2-level advanced driver assistance, power trunk, a 14.6-inch large screen, and a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel. The seats are also power-adjustable with heating, and the higher-end models even have ventilation and driver’s seat memory function. The automatic air conditioning not only has rear air vents but also features an ion generator, air purification, and PM2.5 filtration. It also provides electronic child locks. The obvious drawback is that there is no 4WD model, and the urban driving fuel consumption is not low, about 10 liters per 100 kilometers.
Trumpchi Emkoo ATK Twin Star Series
Hybrid Efficiency
The third model is the Emkoo ATK Twin Star, which features a 2.0L hybrid engine. GAC Trumpchi’s hybrid strategy is different from Japanese hybrids, which frequently start and stop the engine. The Emkoo hybrid uses electric and gasoline power interchangeably, and once the engine starts, it doesn’t shut down easily. Often, the engine continues to run even during deceleration. On the other hand, the Emkoo hybrid’s 2.1 kWh battery is larger than the 1.3 kWh battery found in Japanese hybrids, resulting in a much longer pure electric driving range. Even when facing uphill climbs and moderate acceleration, the engine won’t start unless the battery level drops below 50%. Compared to Japanese hybrids, the advantages of the GAC Trumpchi Emkoo hybrid are evident:
– Longer pure electric driving range
– Strong power output
– Better NVH
Powertrain Performance
In fact, the second and third points go hand in hand. If the power output is insufficient, the engine has to rev up to 4000 RPM to generate power, resulting in poor NVH. Nevertheless, the Emkoo hybrid’s powertrain has some issues waiting for longer observation. For example, during full-throttle acceleration, the electric motor responds first, and the 2.0L engine takes about a second to catch up—a state similar to an automatic transmission shifting. Once revved up to high RPMs, it will combine with the electric motor for acceleration. There will be a noticeable step-change in acceleration. For instance, when the battery level is at 50%, and the engine starts to recharge. If there is a high power demand at this moment, the engine load is significant, leading to significant vibrations and noise. However, NVH is smooth, and the sound quality is well-done without annoying sensations.
Driving Experience
It’s worth mentioning that in Sport mode, just like the Emkoo hybrid, you can overtake on plateaus with ease, even turning off regenerative braking. At this point, you can feel that the Emkoo hybrid is significantly better than Japanese hybrids in several aspects. For example, when regenerative braking is completely turned off, the brake pedal feels very linear, and the deceleration feedback from different depths of braking is entirely as expected. The steering system is entirely European-style—precise, quick to return to center, and with minimal residual angle.
However, it’s a bit heavy. I think it can compete with the Ford Edge, but it’s not as good as the Ford Focus. The suspension performance is like a high-riding version of the Emkoo, with less agility than the Emkoo but still enjoyable in corners. This is the core advantage of the Emkoo hybrid compared to Japanese hybrids. Emkoo is better dynamic feel, significant hybrid advantages and better value for money.
Let’s talk about prices, which also mark the start of this year’s grand New Year promotion:
Modèle | MSRP – CNY | Max Retail Discount | Crisscross Auto Exclusive Discount | FOB USD |
Emkoo 400T Neutron Star Pro | 142,800 | 28,000 | 37,000 | 16,300 |
Emkoo 400T Neutron Star Max | 152,800 | 29,000 | 40,000 | 17,500 |
Emkoo 270T Super Nova | 119,800 | 24,000 | 31,000 | 13,700 |
Emkoo 270T Super Nova Pro | 129,800 | 29,000 | 34,000 | 14,700 |
Emkoo 270T Super Nova Max | 142,800 | 28,000 | 37,000 | 16,300 |
Emkoo Hybrid Twin Star | 149,800 | 29,000 | 39,000 | 16,900 |
Emkoo Hybrid Twin Star Pro | 159,800 | 28,000 | 41,000 | 18,200 |
Conclusion
The 2024 GAC Trumpchi Emkoo models offer a range of options to cater to different consumer preferences. With impressive powertrains, safety features, and attractive pricing, they are worth considering for your next vehicle purchase.
Outbound Links:
GAC Trumpchi Official Website
GAC Emkoo Launched In China With 254 HP And Starting Price Of 19,450 USD (carnewschina.com)
ALL NEW 2023 GAC Trumpchi Emkoo – Exterior And Interior