Driving Experience of the Geely Emgrand GT
Last week was a significant one for me. No, I didn't get married, but I had my first experience driving a Chinese car. The team at Union Motors, Salah and Abbas, handed me their flagship model, the Geely Emgrand GT. Let’s dive into the experience.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 2.4 liters
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Power: 170 horsepower
- Top Speed: 210 km/h
- Price: 60,000 AED
Exterior Design
Geely acquired Volvo in 2010 and employed their designer to craft the Emgrand GT, which is evident in its design. At first glance, you'll notice its inspiration from the Volvo S60, especially in the side profile, while the rear design stands out distinctly. The rear evokes memories of models like the Flying Spur or Impala but still feels innovative, a rarity among Chinese cars. Overall, I found the design appealing. The Emgrand GT is well-crafted and presents itself as a robust sedan.
Interior and Safety Features
The interior is strikingly beautiful, finally matching the quality levels seen in Japanese cars. Frankly, it surpasses the interiors of some American vehicles I've seen. There’s good legroom in the front, but rear space is limited due to a focus on trunk capacity. Regarding technology and safety, the Emgrand GT boasts seven airbags, an LCD touchscreen, e-brake, driving modes, BSD, cruise control, Bluetooth, navigation, and a camera among other features. Overall, its specifications and features are impressive and equipped with all the necessities of today’s age—great job!
Driving Performance
The model I drove features a 2.4L four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This performance is competitive against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. I found the driving experience good, though I wished for a more dynamic response. The suspension is excellent for this category. If it offered a more powerful variant, cornering would be even more enjoyable. The steering and brake responsiveness are impressive. Overall, driving the Emgrand GT is delightful given its price point.
Summary
This was my first experience driving a Chinese car, and I’m glad it was the GT. This vehicle has raised the bar for competition among Chinese automobiles. Previously, everyone looked towards Korean cars as Chinese cars are viewed now—consider how far Korean vehicles have come in the automotive world today. Thus, I anticipate a bright future for Chinese cars.
