GAC Emzoom priced in Australia: new Chinese midsize SUV opts for quality over MG ZS and Haval Jolion-beating prices

---

Chinese newcomer brand GAC has released local specifications and pricing for its small petrol-powered SUV, known as the Emzoom. 

The Emzoom will be the first of three GAC vehicles — the other two being the Aion V midsize electric SUV and M8 plug-in hybrid MPV — soon to arrive in the Australian market.

All three vehicles, as well as GAC’s local arm, are slated to launch on the 18th of November.

Priced in a single variant at $25,590 plus on-road costs — likely sitting just under $30,000 driveaway in Australia — the Emzoom is a touch more expensive than rivals including the GWM Haval Jolion (from $25,790) and MG ZS (from $23,990).

As exclusively revealed by Chasing Cars, GAC executives say that the newcomer Chinese brand’s pitch will not involve being the cheapest but will instead be all about quality.

The Guangzhou-based company, which regularly flaunts its accolades of high vehicle quality from the J.D. Powers Chinese Initial Quality Study, divulged to Chasing Cars that it will focus on “[bringing] value to the customer, even if that is not at the lowest price.”

That approach appears to have been borne out in the pricing of the Emzoom, which sits between cheaper Chinese rivals and the entry-point of established SUVs like the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross.

But unlike many of its rivals, both offshore and domestic, the Emzoom will not offer a hybrid powertrain, so far confirming just one driveline likely to be shared across all trim grades.

The driveline in question is a 125kW/270Nm 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with power sent solely to the front wheels. 

That powertrain appears to be one of the final engines with an outdated Euro 5 emissions rating to launch in Australia. From 1 December 2025, all new vehicles released in this country require cleaner Euro 6-rated drivelines.

The Emzoom measures 4410mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1600mm tall, with a 2650mm wheelbase — making it similar in size to a Toyota Corolla Cross.

It offers a conventional five-seater layout, with a suite of driver safety aids, 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, powered bootlid, folding mirrors, and the usual sprinkling of LED brightwork, including headlights, tail-lights, and DRLs. 

Inside is a large 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable ventilated driver seat, a 50-watt wireless device charger, and six-speaker audio system. 

With additional reporting by Tom Baker