2026 GAC Emzoom review

GAC is the newest Chinese carmaker to enter Australia’s market, and it’s already proving itself to be one of the more unique with its Emzoom small SUV. 

Blending sharp design and a strong standard equipment offering, all while maintaining a lean sticker price, the 2026 GAC Emzoom doesn’t appear to put a foot wrong. 

We got behind the wheel to see if this new entrant to the competitive small SUV space can ruffle some feathers of more established brands. 

How much does the 2026 GAC Emzoom cost?

Available in a single ‘Luxury’ trim, the 2026 GAC Emzoon can be had from just $25,590 before on-road costs.

This places it in the company of the Chery Tiggo 4 (from $23,990 drive-away), GWM Haval Jolion ($26,990 drive-away), MG ZS ($27,990 drive-away) and the Kia Stonic ($28,180 before on-roads).

Buyers are backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with five years of roadside assistance thrown in to further sweeten the deal. Those who get a scribble on the dotted line in before 31 December 2025 will also be gifted a $500 fuel card.

What is the 2026 Emzoom like inside?

The 2026 GAC Emzoom is a pretty thing both inside and out. It may look like the result of a love affair between a Peugeot and a Cupra (with some gene-splicing of an Alfa Romeo), but this is far from a bad thing.

Angular lines give it a modern look with a good amount of road presence, and there’s a sportiness in the cabin that seems out of place at first – more on that later.

Supportive seats clad in synthetic leather offer great visibility forward, but a sloping doorline in the rear does no favours for reducing blind spots. Drivers get six-way electric adjustment and ventilation while passengers settle for four-way manual. Ergonomically, the Emzoom gets all the basics right.

Everything is within reach and finds the hand in an intuitive way, including a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel. A good balance of physical switchgear and on-screen adjustment is struck, however we did lament having no quick-access dial for volume as the passenger.

Dual screens – measuring 14.6 inches for the centre one and 7.0 inches for the driver’s – provide crisp display. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard, with a 50-watt wireless charging pad, USB-A and -C ports up front with one -A port in the rear.

What equipment does the 2026 GAC Emzoom come with?

Although playing in the affordable space, the 2026 GAC Emzoom does not go wanting for standard kit. A single grade level further simplifies the value proposition for buyers.

An electric, openable panoramic sunroof (with a sunshade), 18-inch alloy wheels, a powered rear hatch, and LED head and tail lights all come as standard.

Dual-zone climate with a rear outlet, those 14.6- and 7.0-inch screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and an automatic parking feature round out much of the standard inclusions. 

How safe is the 2026 GAC Emzoom?

The 2026 GAC Emzoom has not been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

It comes fitted with front, side and curtain airbags, front- and rear-row pretensioners, stability assist, hill hold and descent assist and tyre pressure monitoring.

A 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot view, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, a forward-collision warning, lane-keep warning and assist, and an integrated cruise assist all come as standard.

Notably, the 2026 GAC Emzoom lacks rear cross-traffic and blind spot monitor warnings.

What powers the 2026 GAC Emzoom?

A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine powers the 2026 GAC Emzoom.

Producing 125kW and 270Nm, drive is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

GAC claims the Emzoom will drink 6.6L/100km on the WLTP cycle. During our testing, which was not always in optimal conditions for efficiency, we saw just 6.7L/100km. 

What is the 2026 GAC Emzoom like to drive?

Pleasantly engaging and rewarding is probably the best way to describe the 2026 GAC Emzoom driving experience.

Just like its larger, electric Aion V sibling, the Emzoom reaps the rewards of GAC’s historic relationships with the likes of Peugeot, Toyota and Honda, presenting with well-sorted dynamism.

While not  marketed as sporty, the Emzoom strikes a great balance between being comfortable and taut. An overall communicative drive (including great steering and brake feel) is retained, even as suspension filters out road imperfections before they reach occupants in its well-insulated cabin.

The engine is a punchy little thing, too, and while not all-out fast or powerful, it can produce those available 270nm from just 1400rpm all the way to 4500rpm.

Where the Emzoom is let down most out on the road is that seven-speed transmission. It manages upshifts well, but is lethargic and indecisive when asked to pull a lower gear. This is highlighted by a lack of manual shifting mode, and the Emzoom is constantly looking to be in the highest gear it can, often resulting in a pronounced (and often delayed) downshift every time a driver wants to carry momentum through, or even just get out of a corner, briskly.

Tuning for the transmission’s take-off characteristic has also been too aggressive, leading to the Emzoom often lurching forward from a standstill even with light throttle input.

The Open Road’s take on the 2026 GAC Emzoom

Compared to rivals listed above, the 2026 GAC Emzoom slots neatly into its segment, with its cost feeling relative and reasonable for what it offers.

Unexpectedly, driving enjoyment might be its strongest asset, but it still gets enough of the fundamentals right elsewhere to not just rely on this.

At this end of the market, every benefit must be weighed against its cost. The 2026 GAC Emzoom may not be a standout performer in any one category, but doesn’t get a whole lot wrong.

Pros: sharp design inside and out; fun and engaging chassis; ergonomically sorted 

Cons: lethargic transmission; lacks some safety kit; more expensive than rivals