The South African line-up from GAC Motor has gained a brand new budget-friendly member, however this time the true headline will not be solely the automotive itself. It is the truth that the corporate has fairly actually put the Emzoom Nova among the many stars.
The new Emzoom joins the present Executive and R-Style fashions that first arrived in South Africa in August 2024. Positioned because the entry level into the vary, the Nova nonetheless comes with sufficient know-how and styling touches to keep away from feeling like a lone star.
Under the bonnet it has a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine producing 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque. Those figures give the compact sport utility automobile sufficient power to dash from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 8 seconds, which is brisk sufficient to make merging onto the freeway really feel entertaining reasonably than tense.
Power is delivered by a seven-speed moist dual-clutch transmission, which swaps gears in simply 0.2 seconds. GAC says the gearbox operates at 96% effectivity, whereas gas consumption is claimed at 6.2 litres per 100km. Drivers also can select between Eco, Comfort and Sport modes, relying on temper, site visitors, or how impatient they’re operating late for dinner.
The Emzoom Nova doesn’t mix into site visitors. GAC’s “Star Diamond Shadow” design philosophy provides the automobile a sharp-edged look with an aggressive grille, angular physique strains and slim LED daytime operating lights. Even the door handles play together with the futuristic theme, sitting flush with the physique till wanted.
The Nova rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and is obtainable in six colors, together with quick crimson, graphene gray, moonlight gray, star silver, stable white and the reasonably dramatic galaxy lilac.
Inside, the cabin avoids the gloomy bargain-basement environment typically present in entry-level fashions. The seats mix artificial leather-based and material, whereas a ten.25-inch high-definition touchscreen dominates the dashboard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come commonplace, together with keyless entry, an digital parking brake, distant engine begin and cruise management mounted on the multifunction steering wheel.
Safety has not been ignored both. Built on the model’s Mega Chassis platform, the construction makes use of 58.9% high-strength metal, serving to the Emzoom obtain a five-star ASEAN NCAP security ranking. Rear parking sensors and hill-start maintain management are included as commonplace.
Ownership prices have additionally been thought-about. Buyers obtain a two-year or 30,000km service plan, whereas first homeowners are lined by a lifetime engine guarantee from the distributor.
Still, probably the most uncommon a part of the launch has nothing to do with turbochargers, touchscreens or gas economic system figures. To have fun the arrival of the Nova, GAC South Africa registered an precise star within the evening sky named “GAC EMZOOM NOVA” by Star Registration.
Yes, an precise celestial object.
For astronomy fans with a telescope and sufficient endurance to stare into the darkness, the star carries a magnitude of 6.42 and a B3V spectral sort. It could be situated at coordinates RA/DEC: 10h 13m 21.2s -61° 39′ 31.8″ underneath registry quantity 1124-15464-2693664.
It will not be each day {that a} automotive launch comes with a star map.
*Pricing for the GAC Emzoom Nova begins at R359,900.
* Sheryl Goldstuck is common supervisor of World Wide Worx and editor of GadgetWheels. Follow her on Bluesky on @crazycatbuzz.bsky.social.