The Emgrand EC7 was the bestselling Chinese vehicle throughout the course of 2013 and 2014 with monthly sales regularly exceeding 20,000 units. To continue on this journey, Geely has revised the EC7 considerably with the introduction of the New Emgrand nameplate which will be used from the 2015 model year onwards.
The New Emgrand has been radically improved for the 2015 model year with an entirely new interior and exterior upgrades, and a new 1.3 turbo assisted engine. The new 1.3T engine maybe small, but it packs a punch; the engine produces 98kW of power and 185Nm of torque which can propel the compact family sedan to a top speed of 195km/h. A 1.5L naturally aspirated engine will be offered alongside the 1.3T with both models coming with the option of a six speed manual or a six speed CVT gearbox.
The 1.3T is among the most fuel efficient in its class, with the Chinese government providing a comprehensive urban and highway fuel economy of 5.7L per 100km or the six speed manual and 5.9L per 100km for the 1.3T and CVT transmission option.
Safety has always been paramount for Geely, the vehicle has been awarded a 5 star safety award by the Chinese NCAP crash test authority, and a 4 star award from the Euro NCAP crash test authority, the first Chinese vehicle to achieve a Euro NCAP crash test. The New Emgrand has engineered safety into every detail; high tensile steel is used in the cars construction, which allows any impact to be migrated into the cars body and away from occupants. The New Emgrand is also equipped with six airbags that offer all around protection, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Hold Control (HHC), Bosch 9.0 ABS and EBD systems, Tire Pressure Management System (TPMS), and also a reversing camera that is paired with four reversing sensors that gives drivers the ability to see where they normally wouldn't.
The New Emgrand makes use of Geely's self-developed G-Netlink Intelligent System. G-Netlink is an Android based system that was developed by Geely to allow passengers to watch movies, play music, provide navigation systems, discover places of interest, place phone calls, monitor their vehicle, or turn the car into a WiFi hotspot via the on-board 3G internet connection. A plethora of apps are available for the G-Netlink system which will allow users to customize the G-Netlink system according to their own personal tastes. Passengers will be able to add media to the G-Netlink system via HDMI, Bluetooth or USB interfaces.
The New Emgrand was designed with comfort in mind; the car features a cabin which was developed with Noise Vibration and Handling (NVH) technology at the forefront of the design process to bring the quietest possible cabin in noisy urban environments. The driver and passenger seats feature six way electric adjustment to provide occupants with maximum comfort. Interior space has been maximized with 23 storage areas and total storage space that reaches 680 litres, with the rear seats folded flat this space expands to 1400 litres.
The New Emgrand's exterior styling has been made more emotive, with the addition of LED daylight running lights and restyled headlights. The New Emgrand designers took inspiration from a bird's wing when redesigning the headlights and the New Emgrand's lower grill area
In the New Emgrand's interior, Geely designers looked to invoke northern European simplicity, the sedan variant uses an elegant light grey mix which brings a light, airy feeling to the vehicles interior. The hatchback is focused on sporty styling with black and red styling. Both vehicles have a center console derived around the letter T, as well as a sports orientated steering wheel which features media controls for ease of use.
Geely Auto is confident that the New Emgrand will continue to be the best selling Chinese sedan and hatchback over the course of 2015, thanks to its fashionable styling, power and economy. The New Emgrand will also be introduced into Geely's overseas markets over the course of the year.