The compact SUV market in South Africa has gained a new contender with the arrival of the GAC Emzoom Nova. It joins the existing Emzoom Executive and Emzoom R‑Style models, broadening the range offered by Salvador Caetano South Africa, the official distributor of GAC Motor.
What is it?
The Emzoom Nova is positioned as a compact crossover SUV aimed at buyers seeking affordability combined with modern styling and technology. It enters a competitive segment with a starting price of R359 900. Built on the GAC Mega Chassis, the manufacturer claims it offers a balance of performance, efficiency and safety, while targeting drivers who want a versatile vehicle for both urban and longer‑distance use.
Interior:
The cabin is designed to provide space and connectivity. Seating is a combination of synthetic leather and fabric, with emphasis on comfort and support. A 10.25‑inch HD touchscreen display anchors the dashboard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard equipment includes keyless entry, remote start, cruise control and an electronic parking brake. The interior also provides generous legroom and a versatile cargo area.
Exterior:
The Emzoom Nova adopts GAC’s “Star Diamond Shadow” design language. It features a redesigned front grille, sharp geometric lines and LED daytime running lights. Hidden door handles that integrate into the bodywork and newly designed 17‑inch alloy wheels add to its modern appearance. Buyers can choose from colours such as Fast Red, Graphene Grey, Moonlight Grey, Star Silver, Solid White and Galaxy Lilac.
Equipment and specifications:
Safety is supported by a 5‑Star ASEAN NCAP rating. The body structure uses 58.9 percent high‑strength steel, and standard systems include rear parking sensors and hill‑start hold control. The Emzoom Nova is equipped with three selectable driving modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport, allowing drivers to adjust performance to conditions.
Engine:
The vehicle is powered by a 1.5‑litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 130kW and 270Nm. The engine is paired with a German‑engineered 7‑speed wet dual‑clutch transmission, noted for efficiency and rapid gear changes.
Price and warranty:
The Emzoom Nova is priced at R359 900. It comes with a lifetime engine warranty for the first owner and a 2‑year or 30 000km service plan.
With a solid foundation in the parts division of a dealership, and having worked his way up through the ranks across several departments, Hyde Park Toyota's new Dealer Principal says he is ready for the challenge ahead.
Mitsubishi Motors has revived the Pajero name with the launch of the fifth generation Pajero Cross Country. The new model does not simply replace the previous Pajero that disappeared from the market in 2021. Its relationship with the Pajero Sport is equally important, particularly for markets such as South Africa.
Range Rover, long regarded as the original luxury SUV, has introduced its first electric model. The vehicle is built at the Solihull plant in the UK, where Range Rover production has taken place since 1970.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Mitsubishi Motors has revived the Pajero name with the launch of the fifth generation Pajero Cross Country. The new model does not simply replace the previous Pajero that disappeared from the market in 2021. Its relationship with the Pajero Sport is equally important, particularly for markets such as South Africa.
Audi South Africa has introduced the new Q5 range, comprising the third-generation Q5 SUV, second-generation Q5 Sportback, and the performance-focused SQ5 SUV and SQ5 Sportback. The range is built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion and brings a new generation of petrol and diesel engines to the nameplate.
Geely Auto South Africa (GASA) has introduced Riddara, Geely Auto Group's new energy bakkie brand, to the South African market.
