2026 GAC Emzoom: China's latest Hyundai Kona, MG ZS small SUV rival detailed

GAC is the next Chinese brand to tackle the Australian market, and it has released full specifications for one of its first local cars: the Nissan Qashqai-sized Emzoom.

Launching this month in a single ‘GL’ trim level, the Emzoom is set to go up against Australia’s vast small SUV cohort, including the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, and MG ZS, to name just a few.

Further, though GAC bills it as a “compact SUV”, the Emzoom measures in at just over 4.4 metres, which means it’s closest in size to larger small SUVs like the Qashqai. Unlike that and many other small SUVs though, it’s arriving without any kind of hybrid powertrain, and its petrol engine is only compliant with Euro 5 emissions standards.

That means it’s slipping in before tougher Euro 6d standards come into effect locally in December 2025, with new versions of all vehicles required to comply.

With a market launch slated for November 18, it’s clear GAC intends to ‘beat’ Euro 6d to the Australian market, avoiding the need to homologate the Emzoom under the tighter emissions regulations, at least for now. Come 2028, however, it will need to meet the tougher standards.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.

The five-seat Emzoom will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 125kW of power and 270Nm of torque.

It utilises a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission, claimed to be capable of “shift times as low as 0.2 seconds”.

Exterior design highlights include GAC’s large “Mecha Wing” grille (confusingly referred to as “Flying Wing” elsewhere), “Laser Eye” split LED headlights, and “Light Dart” tail-light signature. GAC says the car’s sharp lines “appear as if they could have been cut by diamonds themselves”.

Its interior is fitted with a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless smartphone mirroring, which serves as a control centre for functions like seat ventilation and climate control.

Additionally, there’s a 50W wireless charging pad and panoramic sunroof.

GAC also outlines that “key features such as climate control and oversized openable panoramic roof can be operated at the touch of the button”, which means the user can “refrain from fumbling behind the wheel while attempting
to make these adjustments”.

Fitted as standard are autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, parking assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Full pricing and warranty information for the Emzoom will be revealed at GAC’s local launch on November 18, which is also when the electric Aion V SUV and M8 PHEV people mover will be launched.

Drivetrains and Efficiency

Specifications	GAC Emzoom GL
Engine	1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol
Engine power	125kW
Engine torque	270Nm
Transmission	7-speed wet dual-clutch auto
Drive type	Front-wheel drive
Kerb weight	“1370-1415kg”
Fuel economy (claimed)	6.6L/100km
Fuel tank capacity	47L
Fuel requirement	TBC
CO2 emissions	TBC
Emissions standard	Euro 5