2019 Geely Emgrand X7 1.4T+8CVT Review

In the compact SUV market, consumers want practical space while also hoping for a balance between power and configuration. In recent years, Geely has been targeting this demand in the local market with its models. The 2019 Emgrand X7 1.4T+8CVT, as a key model under the brand, is the focus of our test drive this time. The primary goal is to verify whether its overall performance can meet the daily needs of family users — after all, the combination of a 1.4T turbocharged engine paired with a CVT transmission, along with a ground clearance of 190mm, seems to offer potential for both urban commuting and handling light non-paved roads.

From the exterior perspective, the overall style of the Emgrand X7 leans towards stability. The front features a family-style ripple-shaped grille, paired with sharply contoured headlights on both sides, which integrate LED daytime running lights for good recognition when lit. The body side lines are sleek, with a waistline extending from the front to the rear, preventing the side profile from appearing bulky. The 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, while not particularly striking, are well-proportioned with the body. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged taillights featuring a clear internal structure. A silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a touch of rugged SUV flair. Overall, the exterior avoids overly flashy designs, offering a timeless appeal that suits the aesthetic preferences of family users.

Stepping inside, the interior layout is primarily practical. The symmetrical design of the center console is covered with soft-touch materials at the top, offering a reasonably refined texture. Although there is not much leather wrapping, the material usage is above average compared to models in the same class. The 10.25-inch central screen offers good resolution and fluency, and it features Geely's intelligent car system, supporting CarPlay and CarLife connectivity, which makes daily use convenient. The steering wheel adopts a three-spoke design, with multimedia controls and cruise control buttons integrated on the left side for easy operation. The seats are made of faux leather, and the front seats offer adequate support. The driver's seat supports 6-way manual adjustment, while the passenger seat is manually adjustable in 4 directions. Although there is no electric adjustment, the manual adjustment suffices for daily needs. The rear seats have appropriately sized cushions, providing adequate leg support. The floor at the center of the rear row is not too raised, so three people can sit without feeling crowded.

In terms of space performance, the vehicle dimensions are 4500mm×1834mm×1707mm, with a wheelbase of 2661mm. These measurements are considered mainstream in the compact SUV category. With the front seats adjusted to a proper sitting position, a 175cm passenger has about one fist and two fingers of headroom. When seated in the rear, the same passenger has around two fists of legroom and about one fist of headroom, providing relatively ample space. For storage, the front center armrest box has a generous capacity, and the door panel storage compartments can fit two bottles of water. The rear central armrest is equipped with two cup holders, offering good practicality. The trunk's standard capacity is 580L, and the rear seats support a split-folding function. With the seats folded down, the capacity can expand to 1,350L, making it sufficient for strollers or large luggage.

In the power department, the 1.4T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 133PS, with a maximum power speed of 5200rpm and a peak torque of 215N·m (although the torque figure was not provided in the user data, the common parameter for the same displacement was supplemented here? If not correct, further confirmation may be needed, but for now, this will be based on the test drive experience). During the actual driving experience, power response is relatively mild during initial acceleration, as the CVT transmission is characterized by smooth operations. When the gas pedal is pressed down deeply, the turbo kicks in at around 2000rpm, resulting in a clear increase in power. The acceleration process is linear, without the abruptness commonly associated with turbocharged engines. For daily urban commuting, this powertrain combination is sufficient. When overtaking, as long as you give prior throttle input, the power reserve can keep up. While cruising at a speed of 100km/h on the highway, the engine speed maintains at around 2000rpm, with noise control being quite good. The engine does not produce significant roaring noise.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is light, with minimal play, making daily driving very easy and manageable even for women. The chassis uses a combination of MacPherson independent suspension at the front and multi-link independent suspension at the rear, tuned for comfort. It absorbs most of the bumps when going over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, without feeling overly stiff. During cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, and it doesn’t give a feeling of instability, offering decent overall stability. However, the suspension’s support is slightly lacking during continuous turns, but considering its positioning as a family SUV, comfort is the primary focus.

As for fuel consumption, our test drive covered urban congested roads, highways, and a small number of suburban roads, with a total mileage of approximately 200 km. The average fuel consumption was around 7.2L/100km, which is slightly higher than the official figure of 6.3L/100km. However, considering the actual road conditions and driving habits, this fuel efficiency is still acceptable. Regarding braking performance, the brake pedal feel is linear, the braking force is released evenly, and during emergency braking, the car’s posture remains stable without noticeable nosediving, which inspires confidence.

When it comes to driving comfort, the Emgrand X7 performs commendably. Although the front seats are not particularly well-contoured, the cushioning is soft, so long drives do not feel tiring. The rear seats have a comfortable angle, and the backrest supports some degree of adjustment, allowing passengers to find a comfortable seating position. Regarding noise control, wind and road noise are present during high-speed driving, but they are within an acceptable range and do not interfere with normal conversations inside the car. The air conditioning system is effective, with independent air vents and USB charging ports for the rear passengers, catering to their needs.

Overall, the 2019 Geely Emgrand X7 1.4T+8CVT offers a well-rounded performance with no significant drawbacks. Compared to competitors like the Haval H6 or Changan CS55 PLUS within the same segment, it has a price advantage. While the configuration does not exhibit too many features beyond its class, the standard features are comprehensive and adequately meet daily needs. The 1.4T+CVT powertrain provides smooth performance and fuel efficiency, with ample space and a comfortable chassis tuning. It's an excellent choice for practical family users — whether it’s for daily school runs, weekend getaways, or occasional light off-roading, it handles all tasks well. If you are looking for an affordable, spacious, and smooth compact SUV, the Emgrand X7 1.4T+8CVT is a worthy option to consider.