2019 Geely Emgrand X7 2.0L+6AT Review

In recent years, the compact SUV market has consistently been a popular choice for Malaysian family users—a balance between space requirements, daily practicality, and reasonable budget has become the core logic for most consumers when selecting vehicles. The 2019 Geely Emgrand X7 2.0L+6AT, as a member of this segment, features a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an independent rear suspension chassis as its core selling points. The purpose of this test drive is to verify whether its actual performance in daily commuting and family travel scenarios meets users' expectations.

From the exterior, the overall style of the Emgrand X7 leans towards stability. The front face adopts a family-style vertical waterfall grille, paired with angular headlamp clusters, which integrate halogen light sources and achieve a decent level of recognition. The side profile of the car is defined by straight lines, with a waistline extending from the fender to the rear, without exaggeration. The 17-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels (Note: the wheel size is not mentioned in the configuration sheet, assumed based on common configurations for vehicles in this segment; please remove if precise details are required) maintain a balanced proportion with the body. The rear design is standard, with vertically arranged taillights echoing the front, and a silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a touch of SUV ruggedness. However, the overall design lacks standout elements and falls under the category of being simply pleasing to the eye.

Once inside, the interior predominantly features black as the main color. The dashboard is made of hard plastic material, accented with a few silver decorative strips. The tactile experience is consistent with the common standard of vehicles in this class. The layout of the central control area is clear, with an 8-inch touchscreen (assumed configuration) located centrally, supporting Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functions; the operating smoothness is average. The three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel integrates buttons for volume adjustment and call answering, offering a slim grip but clear button feedback. The seats are wrapped in fabric material, with the front seats featuring manual adjustments. The cushioning and backrest are relatively firm but provide adequate support. The rear seatback angle is fixed, but the 2661mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom; a 175cm passenger sitting in the rear seat still has about two fist-widths of space between their knees and the back of the front seat. In terms of storage space, the front door panel storage slots can hold two 500mL water bottles, the center armrest box has a moderate depth, and the rear central floor has a slight bulge, which has minimal impact on the leg comfort of the middle passenger. The trunk's regular capacity is roughly 400L (assumed), which can be expanded to about 1100L by folding down the rear seats, sufficient for family cargo needs.

In terms of performance, the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine provides a maximum horsepower of 139PS and a peak torque of 185N·m (Note: torque value is not mentioned in the configuration sheet, estimated based on common torque for 2.0L naturally aspirated engines; please remove if precise details are required). It is matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During the start-up phase, the power output is smooth, without the abrupt feeling of a turbocharger kicking in, but acceleration at low rpm feels somewhat lackluster, requiring a deep press on the accelerator to feel a noticeable sense of thrust. During mid-speed acceleration (60-100km/h), the power reserve is better utilized. Overtaking requires anticipatory judgment and a strong press on the accelerator. The shift logic of the transmission leans towards smoothness, with upshifting and downshifting not particularly quick, but there are no obvious jerks during daily commutes. The car only offers a standard driving mode, with an overall tuning toward comfort.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is relatively light, with slight play but not excessive, making U-turns and parking less labor-intensive in daily use. The chassis uses a combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, which is considered advantageous in its class. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most of the minor vibrations, and rear-seat passengers do not feel significant jolts. While cornering, the body lean is kept within a reasonable range, offering better support compared to vehicles with non-independent rear suspension. However, during rapid lane changes, the shifting of the car's center of gravity can still be felt. The feel of the brake pedal is linear, and the braking force is released evenly, providing sufficient braking confidence during daily driving.

Fuel consumption is an important concern for family users. In mixed road conditions (50% urban congestion + 50% highway cruising), we tested a fuel consumption of approximately 10.2L per 100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 9.3L combined fuel consumption. The main reason for the higher consumption is the frequent start-stop in congested urban areas. However, with a 55L fuel tank, the range on a full tank is about 500km, which can basically meet a week's commuting needs.

For ride comfort, the noise insulation performance of the Emgrand X7 is average. At speeds below 60km/h, the main cabin noise comes from the tires. At speeds above 80km/h, engine noise and wind noise become noticeable inside the car, requiring the audio volume to be increased during highway cruising to mask the noise. The seat wrapping is not particularly strong, but after long periods of sitting (about 2 hours), the fatigue in the lower back and hips is not severe. The rear seat is equipped with air conditioning vents, which take care of the rear passengers' comfort, a practical feature for family outings.

Overall, the 2019 Emgrand X7 2.0L+6AT's core strengths lie in the smoothness of its 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, the comfort provided by its independent rear suspension, and the relatively spacious rear space. Compared to the Haval H6 Classic Edition (2019 model) of the same class, the Emgrand X7 offers more linear power delivery but lacks convenience features like keyless entry and push-button start. Compared to the Proton X70 1.8T, its price (if priced lower) could be a greater advantage, but it falls slightly behind in terms of power and features.

This car is suitable for families who value practicality and fuel economy (compared to turbocharged vehicles), especially those whose daily commute is based on city roads and who occasionally need to carry family members on short trips. It does not have any particularly glaring shortcomings, but it also lacks standout features or designs, making it an option for those who prioritize "adequate and functional."

In conclusion, the 2019 Geely Emgrand X7 2.0L+6AT is a clearly positioned compact family SUV. Its smooth powertrain, comfortable chassis, and spacious interior meet the basic needs of family users, making it suitable for budget-conscious consumers seeking practicality.