2019 Geely Emgrand X7 Sport 1.8TD+6AT(4WD) Review

In the compact SUV market in Malaysia, family users have an increasing demand for a balance of space, power, and configuration. The 2019 Geely Vision X7 Sport 1.8TD+6AT AWD version is specifically targeting this segment. The core selling points of this car are clear: a 184-horsepower turbocharged engine paired with an AWD system, while maintaining practical design features required for a family SUV. Many consumers are curious whether it can stand out from its competitors with its "balance." The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether its performance, space practicality, and AWD capabilities can truly meet the daily needs of family users.

In terms of exterior design, the overall style of the 2019 Vision X7 Sport leans towards a stable appearance, but with sporty elements in its details. The front adopts the family-style shield-shaped grille, with a black honeycomb design inside, complemented by sharp LED headlights on both sides, featuring good recognition. The side profile showcases straight lines, with 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels adding a dynamic appearance. Light black plastic cladding around the wheel arches adds a touch of ruggedness typical of SUVs. At the rear, the LED taillights feature a horizontal layout connected by a chrome strip, while the dual exhaust pipes and silver skid plate below enhance the sporty characteristics. The overall design avoids overly flashy elements, aligning well with the positioning of a family SUV.

Inside the car, the interior layout prioritizes practicality, with a symmetrical design for the center console. The upper part is covered with soft-touch plastic material, which feels quite refined. The center display is a 10.25-inch touchscreen that supports CarPlay and CarLife connectivity, with a decent level of smooth operation, although the interface design is relatively simple. The instrument panel combines traditional mechanical pointers with a 7-inch LCD display, showing information like speed, fuel consumption, and AWD status in an intuitive manner. Features include keyless entry, push-button start, automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, and electrically adjustable driver seat, all of which are quite practical for daily use. Notably, the rear floor has a flat design, ensuring that the foot space for the middle passenger won't be compromised.

In terms of space, the dimensions of this car are 4519mm in length, 1831mm in width, and 1694mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2670mm, placing it in the mid-range among compact SUVs. When the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position, a passenger with a height of 175cm has a headroom of approximately one fist and two fingers. The rear space is equally generous, with two fists of legroom and about one fist of headroom. The trunk has a standard capacity of 320L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. This provides enough space to fit several suitcases or a stroller. As for storage spaces, the door pockets can hold two bottles of water, and the center armrest box and glove compartment offer ample room for everyday use. Additionally, there are two USB ports and a 12V power outlet in the front, as well as two USB ports in the rear, meeting charging needs.

In terms of performance, this car is equipped with a 1.8T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 184PS and a maximum torque of 285N·m, paired with a 6AT transmission. During daily driving, the car accelerates smoothly, and the turbo engages without much abruptness at low RPMs, providing a smooth acceleration experience. Switching to sport mode makes the throttle response more sensitive, with the transmission downshifting swiftly during overtaking, allowing for direct power output. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 10.8 seconds, which is sufficient for a family SUV. The AWD system is an on-demand AWD, which primarily engages in wet or mildly off-road conditions, otherwise defaulting to a front-wheel-drive mode for more economical fuel consumption.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the steering wheel provides a moderate level of resistance, with minimal play and decent directional accuracy during daily driving. The chassis features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, without feeling overly stiff. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled and not overly excessive, providing good overall stability. However, during high-speed cornering, due to the vehicle's weight of 1745kg and its relatively high center of gravity, some body roll can still be felt. After all, this is a family SUV, so handling is not its strong suit.

As for fuel consumption, this test drive mainly consisted of urban roads with a small amount of highway driving. The average speed was approximately 30km/h, with a displayed fuel consumption of 9.5L/100km, which is somewhat higher than the official figure of 8.2L/100km. However, considering this is the four-wheel drive version and the urban driving conditions were quite congested, this fuel consumption is still acceptable. In terms of noise control, the cabin remains relatively quiet below 60km/h, with minimal tire and wind noise. When the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind noise gradually increases but does not affect normal conversations. The seats offer good support, with soft padding, making it comfortable for long periods of sitting.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2019 Geely Vision X7 Sport 1.8TD+6AT AWD version lies in its balance: the power is sufficient for family use, the space is spacious and practical, and the configuration meets daily needs. Additionally, the four-wheel drive system can handle some challenging road conditions. Compared to competitors like the Haval H6 and Changan CS75 PLUS in the same class, it offers a more affordable price without compromising on configuration, making it highly cost-effective. This car is suitable for families who prioritize space and practicality and occasionally need to drive on unpaved roads, such as for weekend family outings or daily commuting to work and picking up children. If you’re looking for a balanced and reliable family SUV, this car is worth considering.