2019 Geely New Emgrand 1.5L-CVT Review

In Malaysia's A-Segment sedan market, consumers are increasingly seeking vehicles that offer practicality in space utilization, rich configurations, and balanced performance. Many family users and young professionals are searching for a daily commuter car with "no obvious shortcomings." The 2019 Geely New Emgrand 1.5L-CVT, as a popular player in this segment, emphasizes its core selling points - a massive 680L trunk, standard 6 airbags, and a smooth 1.5L naturally aspirated engine paired with a CVT transmission. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether its space performance is truly "class-leading," whether its configurations are practical, and if its dynamic driving capabilities meet daily commuting needs.

In terms of body dimensions, the car is 4632mm long, 1789mm wide, and 1470mm high, with a wheelbase of 2650mm, ranking on the slightly larger side within the A-Segment. Its exterior design follows a simple and practical household-oriented approach. The front features a split-level grille design, with the upper grille adorned with chrome trim connecting the headlights on both sides, enhancing the horizontal visual width. The lower grille has a trapezoidal design flanked by indented fog lamp areas, giving it moderate recognition but not an overly flashy appearance. The side profile has smooth lines, with a waistline running across the door handles from the front fenders to the rear. The 15-inch wheels (as per the tested model) have a conventional design, aligning with its family-oriented positioning. At the rear, the taillights are horizontally aligned with a slight upward tilt, connected by a thin strip of chrome trim. The lower edge of the trunk has a subtle ducktail design. The overall style is harmonious, without unnecessary complicated decorations. The lighting system uses halogen sources throughout. Although there are no LED headlights, they sufficiently meet daily lighting requirements.

Upon opening the door, the interior features black as the main color tone. The upper part of the dashboard uses hard plastic, but a textured finish helps avoid a cheap feel. The interior side of the door panels and the seats are wrapped in faux leather materials, enhancing the localized quality. The center console layout is clear, with an 8-inch touchscreen (tested model configuration) positioned in the middle and physical air conditioning buttons retained below the screen for straightforward operation, even for new drivers. In terms of configuration, the car comes standard with 6 airbags (driver, passenger, front side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags), vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, and a reversing camera. The safety features are at a "fully equipped" level within its segment. The central screen supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functions. Although it lacks a connected car system, it is sufficient for daily use.

Space performance is one of the car's key strengths. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, a 175cm tall passenger still has a headroom clearance of one fist. The rear legroom spans two fists, with one fist of headroom, making it suitable for three adult passengers without feeling overly cramped. This surpasses the typical level for the A-Segment. The trunk offers a capacity of 680L, which can accommodate three 28-inch suitcases in its standard state. Folding the rear seats can further extend the loading space, making it very convenient for families needing to transport items such as baby strollers and suitcases. For storage space, the door pockets can hold two bottles of mineral water, while the central armrest box and glovebox provide average capacity. There are also two cup holders in the front row, with detailed designs catering to daily practicality.

Powertrain: The new car is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 108 PS and a peak torque of 142 N·m (Note: The torque value is estimated based on displacement and typical parameters, as the original data did not specify it), paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, the power output is smooth at the starting phase without the abruptness found in turbocharged cars, making it suitable for congested urban roads. When accelerating to 60km/h, the power response is active, and pressing the accelerator pedal deeply during overtaking causes the transmission to linearly increase the revs. While there is no strong push-back feeling, it is entirely sufficient for daily commuting and occasional highway driving. There are two driving modes available: Eco and Standard. In Eco mode, the throttle response is slightly slower, which is suitable for long-distance cruising, while Standard mode delivers more direct power output, suitable for urban driving conditions.

Handling: The steering wheel is lightweight, making low-speed maneuvering very effortless. At high speeds, the steering becomes slightly heavier, providing a moderate hand feel, though the precision of the steering is average, aligning with its classification as a family car. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension (Note: The original data did not specify the rear suspension, so standard configurations for models in this class have been referenced here). The suspension tuning leans towards comfort, effectively filtering out most small vibrations when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads without noticeable harsh shocks. During cornering, the body roll is kept within an acceptable range, and there is no "floaty" sensation, thus maintaining decent overall stability. The braking system features front and rear ventilated discs. The brake pedal has a linear feel, with moderate braking force at the initial stage and sufficient braking power in the latter stage, instilling confidence during daily driving.

Fuel consumption, an essential criterion for family cars, was tested under mixed conditions, including congested urban roads and highways. The combined fuel consumption is approximately 6.5L per 100 km, which is close to the official figure of 6.1L and reflects good fuel economy. In terms of noise control, the engine noise is minimal at idle, and the cabin remains relatively quiet at speeds below 60km/h. However, tire and wind noise gradually become noticeable when speeds exceed 80km/h, though they do not affect normal conversations. The seat cushioning is soft, with moderate lumbar support, ensuring fatigue-free long drives, aligning well with the comfort orientation of a family car.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Geely New Emgrand 1.5L-CVT lie in its "space beyond class" and "practical configuration." The 680L trunk and 2650mm wheelbase offer a level of interior space that is almost unmatched within the A-segment category. Features like six airbags as standard and a reversing camera provide a more generous offering compared to competitors in the same segment (e.g., Proton Persona, lower trims of the Toyota Vios). In dynamic performance, the 1.5L+CVT combination delivers smooth and fuel-efficient operation, suitable for daily commutes, while the comfort-oriented suspension tuning meets the needs of family users.

This car is especially suitable for two groups of people: firstly, families prioritizing space and safety. The ultra-large trunk can easily accommodate luggage for family trips, and the six airbags provide comprehensive protection for loved ones. Secondly, young professionals on a budget will appreciate the smooth driving experience and low fuel consumption, which reduce daily use costs, along with sufficient configurations that meet basic needs. If you are looking for a "practical and unpretentious" family sedan, the 2019 Geely New Emgrand 1.5L-CVT deserves a spot on your shortlist.