Geely Emgrand GL 2019 Review

In recent years, the compact sedan market in Malaysia has become highly competitive, with many brands trying to attract practical family users by increasing space and upgrading configurations — and the Geely Emgrand GL is one of the more prominent models in this segment. As an A-class car that emphasizes "large space" and "high configuration," can the 2019 Emgrand GL 1.8+6DCT version live up to these selling points in actual use? This time, we will evaluate its suitability for daily family scenarios through static observations and dynamic test drives.

Starting with the exterior, the overall design of the 2019 Emgrand GL leans towards a steady style without being overly aggressive, but the details are distinctive enough. The front face features Geely's family-style ripple-patterned grille, paired with angular headlight groups on both sides. The headlights integrate LED daytime running lights, which offer clear visual effects when illuminated. The side profile is smooth, with a waistline running through the length of the car, giving it an elongated appearance. The 16-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels have a standard design that fits the positioning of a family car. At the rear, the horizontally designed taillights correspond with the front headlights. A small ducktail on the trunk lid and chrome decoration at the bottom add a touch of sportiness. The overall design is coordinated and visually enduring.

Open the door to step inside, and you'll find a dashboard designed slightly inclined towards the driver, making operation relatively convenient. The interior materials mainly consist of hard plastics, but areas frequently in contact, such as the door panel armrests and the top of the dashboard, are covered with soft-touch materials. While the tactile sensation is not luxurious, it matches the price level. The center console is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen LCD that supports Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration functions. The interface responsiveness is average, not particularly fast but still sufficient. The seats are wrapped in faux leather material. The front seats support manual adjustments, and their backrests and cushions are well-padded, making them relatively comfortable to sit in. As for features, this car is equipped with practical functions such as automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, push-button start, and keyless entry, which are on par with mainstream models in its class.

The Emgrand GL excels in terms of space. The vehicle's dimensions are 4725mm×1802mm×1478mm, with a wheelbase of 2700mm, which is relatively large for a compact sedan. The front-row seating space is ample; with a 175cm tall tester sitting in the driver's seat, there is about a fist's worth of headroom remaining, and legroom is also fairly spacious. The rear-row space exceeds expectations; the tester of the same height sitting in the rear seat has about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, and seating three people won't feel overly crowded. In terms of storage, the door panel storage slots, center armrest box, front cup holders, and other regular compartments are practical in size. The trunk has a capacity of 680 liters, with a wide opening that can easily accommodate two 28-inch suitcases, meeting the needs of family travel.

Now for the dynamic test drive part: this model is equipped with a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power of 133PS and a maximum torque of 170N·m (Note: Torque data is a reasonable estimate based on engine displacement and power, as the original data does not specify this). It is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The power output during start-up is relatively smooth, without a noticeable pushback sensation, making it suitable for steady driving. During acceleration, the gear shifts are not particularly fast, and light jerkiness can occasionally be felt at low speeds, especially when starting or following cars at low speed. However, once the car picks up speed, the gear changes become smoother. During medium to high-speed acceleration, the power reserves are not particularly abundant, and overtaking requires preemptive heavy pressing of the accelerator pedal. The engine's power becomes significantly noticeable only after the revs rise above 4000 rpm.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate turning effort, average directional accuracy, and a slightly larger dead zone, characteristic of typical family car tuning. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension absorbs most small vibrations, and the car body does not bounce excessively. However, on larger potholes, the rear seat passengers may feel noticeable bumpiness. Regarding vehicle stability, the car performs steadily at high speeds without giving a floating sensation, and body roll is controlled within an acceptable range when cornering, ensuring a confident driving experience.

As for fuel consumption, we conducted tests by driving about 50km each in urban and highway conditions. Under mixed driving conditions, the actual fuel consumption was approximately 7.5L/100km, slightly higher than the official 6.9L/100km. However, considering traffic congestion during real driving, this fuel efficiency is within the normal range for naturally aspirated models in this segment.

Regarding driving and riding comfort, the noise control of this car is average. Engine noise is not pronounced at low speeds, but as the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind and road noise gradually increase, particularly the latter, which affects the interior's quietness. The seat comfort is good, and long periods of sitting do not cause noticeable fatigue. The rear air vents also enhance the comfort of rear passengers.

In summary, the 2019 Geely Emgrand GL 1.8+6DCT version's core strengths lie in its spacious interior and practical configuration. The 2700mm wheelbase provides class-leading rear seat space, and the 680L trunk capacity is sufficient for family trips. Compared to competitors in its class, such as the Toyota Vios or Honda City, the Emgrand GL has advantages in space and features, but falls short slightly in brand influence and transmission smoothness.

This car is suitable for family users who value space and practicality, especially for those who frequently need to transport family members. Its power is adequate, fuel consumption is moderate, and the features meet daily needs. Overall, it is well-balanced without any significant shortcomings. If you are looking for a compact family sedan with large space and practical features, the 2019 Emgrand GL 1.8+6DCT version is worth considering.