Geely Emgrand X7 Review

Nowadays, there are many choices in the A-Segment SUV market. Many family users want the off-road capability of an SUV while also hoping to balance daily commuting with economy and practicality. The 2019 Geely Emgrand X7 1.8L+5MT, as the entry-level manual transmission version of the series, focuses on high cost-effectiveness and balanced configurations. This time, we will test whether it can meet the needs of budget-conscious but well-rounded users.

Approaching the vehicle, the overall design leans towards a stable, family-oriented style without excessive flashy elements. The front face features the family-style vertical waterfall grille, paired with chrome trim and angular headlight clusters on both sides, giving it decent recognition. The side profile of the body has straight lines, with a waistline extending from the front to the rear that is not too pronounced, retaining the rugged feel of an SUV. The 17-inch multi-spoke wheels have a simple design, matching its family-oriented positioning. At the rear, the tail lights are horizontally arranged, and the light strips are clear when lit. The silver skid plate at the bottom of the rear bumper adds a hint of off-road vibe. Overall, the design is cohesive, meeting the aesthetic of most family users.

Opening the door, the interior features a predominantly dark color scheme with a tidy layout for the dashboard. In terms of materials, hard plastic is used on the door panels and the top of the dashboard, but the middle sections are covered with soft-touch materials featuring faux leather textures, giving it a decent tactile feel. The center console is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen that supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic navigation functions. The operational smoothness is average—it’s not particularly fast, but sufficient for everyday use. Physical buttons remain for the air conditioning controls, with knobs and buttons offering moderate resistance and allowing for easy blind operation. The seats are made of fabric, with soft padding. The front-row seats support manual adjustment for height and backrest angle. They provide average support but are comfortable to sit on.

The vehicle dimensions are 4500mm×1834mm×1707mm, with a wheelbase of 2661mm, which is mid-range in the A-Segment SUV category. The front-row seating space is ample; for passengers standing at 175cm, there is a fist and two fingers' clearance above the head after adjusting the seat. Rear legroom is about two fists, and headroom is one fist. The mildly raised floor in the middle does not significantly affect prolonged sitting for the middle seat passenger. In terms of storage space, the front door panels can fit two bottles of water, while there is a compartment under the dashboard suitable for holding a phone. The central armrest box offers moderate depth. The trunk has a regular capacity of around 400L, which can be expanded to 1100L by folding down the rear seats, enough to accommodate a baby stroller or a large suitcase, meeting the needs of family outings. The rear seats are equipped with independent air conditioning vents and a USB charging port, showing thoughtful design in the details.

As for the powertrain, the 1.8L naturally aspirated engine has a maximum power output of 131PS and a maximum torque output available at 4400rpm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The clutch biting point is clear when starting, making it easy for beginners to handle. Sufficient starting power is available at around 1500rpm, avoiding a sluggish feeling. During acceleration, the power output is smooth at low revs, with a slight surge at around 3000rpm. Overtaking requires downshifting and increasing the revs. When the revs exceed 5000rpm, the engine noise becomes noticeably louder, but the power response remains linear. The manual gearbox features clear gear positions, with moderate shifting travel. Although the shifting feel is not particularly crisp, the process is smooth and free of jams, making daily gear changes convenient.

The handling performance is decent, with a relatively light steering wheel, making it suitable for urban driving. At high speeds, the steering slightly stiffens, with average precision and minimal play. The chassis uses a front MacPherson strut + rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It filters out most small vibrations when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, and body roll is not noticeable. During cornering, the body tilt is kept within a reasonable range without significant wobbling, offering good overall stability. With a minimum ground clearance of 190mm, it can easily handle urban curbs or mildly rough roads, offering better passability than a sedan.

In terms of fuel consumption, we drove 100km each on congested city roads and highways, achieving an average fuel consumption of approximately 8.5L/100km, slightly higher than the official 8.2L. Considering the impact of manual transmission driving habits, this result is within normal range for naturally aspirated SUVs in the same class. Braking performance is stable, with the brake pedal offering moderate travel. The initial braking force is gentle, with more significant braking power kicking in mid-way. During emergency braking, the car maintains a stable posture without significant nose-diving.

For daily driving, the noise control inside the cabin is average. Tire noise and wind noise are not noticeable below 60km/h, but wind noise enters from the A-pillars at speeds above 80km/h. Engine noise also impacts in-cabin conversation once the RPM exceeds 3000, but the overall noise level remains acceptable. The fabric material of the seats offers good breathability, making long hours of sitting non-stuffy. The reclining angle of the rear seats is suitable, making long-distance trips less tiring.

Overall, the key advantages of the 2019 Geely Emgrand X7 1.8L+5MT are its balanced space utilization, practical features, and budget-friendly positioning. Compared to the manual version of the Proton X50 in the same class, it has a longer wheelbase and offers more spacious rear seating. Although the X50 has stronger power, the Emgrand X7’s suspension is more comfortable, making it more suitable for family use. If you are a budget-conscious family user who values space, practicality, and the driving fun of a manual transmission, this car can fully meet the needs of daily commuting and weekend trips.

In conclusion, the 2019 Geely Emgrand X7 1.8L+5MT is a well-rounded family SUV with no significant shortcomings. Its cost-effectiveness makes it an ideal choice for pragmatic users.