Geely New Emgrand Review

In the local compact car market, consumer demands for space practicality, rich configurations, and fuel economy have become increasingly clear. The 2019 Geely New Emgrand 1.5L-CVT is targeting this segment. As the brand's main model in this category, it not only continues the previous advantage of spaciousness but also comes with upgrades in safety features and intelligent interaction. In this test drive, we aim to especially verify its daily driving balance to see if it can meet the "comprehensive" expectations of family users.

In terms of exterior design, the New Emgrand maintains a stable and elegant style, with streamlined yet understated overall lines. The front features a family-style shield-shaped grille adorned with chrome trim, which provides good recognition. The sharp design of the headlights on both sides, linked with the grille, adds to the visual width. The double waistline design on the side of the body is simple and tidy, extending from the front fender to the rear, making the 4632mm length appear more elongated. The minimum ground clearance of 152mm also ensures passability on bumpy roads. At the rear, the LED taillight group has a clear internal structure, which is striking when lit up, while the chrome trim below enhances the overall sense of refinement. The overall exterior is enduringly appealing and fits the aesthetic preferences of most family users.

Sitting inside, the layout of the interior is neat and practical. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials, offering a more refined feel compared to some other cars in the same price range. An 8-inch touchscreen is centrally positioned, with a simple interface layout and smooth operation; it supports basic features like Bluetooth connectivity. Physical buttons are retained below for convenient blind operation of the air conditioning and volume adjustments while driving. In terms of configurations, the new model comes standard with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a reversing camera, making its safety features stand out. The front seats are wrapped in fabric material, providing moderate support and ensuring comfort even during long periods of sitting.

Space performance is one of the core strengths of the New Emgrand. Its 2650mm wheelbase is at the upper-middle level among compact models. After adjusting the front seat to a proper driving position, a passenger standing 175cm tall still has a fist's worth of headroom. The rear legroom is about two fists, with another fist of headroom, ensuring sufficient space even with three adults seated. The center floor protrusion is not high, minimizing discomfort for the middle passenger. In terms of storage, the door panel compartments, the storage slot below the dashboard, and the central armrest box are all practical for holding daily carry-on items. The trunk offers a capacity of 680L, with a wide opening that can easily accommodate two 28-inch suitcases and other miscellaneous items, which fully meets the demands of family outings or shopping trips.

For dynamic driving, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 108PS and a maximum torque output at 4400rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. The power response during acceleration is smooth, without noticeable jerking, making it well-suited to urban road conditions at low speeds. During acceleration, the engine’s power delivery becomes more active after 3000rpm. When overtaking, you need to press the accelerator harder, and the transmission will simulate gear shifts. Overall, the power performance is sufficient for daily commuting, although lacking in burst power for highway overtakes. Regarding driving modes, although multiple modes are not available, the smoothness of the CVT is a definite advantage, catering well to the driving habits of family users.

The chassis adopts front MacPherson independent suspension, with a tuning focus on comfort. When passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most of the fine vibrations, and passengers inside the car won't feel significant jolts. During cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, without a sense of instability, and the stability is quite good. The steering wheel is light in effort, with average steering precision, but it's very easy for daily driving. The braking system performs linearly, with a moderate braking distance, providing sufficient confidence.

In terms of fuel consumption, we drove 50km each in city traffic and suburban conditions, with a combined fuel consumption of about 6.5L/100km, which is not much different from the official claim of 6.1L/100km. Its fuel economy is satisfactory. With a 50L fuel tank, a full tank of gas can cover about 750km, and the range is sufficient for daily use. Regarding noise control, the interior is relatively quiet at speeds below 60km/h, but as the speed exceeds 80km/h, tire noise and wind noise gradually become noticeable. However, it is considered normal among models in the same price range.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Geely New Emgrand 1.5L-CVT lie in its spacious interior, rich safety features, and practical interior design. Compared to competitors in the same class, its wheelbase and trunk capacity stand out more, and the standard six airbags are also more generous than some models. However, its power output is slightly weak, and noise control at high speeds is average, which are its minor shortcomings.

In summary, the New Emgrand 1.5L-CVT is a well-balanced family sedan, suitable for users who value space practicality, safety features, and fuel economy. For example, it can meet the needs of a family of three for daily commuting or weekend getaways. If you are looking for a family car without significant shortcomings, it is a worthy choice in the same price range.