OF THE many available offerings in the multi-purpose vehicle category, the GAC M6 Pro challenges the mainstays–the Toyota Rush and Avanza, the Mitsubishi Xpander, Nissan Livina and the Suzuki Ertiga. But wait, the M6’s dimensions outclass these other MPVs and throws the gauntlet at the larger Toyota Innova.
In the short test-drive to the North I recently joined with GAC, the M6 proved to be a versatile, reliable, and sophisticated choice in this category.
I rode with two Pauls–Paulo Papa of Zigwheels and Paul Espino of Test Drive Ph–both are young enough to be my sons, but old enough to be opinionated and indiscreet when bunched into a 7-seater.
On the first leg of the trip I decided to take the 3rd row of the M6–not entirely comfortable but respectable legroom–and sleep all the way to the R33 Drift Speedway in San Simon, Pampanga. I didn’t wonder why we’d be taking the people carrier to a drifting course. After all, George Ramirez organized the event.
In the middle of the ride to Pampanga, after crossing the Skyway at pace and levelling off at the NLEX at speed, we were in some sort of a marathon. Testing the abilities of the G6, to be culminated in a tough and demanding series of braking, handling and acceleration tests.
Thus, in more ways than one, this drive reminded me of the exploits of British marathoner Paula Radcliffe.
I had watched a lengthy BBC story about her and several videos of her achievements as a runner, as a crusader against drug-use in sports, and as a devoted mother while I was rummaging online for topics on “asthma.” Radcliffe, whose career is marked by unparalleled athleticism, endurance, and the nurturing care she provides to her children, was plagued by asthma as a young girl, and she was able to overcome the ailment.
Paula Radcliffe’s athletic career is nothing short of remarkable, known for her incredible stamina, speed, and resilience. The GAC M6 Pro mirrors this athletic prowess with its own impressive performance capabilities. Equipped with an updated 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, the M6 Pro delivers 174 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque.
This powertrain, similar to the one found in other GAC models like the Empow and the Emkoo, ensures that the M6 Pro has the muscle to handle various driving conditions with ease. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the M6 Pro offers smooth acceleration and responsive handling, much like Radcliffe’s effortless strides on the marathon course.
Additionally, the M6 Pro’s 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission enhances driving performance by providing seamless gear shifts and improved fuel efficiency. This transmission is designed to balance power delivery with smoothness, akin to Radcliffe’s ability to balance speed with endurance during her races.
Radcliffe is not only known for her athletic achievements but also for her role as a loving mother. Her dedication to her children, Isla and Raphael, is evident in the way she balances her professional and personal life. She has often spoken about the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for her family, ensuring they feel loved and cared for.
The GAC M6 Pro embodies this nurturing spirit by providing a comfortable and spacious interior designed with families in mind. The MPV’s cabin is thoughtfully crafted to offer premium comfort and ample space for all passengers. The 2-2-3 seating configuration, with captain’s chairs in the second row, ensures that everyone has plenty of room to relax and enjoy the journey. These captain’s chairs are upholstered in high-quality faux leather, providing a smooth and luxurious feel.
For the driver and front passenger, the M6 Pro features ergonomically designed seats that offer excellent support and comfort, even on long drives. The large glass panels provide a commanding view of the road, enhancing the overall driving experience by making navigation through traffic easier. The panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of spaciousness and allows natural light to flood the cabin, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
In terms of convenience, the M6 Pro is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wired Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity for iPhone users. Although Android Auto is not available, Android users can still connect via Bluetooth or the CarLife app. The 8 DTS speakers in the GL variant deliver high-quality sound, making it easy to enjoy music, podcasts, or audiobooks during the drive.
As I took control of the second seat with, GAC’s queen of the adventure drive (as Manila Bulletin’s Pinky Colmenares puts it), the GAC M6 Pro is designed with a comprehensive suite of safety features to ensure the well-being of its occupants. Radcliffe’s dedication to her family’s safety is mirrored in the M6 Pro’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
The M6 Pro’s ADAS includes features such as Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS), Surround View Camera System, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Integrated Cruise Alert (ICA), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and Traffic Signal Recognition System (TSR). These systems work together to enhance driver awareness, prevent accidents, and ensure a safer driving experience.
One of the standout features of the M6 Pro is its flexible seating and cargo configurations. The third row of seats can be easily folded down to create a large, flat loading area, making it convenient for carrying a variety of items, from groceries to sports equipment. The 1100-liter trunk capacity ensures that there’s plenty of space for everything a family might need on a road trip or a weekend getaway.
The M6 Pro’s second and third rows also feature USB charging ports, ensuring that all passengers can keep their devices powered up during long drives. This is particularly useful for families with tech-savvy children who rely on their tablets and smartphones for entertainment.
At the R33 Drift Track, M6 Pro’s safety features were put to the test in various scenarios, including a drift track and emergency maneuver exercises. This requires a little more print space but I describe it more online. The summary is this: the M6 Pro’s stability and responsiveness were evident as it navigated slaloms, performed sudden stops, and handled simulated emergency situations, including sliding on a soapy, traction-less linoleum sheet safely and with the confidence that things will be alright. The electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems ensured that the vehicle remained stable and under control, even during aggressive maneuvers.
In my book, the M in M6 Pro here most likely means ‘multiple,’ as in multiple roles and attributes. And I count 6: motherly safety, spaciousness, athletic performance, almost perpetual versatility, an embracing comfort and a sprinter to boot.
That’s a Paula Radcliffe there. A true champion in its field, and I share the belief, that at its price GAC M6 Pro is set to make a significant impact in the competitive MPV market, offering families a reliable and sophisticated option for their transportation needs.
