GEELY’s all-new Emgrand is filled with design innovations, engine and suspension technologies, safety automation and a frame architecture that provides it will even more bang-for-the buck than any Chinese brand sedan currently in the market.
The Emgrand goes against the Japanese marques Honda City, Toyota Vios, Suzuki Ciaz and the Korean Hyundai Reina as well as the Chinese cars GAC G4 from Trumpchi Motors and MG5 from Morris Garages.
Platform
Geely Auto Group developed the B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) as a common unibody platform for its vehicles to exceed the criteria for the variety of 5-star NCAP safety ratings. BMA can be used to develop cars with a wheelbase between 2,550—2,700 mm and a wheel track wheels ranging from 1,500—1,600 mm.
Early in 2018 Volvo and Geely developed the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform-specific for creating larger vehicles and SUVs. Both the CMA and BMA platforms allow for both internal combustion engines, hybirds and full-electric powertrains. While the CMA platform was jointly developed by Geely and Volvo, the BMA platform is independently developed by Geely.
BMA has another advantage aside from hurdling the safety ratings–economies of scale–as all vehicles based on this platform have common parts and components reaching 70 percent, though sometimes differing in application, or having slight design, texture, material or color variations, reducing costs and time needed for component testing. The third advantage of BMS is it cuts down vehicle development time to just 18 to 24 months from the usual 36 to 48 months.
The platform is claimed to be developed from 70 percent high-strength steel and 20 percent hot-formed steel, and can withstand more than 5 million kilometer test mileage, with higher reliability and durability. It also enables Emgrand to achieve bigger space with its wide body, better riding comfort, and achieve better control and stability.
The Coolray is another Geely vehicle built on the platform.
Design and fashion sense
Geely designers have created a design that evolved in what it calls “a new generation of fashion” based on the concept of “polar light and shadow aesthetics.” This, according to its designers, created the first “wide-body, low-lying style in the B-segment.”
Geely designers adopted the new “Energy Pulse” radiator grill and equipped the car with Projector LED headlamps (Premium variant) and, LED daytime running lights with welcome lights and ‘follow me home’ feature. It also has an auto-on feature turning the headlights on when the dark settles. The rear combination lamps feature 190 LED bulbs which projects 3 unique light patterns when you lock or unlock the car.
Comfort and space
Inside, the seats are made of memory foam with light luxury suede and environment-friendly imitation leather material combination on the Premium version. The standard model gets a cloth trim for the seats.
The dashboard and door panels are also made of plush and soft cladding materials instead of the usual hard plastic. The steering wheel is also wrapped with constant temperature leather material to ensure that it does not feel hot even if you leave the car exposed under direct sunlight.
The Emgrand guarantees a worthwhile ride for your passengers as it offers the best seating space and large headroom to fit 3 adults comfortably. Generous amounts of storage spaces and a trunk that can accommodate 500L volume with room for more as the rear 60:40 split back seats lay flat. In addition, a quieter and more relaxing ride is expected as NVH is kept at the minimum level which is even lower than luxury European brands.
Safety and technology
Geely has incorporated distinct health and safety technologies on the new Emgrand. As various auto brands race against each other towards electrification, connectivity, intelligence and shared mobility, Geely has also committed itself in developing automobiles that help protect the health of its drivers and passengers. Geely has started to build cars using zero solvent, water-based adhesives that are environmentally friendly and safe for inhalation by its occupants.
This new Emgrand also features a unique Intelligent Scene Air-conditioning System to which aids in deodorizing capability, making the air fresh all the time. This is indeed practical on occasions such as entering the car after being exposed under sunlight for quite some time, not using the car for a long time or just even starting the car in the morning where stuffed air was trapped overnight. The aircon is also equipped with CN95 filter that ensures that the air going inside the cabin is free from viruses and bacteria.
Traction technologies
Apart from the active and passive safety features such as ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control, Hill Hold Control, Electric Parking Brake with Autohold, Six Airbags (Premium), the Emgrand features 3 ultra-sonic reversing radars and high definition wide angle reverse camera (Premium), Real-time Temperature and Pressure Tire Monitoring System and now a unique Rear Intelligent Monitoring System that gives you a reminder to check the rear seats before getting off the car.
This alert proves to be useful in situations when you have to load something on the rear seat just before driving off and ensure that you don’t forget it after you arrive at your destination.
Infotainment
In terms of driver information and entertainment, Emgrand (Premium) supports a 12.3 inch digital meter which has 3D interface and high-definition display that supports various driving information. Meantime, an 8-inch HD central screen is also standard to support entertainment and control of functions of the car such as shifting driving modes from Eco, Comfort or Sport, opening, and closing of the sunroof (Premium) and accessing other intelligent features of the aircon.
The Emgrand in Geely PH’s strategy
The strategic entry of Emgrand in the Philippines following the three SUVs is seen to beef up Geely’s currently strong sales standing in the industry. With only three models in the lineup, Geely PH saw its sales almost tripled in 2021 with 6,104 units sold. This was a significant increase of 182 percent from the 2,158 units in 2020.
Based on the CAMPI and AVID reports, Geely Philippines has maintained the 9th spot in total industry sales but has increased its overall market share to 2.1% which is more than double compared to the previous year’s 0.9 percent.
During this launch period, customers who will purchase the Emgrand will automatically get a P50,000 discount and a Free 1-year Periodic Maintenance Service inclusive of parts, oil and labor.
Moreover, those who will reserve or purchase an Emgrand now until May 31st automatically gets a raffle entry for a chance to be one of the 3 lucky winners of P250,000 savings or rebate. — with inputs from Geely Media Office
