There are so many ways for one car to be called a game-changer—it could be through pricing, specs, package, or a combination of all three. Whatever the case, it’s a game-changer if it has the ability to upend the status quo. Despite entering the largest and most competitive segment in the country, the 2022 Geely Emgrand satisfies that very criterion. It’s a game-changer indeed, and it’s something that will surely put everyone on notice.
In the Philippines, Geely’s made a name for itself with its SUV and crossover line-up, so it may be surprising at first to see them entering the sub-compact sedan segment. However, they’re no stranger to that particular segment. Spanning four generations, the Emgrand’s managed to move some 3.38 million examples making it the best-selling Chinese brand sedan. More than just numbers, the Emgrand’s been about continuous improvement, and the things you see here are the culmination of 12 years of work.
Starting with the most obvious, the Emgrand is huge. Despite being classified as a sub-compact, it can easily stand toe-to-toe with sedans a segment higher. In fact, its 4,638 mm length makes it longer than the already big-for-its-category MG 5; it even shadows the C-segment Toyota Corolla Altis. Now, size gives it obvious advantages like having a cavernous interior room, but the decision to upsize the Emgrand also results in a larger canvas for Geely to work with. The resulting car is elegant and well-proportioned—a far cry from the usual odd or frumpy sub-compact sedan designs.
If anything, the Emgrand eschews any aspiration to be sporty. Instead of defaulting to athleisure wear that so many other sub-compacts try hardest to fit in, this one’s all about regality—a well-tailored suit and oxfords sort of thing. We reckon the lines won’t play well with the aftermarket, but kept stock, it looks like a million bucks even if the price tag tops out at just P 908,000. And despite that budget positioning, this Premium variant comes with automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, and full-width LED taillights.
No question, Geely’s already managed to knock the ball out of the ballpark with the Emgrand’s exterior design, but things get even more game-changing when you get inside. The eyes are immediately drawn to the nautical-inspired white-and-blue color motif. This bold combination will certainly not be to everyone’s tastes, but it’s something unique and refreshing. It’s great to see a carmaker deviating from the usual black-and-gray tones, and actually getting it right.
The Emgrand’s interior fit and finish also shames every other sub-compact offering out there. Soft-touch plastics dot every touchpoint—be it on the dashboard, door trims, and even the center armrest, while anything that comes in contact with the driver—the steering wheel, stalks and switches, and even the gearlever feel first-class. Moreover, the cubby holes and cup holders are also lined in a rubberized material to make sure loose items like keys and coins don’t make any unnecessary ruckus. If anything, the cheapest feeling part would be the power windows witches, and even then, pointing them out is tantamount to nitpicking.
From the driver’s seat, the Emgrand doesn’t feel like a sub-compact sedan. With a platform shared with the Coolray, it’s safe to assume that things like the steering column mounting points and pedal box are shared. As a result, the driving position is uncompromising. The ideal seating is low, but with the wide windshield glass and thin A-pillars, visibility is never an issue. What could be an issue is the heavily bolstered front seats which could limit its comfort for stockier people. However, for the rest of the populace, it hugs and supports in all the right ways. There are no complaints from those seated in the back seat, except maybe for the fact that Geely decided to omit the rear center armrest there.
Going back to the driver, the Emgrand Premium gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Unlike what you find in the Coolray or Okavango though, it’s not the laptop or smartphone display variety. Instead, the entire implementation is pixel-starved with calculator-like numerals. It’s easy enough to decipher even at a glance, but the overall execution sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of the cabin. They should have gone for traditional analog gauges instead.
To the right of the gauges and jutting out of the dashboard is the 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The touchscreen interface is easy enough to navigate with its decipherable menus and crisp graphics, but the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is once again a missed opportunity. Another peculiar thing? There’s no way to adjust the system’s date unless you connect it through the “Easy Connection” smartphone mirroring. It’s purposely in quotation marks because this mirroring system is slow and loves to disconnect at random items.
There’s no turbocharged engine residing in the engine bay, but instead, you get a normally-aspirated 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The outputs won’t exactly excite the loins, but it makes everyday commutes so much more relaxing. If that reminds you more of an executive sedan than anything else, that mental image isn’t far off—it pretty much sums up how the Emgrand drives. Despite the portly 1,250-kilogram curb weight, power is never lacking even with three people aboard. The delivery itself is linear and hushed, with the CVT well-matched to the engine’s character. The ratios and responses are engineered more for smoothness, so it won’t do well being prodded. Still, a 9.61 km/L figure in city traffic for a non-broken-in motor is respectable.
The Emgrand’s engineering brief to provide top-notch smoothness extends even to the platform itself. This sub-compact sedan truly feels solid and sturdy, with nothing, not even the C5 truck lane upsetting its cossetting ride. There are some instances of it juddering through corrected surfaces (especially during cornering), but that’s down to the characteristics of its non-independent rear suspension than anything else. Meanwhile, the steering lacks any discernable feedback, but at least it’s precise around the center. Through corners, body lean is controlled, though corrective action will be required during heavy cornering.
Geely has managed to turn the small SUV segment on its head thanks to the impeccable performance of the Coolray, and it’s something they’ve managed to repeat yet again with the Emgrand. It already is a game-changer thanks to its unbeatable combination of pricing, specs, and packaging. But most impressive of all, it offers a different sort of experience. Instead of trying to appeal to the same sporty crowd that everyone else seems so focused on, the Geely Emgrand goes for elegance and comfort. It’s surely a different take in this segment, and shows how confident it is in itself.
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2022 Geely Emgrand Premium |
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Stereo USB Bluetooth |
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Keyword: Review: 2022 Geely Emgrand Premium