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GAC chose the Festival of Motoring to break the news and remove the covers of some new models that will imminently be launched in Mzansi, including a budget-beating addition to its Emzoom line-up, an uber-luxury MPV to take on the V-Class and an affordable, compact EV hatchback.
Just one year into its trading journey in South Africa, GAC’s sales performance has been, by their own statement, quite good. We can’t officially corroborate that as the company doesn’t report figures as yet. With only two vehicle models on sale this past year, the Emzoom and the Emkoo, the Salvador Caetano-distribution operation seems to have gained some ground, particularly with its cheaper and more sporty Emzoom SUV. You can read our first review of this car here. These models have become quite prevalent on our roads with customers appreciating the car’s aggressive styling, its ‘under R500k’ pricing and its hot hatch style.
A novel addition joins the Emzoom line-up.
Given its initial success, as far as GAC is concerned, the company chose Festival of Motoring 2025 to lift the covers off an entry-level model called the Emzoom Nova. It sits underneath the three other trim levels as the base model but with its own USP’s in addition to its largest one - a very attractive price point. The Nova features a new black-patterned front grille design, 17-inch alloy wheels as well as some of the higher trim features such as remote start as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and park distance control. The big news here: The Emzoom Nova is offered at a RSP of R359 900. By our calculations, this price makes it one of the cheapest SUV’s of its size and specification.
It’s one of the best ways to attract curiosity to a new brand, and perhaps GAC’s decision to make this model available after the more ‘sexy’ Exec or R-Style models have already been on sale and noticed is a good strategic move. Orders are now open from their dealer network nationwide.
A budget-beating EV is on the way: Enter the Aion Y
Despite news of its future arrival, the new Aion Y was revealed in the metal at FOM too. This is a contrasting shift in powertrain strategy from GAC, with the new Aion Y being the first car in their local fleet powered by new energy. The full battery-electric vehicle is a compact hatchback powered by a single, permanent magnet synchronous motor on the front axle. With a 63.2kWh battery pack, the Aion is claimed to offer almost 500km of range with 155kW of power and 250Nm of torque.
On face value, it’s an odd-looking hatchback, more upright than a GWM Ora and similar in design to the also-imminent BYD Dolphin Surf which was also showcased at FOM. The design, whether you like it or not, offers a cabin that seems well-packaged for space, light and comfort with a large 14,6-inch infotainment screen as the centre piece of the vehicle.
No official pricing is available right now but a few discussions suggest that the aim is to offer the Aion Y at a price under R400 000. That is also exactly where the BYD Dolphin Surf is aimed to launch at, making this compact EV segment a whole lot more interesting.
The GAC M8 PHEV Luxury MPV to rival the most luxurious
The MPV category isn’t very large as far as segmentation goes. It is filled by a number of players in a variety of body styles and seating configurations and varying levels of luxury. None, though, seem to have reached the levels of perceived luxury that Mercedes-Benz has carved out with its V-Class, leading to the popularity and pricing of the V-Class soaring. GAC however, is taking aim at this segment with the introduction of the M8, a plug-in hybrid offering lofty levels of luxury. Shown in a six-seat luxury configuration at FOM, the M8 measures 5.213m with one of the most imposing grille designs we’ve ever seen. It’s a chromed, 10-vein design that GAC calls a Skywing grille. 18-inch wheels are starred by a weighted GAC wheel centre cap that stays upright even when the wheel is moving - a nice touch made famous by a certain top-end British marque.
If the front makes for over-the-top flash, the interior is an inviting space brimming with luxury and features. These include aniline-leather adorned seats with neck cushioning, massage function and electric seat adjustment from fancy controls built right into the armrests. Replete with electrically-adjustable foot rests too, the interior space is a great first impression that focuses on comfort and luxury tech. Some models will have a large entertainment screen in the rear that folds down similar to the one found in a current-gen BMW 7-Series.
The PHEV M8 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged, petrol engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, paired with an electric motor powered by a 25,5kWh battery pack. Combined power output is 274kW and 630Nm of torque which should make for a good mix of power and economy. GAC claims that the M8 can achieve over 1 000-kilometres of driving range which is mighty impressive. We’ll be sure to test that in the next few months when the M8 is officially introduced.
