Will Malaysia be its next destination?
Back in August 2021, the fourth-generation Geely Emgrand was launched in its home market. Fast forward to today, the B-segment sedan has made its way to the Philippines, where it will be offered in three variants, namely S, Comfort and Premium. It becomes Geely’s fourth offering in the country after the Azkarra, Coolray and Okavango.
We’ve covered the car before but to recap, the Emgrand is based on the B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA), which also underpins the Coolray a.k.a. Proton X50 and several other Geely models. The sedan measures 4,638 mm long, 1,820 wide and 1,460 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, making it larger than both the Honda City and Toyota Vios.
Looks wise, the Emgrand’s most prominent feature is the Energy Pulse radiator grille, which is flanked by automatic projector LED headlamps with segmented LED daytime running lights on the Comfort and Premium. The tail light strip has 190 LED bulbs, while the bumper gets a rather striking diffuser complete with fins, giving it a sporty look. The top two variants get 17-inch alloy wheels, while the S makes do with 15-inch steelies.
Inside, the straightforward cabin design stays but the 10.25-inch free-standing central screen available in the Chinese domestic market model has been omitted and replaced with a standard 8-inch screen. Needless to say, the Premium gets a higher level of equipment that includes, among others, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a leatherette/suede upholstery in white and blue, a sunroof, six speakers, and a six-way power adjustable driver’ seat.
Regardless of the variant chosen, the Filipino-spec Emgrand is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing (DVVT). The engine delivers 102 PS at 5,600 rpm and 142 Nm of torque, which if you notice, is slightly lower than what is being offered in China. In the Comfort and Premium, power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT with 8 virtual ratios that promises “minimal shift disruptions” and “quick responsiveness”. The S, on the other hand, gets a five-speed manual transmission.
As for safety, there’s the usual electronic nannies like ABS with EBD, ESP, Traction Control, Hill Hold Control and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Reverse camera, rear parking sensors and cruise control are only available on the Smart and Premium variants, while front row side and side curtain airbags are fitted only in the Premium, making it six in total.
Now comes the pricing. The mid-spec Emgrand Comfort starts at 798,000 Philippine pesos (RM65,193), while the top-ranging Premium has a price tag of 908,000 Philippine pesos (RM74,180). However, the entry-level S variant has yet to be given a price.
