GAC has officially launched the Emzoom Nova as a new entry-level variant in the local Emzoom lineup. We sampled the newcomer in Johannesburg. First impressions here…
What are we driving?
Showcased at the 2025 Festival of Motoring in August, the Emzoom Nova officially launched in South Africa in May 2026. Serving as the new entry point to GAC’s local Emzoom model lineup, the Nova sports slightly more conservative exterior appointments compared to higher-specced variants. The Nova features a black front grille, flanked by sharp headlamp clusters incorporating LED daytime-running lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Nova is available with the choice of six exterior hues: Fast Red, Graphene Grey, Moonlight Grey, Star Silver, Solid White, and Galaxy Lilac.
At first glance, the cabin seems unchanged from its siblings’. The interior plays host to 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone screen mirroring, analogue instrumentation with a central 3.5-inch digital information display, and a combination of synthetic leather and cloth upholstery. Further included with the package as standard are keyless entry and ignition, rear park distance sensors, and cruise control. However, compared to its stablemates’ six, the base-spec variant features only two airbags, for the driver and front passenger, respectively.
How much does the GAC Emzoom Nova cost?
The Emzoom Nova is priced from R359 900 – making it R20 000 and R90 000 more affordable than the Comfort Collection and Executive Collection derivatives, respectively – at the current promotional price. Included in the price are a two-year/30 000 km service plan and a five-year/150 000 km warranty. In addition, first owners benefit from a lifetime/unlimited km engine warranty.
What are the GAC Emzoom Nova’s rivals?
In the highly competitive compact-crossover segment, the Emzoom Nova rivals the likes of the Kia Sonet, Citroën Basalt, Lepas L4, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Chery Tiggo Cross, Jaecoo J5, Suzuki Fronx and Toyota Starlet Cross.
What is the GAC Emzoom Nova like to drive?
The Emzoom Nova is powered by the same engine as its siblings – a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol unit serving up a respectable 130 kW and 270 N.m of torque. The Chinese automaker claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.0 seconds and a 190 km/h top speed. The Nova also features a trio of driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport.
During our short test drive from the University of Witwatersrand to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia, the Emzoom Nova’s turbocharged four-pot provided sufficient performance on our mostly urban-oriented route. With the full complement of torque available from a low 1 400 r/min, there was little turbolag. However, the Emzoom Nova still suffers from noticeable throttle calibration issues. However, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts through the gears in a smooth fashion.
We are happy to report that we were able to best the carmaker’s claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.2 L/100 km; returning 5.9 L/100 km following our short drive.
Verdict
The Emzoom Nova makes a strong case for itself in the local compact-crossover segment, with an attractive design, sufficient cabin space and impressive perceived build quality. However, this entry-level variant’s lack of ADAS and, especially, front side and curtain airbags makes the Executive and R-Style derivatives ultimately more compelling products. Calibration issues aside, the Emzoom Nova offers more than enough power, and comes into its own in Sport mode. We look forward to spending more time behind the wheel of the Emzoom Nova in Cape Town to become better acquainted with the driving dynamics of the sportily-styled compact crossover.
GAC Emzoom Nova specifications
- Price: R359 900
- Powertrain: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
- Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
- Power: 130 kW @ 5 500 r/min
- Torque: 270 N.m @ 1 400 – 4 500 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: 8.0 seconds (claimed)
- Top speed: 190 km/h (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 6.2 L/100 km (claimed)
- CO2 emissions: 140 g/km (claimed)
