GAC GA4 2020 Philippines Review: It's Time For Some Real Talk

Chinese brands have come a long way from their early beginnings in the local market. Remember how their cars used to be horrible, with subpar interiors that break if you so much as look at them funny, and asthmatic engines with awful suspension systems? 

It was just the worst. I’ve always wanted to give these cars a fair shake and the benefit of the doubt whenever I take them on a test drive, but if the past was any indication, I would end up feeling disappointed.

GAC wants to give you everything you want in a car with the 2020 GA4

The times are a-changing, though. With brands like Foton, BYD, MG, and Geely making strides in the local car scene, offering vehicles that are on par with, and even exceed their more mainstream counterparts, Chinese brands are now on the offensive in vying for a significant share of the market.

Enter GAC, one of the biggest carmakers in China that has forged partnerships with marques such as Honda, Toyota, and Mitsubishi. They bring their technological and manufacturing know-how to the Philippines, showcasing the GA4  as one of their bets for the compact sedan segment.

Can GAC make headway in a market that's already dominated by traditional leaders such as Honda's Civic or Toyota's Altis? Let’s find out GAC GA4 2020 Philippines review.

The 2020 GAC GA4 creates an imposing presence, no matter what you think of its country of origin. I’ve never been a fan of chrome, but the massive shiny grille flanked by large, projector-type halogen headlights and daytime running lights work so well.

I wouldn't blame you for finding hints of Honda here and there, as this could be a result of GAC’s manufacturing partnership with the Japanese carmaker. The lower part of the bumper features triangular fog lamps housed within a smooth, chiseled chin.

Soft character lines along the sides meld well with the strong features on both ends of the GA4

The profile features a soft character line running across the door handles from the edge of the headlamps; nothing else breaks the monotony along the side, but you can appreciate how GAC put effort into designing those diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels.

The rear end continues this theme of elegance and sophistication, with red LED wishbone light strips on the arrowhead-shaped tail lights, finishing off with a subtle integrated ducktail spoiler. There are only so many words to describe the understated panache of the local-spec GAC GA4 model.

I'd go so far as to say that pictures don't do it justice; you'd have to see it in the metal to fully appreciate it. With this level of GAC's design quality, you can hear the mainstream brands shaking in their boots.

When I first climbed aboard the 2020 GA4 at MIAS 2019, I was just plain shocked at the level of kit that GAC has put into this car. Gone is the plastic smell that marred Chinese cars of old, now replaced by the aroma of leather and soft-touch materials.

The seats are made of perforated hide that breathes easier and cools faster, helping you avoid burns in case you leave the car in scorching weather. Power adjustable front seats are standard, as well as an A/C vent for the rear passengers.

Headroom at the back isn't the best though, due to the car’s sloping roofline, but it's hardly a deal-breaker for me. Trunk space is top-notch as well, with a low loading area for easy access. Tucking down the 60/40 split-fold rear seats gives you access to the cargo bay, and even expands the car's carrying capacity.

GAC's interior game is head and shoulders above its competitors. Everything is top-notch

The leather-wrapped steering wheel doesn’t seem to be derived from any other model, featuring convenient control buttons for hands-free communications, entertainment, and cruise control. The uniquely shaped dashboard, door panels, and armrest are made of indulgent soft-touch material.

The big surprise about the 2020 GAC GA4 interior is the presence of a power sunroof. There's a glorious 8-inch touchscreen (no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, sadly) and a push-button start, too. It's like GAC went all out in here, probably including even the kitchen sink!

The GAC GA4 comes in two engine flavors: a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter mill that makes 114 hp and 150 Nm of torque, and a more powerful 1.3-liter turbocharged powerplant generating 137 hp and a 202 Nm of torque. The latter comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission that puts the power down to the front wheels, launching the car to 100 km/h from a standstill in less than 12 seconds.

Driving the GA4 around town in mostly heavy traffic, you'll thank your lucky stars that GAC gave this a 6-speed auto instead of a CVT or even a dual-clutch gearbox. The GAC GA4 engine is tuned nicely with the transmission, enabling you to downshift for more speed when necessary.

The GA4 sports independent suspension on all four corners, but don’t mistake this for a sporty car; tackle a particularly aggressive curve with the GAC GA4 2020, and the understeer and body roll will immediately make their presence felt. GAC primarily designed the car for casual city driving and the occasional highway cruise.

The 1.3-liter turbocharged engine makes highway cruising a piece of cake

With that in mind, driving the GA4 is a soft, relaxed affair, almost boat-like. I do wish it had higher-profile tires though, as the slim rubbers on the 17-inch alloys don't seem to agree with Metro Manila’s crater-like potholes and poorly-planned speed bumps. If you must know, the fuel economy on the GA4 is middling at best.

In heavy traffic, the GAC GA4 nets around 7-8 km/l which is not bad, something I can personally live with. A combined-cycle should see improved fuel economy though, hovering around the 10-11 km/l range. Just remember to keep the turbo from spooling during acceleration, as is the tendency of small-displacement turbocharged engines, and you'll be fine.

Did I mention that GAC pretty much threw everything they had on the GA4? The safety features of this car are quite impressive. There are front and side airbags, ABS with brakeforce distribution, stability control, cruise control, electronic brake hold, hill start assist -  the list goes on. At this price range. GAC isn’t pulling any punches in sprucing up the GA4 to make it as competitive as possible. And speaking of price.

The GAC GA4 packs a number of safety features

I’ve been more than a little apprehensive over reviewing a Chinese car, mostly because of the horrible personal experiences I’ve had, but I took a different approach with the 2020 GAC GA4. I had no idea that GAC was a Chinese brand, and I first saw the GA4 and experienced it inside and out, imagine my astonishment.

If I were to make my first Chinese purchase, it would be this car; I’d fork over that downpayment without batting an eyelash to be quite honest. And to tell you the truth? No other car gives you the same amount of kit and performance for the price.

This could easily be my own first Chinese-branded car

I hope you see this GAC GA4 2020 review in Philippines helpful! And don't forget to stay tuned and keep your eyes on Philkotse.com as we have more reviews news and insights in store for you!