Can 2023 GAC Empow stand against its rivals in PH? [Poll of the Week]

Competition is good for consumers as it forces car brands to continuously offer their best products at a competitive price point. It also offers buyers more options to choose from, resulting in a more diverse automotive market.  

2023 GAC Empow

GAC Motor Philippines has recently launched its challenger in the compact sedan segment. The 2023 GAC Empow features a striking exterior design that’s meant to cater to individuals who are on the lookout for a sporty-looking sedan.

Looking at the Empow, one can think that GAC Motor PH is aiming to challenge the likes of the MG GT and even the Honda Civic. The design department is up to one’s preference but the Empow’s power output rating closely matches the Japanese compact sedan. 

The GAC Empow is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine

GAC Motor PH’s challenger is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers 168 hp and 270 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The Empow is claimed to have a zero to 100 km/h time of 6.95 seconds. 

The Honda Civic, on the other hand, is also equipped with a turbo gasoline engine. Its 1.5-liter DOHC VTEC power unit can put out 176 hp and 240 Nm of torque. The Civic comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Honda Civic RS Turbo

Another sedan that comes with a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine is the MG GT, which can generate 158 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The engine is then connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In the price department, GAC Motor PH offers the 2023 Empow in three variants. The entry-level Empow GS is priced at Php 1,135,000 while the mid-spec GB comes at Php 1,215,000. The top-of-the-line Empow GE has a sticker price of Php 1,283,000. Take note that these are introductory prices, which will be effective until March 31, 2023. 

The Honda Civic’s price is obviously steeper as compared to the GAC Empow. The Civic is offered in three variants as per Honda Cars Philippines, Inc’s official website. But, reports are stating that the base Civic S is no longer included in the sedan’s variant lineup. Regardless, the Civic S is priced at Php 1,368,000, the Civic V comes in at Php 1,583,000 while the top-spec Civic RS retails at Php 1,775,000.

2023 MG GT

The MG GT is relatively priced closer to the GAC Empow. The MG GT Sport, which is the variant fitted with a turbo gasoline engine, is priced at Php 1,098,888. Note that this is also an introductory price.

To put things in perspective, the price difference between the MG GT Sport and the base 2023 GAC Empow GS (priced at Php 1,135,000) is just Php 36,112 as of this writing. It seems that a rivalry between the two is brewing. For that price difference though, the GAC Empow has a higher power output rating than the MG GT Sport. It is also larger and wider as compared to the MG sedan.

That said, can the 2023 GAC Empow stand against its rivals in the Philippines? Cast your vote now in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week.