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

GAC Motor Philippines’ sporty sedan comes with a P1,135,000 starting price.

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 front quarter shot 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.

2023 GAC Empow engine 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 front quarter shot 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 front shot 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.

Know more about GAC Empow 2024

GAC Empow 2024

The GAC Empow is a five-seater, four-door sedan. In the Philippine market, it has three different variants. There’s the base GS DCT priced at Php 1,225,000, the midspec GB DCT which can be had for Php 1,305,000, and the top-spec GE GCT which retails at Php 1,348,000.

Powering the GAC Empow is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine that’s capable of producing up to 168 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels via a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Size-wise, the Empow is 4,700mm long, 1,850mm wide, and 1,432mm in height. Its wheelbase then spans 2,736mm.

Locally, the 2024 GAC Empow competes against the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, MG6, among others.

>>> New and used GAC Empow 2024 for sale in the Philippines

GAC Empow Launch

The GAC Empow was initially introduced at the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show. Following that, the sedan was shown off at the 2022 MIAS as a preview. It then made its official Philippine market debut in January 2023.

GAC Empow Exterior

The GAC Empow comes in the guise of a sporty-looking compact sedan. On its front are LED headlamps, and LED daytime running lamps. It also comes with rain-sensing wipers and heated auto-folding mirrors.

Depending on the trim, it then rides on a set of 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch alloy wheels.

GAC Empow Interior

Up to five can occupy the GAC Empow. Everyone inside is then kept cool by a dual-zone automatic air-conditioner. Its seats are then trimmed with PVC leather, though some variants use fabric.

Also present aboard the Empow are ambient lighting, and a power sunroof. The driver is then provided with leather-wrapped steering wheel, a digital gauge cluster, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and a push-to-start button, among others.

GAC Empow Tech & Safety

Keeping the Empow’s occupants entertained is a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. It is then linked to a total of 2 or 6 speakers depending on the variant.

Upper trims of the Empow then come with adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and traffic jam assist.

Standard on all variants are dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchors, an engine immobilizer, a tire pressure monitor, an electronic parking brake, hill-start control, stability control, etc.

Other trims present on the higher spec Empow trims include front side and side curtain airbags, a reverse camera, a rear-view camera, and front sensors.

GAC Empow Engine & Chassis

Under the hood of the Empow is a 1.5-liter turbo inline-4 gasoline engine that can produce up to 168 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission.

The GAC Empow is a compact, front-engine, front-wheel-drive sedan. It uses a MacPherson strut transmission and a multi-link rear suspension. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels.

There are four different color options for the GAC Empow. There’s Ivory White, Moonlight Grey, Elegant Black, and Matte Fighter Green.

The GAC Empow is up to par with its competitors when it comes to making power. It also has plenty of on-board tech to keep up with its rivals. One big strength of the Empow however, is starting at a more affordable price point. So arguably, its position of being a slightly more affordable turbo compact model might give it an edge in the market.