GAC Empow test drive event happening this weekend

Updated Sep 28, 2023 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It will be at Corte de las Palmas and Batangas Racing Circuit.

GAC Motor Philippines is giving a test drive opportunity for fans and prospective buyers of the Empow under the EMPOWered Drive. The company will hold the event in two different locations this weekend: Corte de las Palmas at Alabang Town Center and Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas City.

GAC Empow front view

GAC Empow

This event reflects the Chinese automaker’s confidence in the performance-oriented capabilities of the GAC Empow, which takes aim at the likes of the Honda Civic. Multi-awarded and professional racer George Ramirez will also attend the event to provide expert guidance on the track.

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine capable of delivering 174 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque – 30 Nm more than the Civic. In turn, GAC Motor claims the Empow can get from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.95 seconds.

The impressive acceleration time is aided by the use of a standard seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which shifts faster than a traditional torque converter automatic. In the top-of-the-line GE variant, drivers get to benefit from paddle shifters for greater control of the gears.

GAC Empow test drive event

EMPOWered Drive

The GAC Empow also features sporty design elements including a fighter-jet-inspired look and quad exhausts. The interior also comes with faux carbon fiber materials that add a sporty appeal to the driving experience.

“Putting the Empow to the ultimate test on the racetrack is our way of proving that we stand by every claim we make about this exceptional vehicle. What better way to validate its power, performance, and precision than by unleashing it on the track, where it can truly shine,” said GAC Motor Brand Head Franz Decloedt.

Interested individuals must sign up via this link to join the EMPOWered Drive. Aside from the test drive opportunity, GAC Motor Philippines will also offer huge discounts, special deals, and exciting freebies for every successful Empow purchase. You can check out the list below for the schedule:

  • Corte de las Palmas, Alabang Town Center – September 30 to October 1
  • Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas City – September 30

Don’t miss the latest car events at Philkotse.com.

Know more about GAC Empow 2024

GAC Empow

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.  

GAC Empow 2024 Price List

Let's check out the GAC Empow 2024 price in the Philippines.

 Variants Price
GAC Empow 1.5 GS DCT ₱1,225,000
GAC Empow 1.5 GB DCT ₱1,305,000
GAC Empow 1.5 GE DCT ₱1,348,000

GAC Empow Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affordable compared to rivals
  • Peppy engine
  • Plenty of onboard tech

Cons

  • Styling might not be for everyone
 

₱ 1,225,000 - ₱ 1,348,000

Explore
Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rexsanchez09

View more