Geely Emgrand EC7: prices and specifications

Geely Emgrand EC7 is a C-class car created by the Chinese company Geely specifically for the global market, primarily the European one. Emgrand is Geely's luxury sub-brand, founded in 2009. EC7 became its first model. The name breakdown: E — European (European markets), C — China (country of manufacture), 7 — the year development began (2007). Serial production started in 2010, and the model appeared in Ukraine in 2011. The car is built on a front-wheel-drive platform and is available in two body styles: sedan and hatchback. The design uses components from well-known global suppliers: Siemens, Fuji, PDE, Lear Corporation, Saint-Gobain, and others. The manufacturer paid special attention to safety: a reinforced body and modern active and passive protection systems. According to EuroNCAP crash test results, the model received four stars — this is the company's first car with such a rating. The Chinese organization C-NCAP awarded the model the highest safety score. In most markets, both modifications are equipped with gasoline engines of 1.5 and 1.8 liters. In Ukraine, only the version with the 1.8-liter engine is available. The engines work in conjunction with a five-speed manual or a CVT.

History

Geely Emgrand EC7 is one of the first Chinese cars developed with an eye on the European market. Development began in 2006 and took three years. Companies from different countries were involved in its creation: chassis tuning was entrusted to the Dutch company PDE, which collaborates with Volvo, BMW, and Audi. Before the launch into production, the model underwent tests with a total mileage of 160,000 km. According to Chinese engineers, in terms of production technology level, the EC7 is not inferior to global counterparts.

In Ukraine, the Emgrand EC7 appeared in 2011. An attractive price and rich equipment quickly made the model a market leader. The Emgrand sub-brand played an important role: Geely stated that all models in this line are distinguished by fundamentally new quality and equipment. In Ukraine, the car is sold under the name Emgrand 7 in two body styles — sedan and hatchback.

Exterior

The appearance of the Emgrand 7 looks decent and not Chinese-like: the participation of European specialists in the design development is evident. There are no obvious borrowings from models of well-known brands, which could previously be expected from Geely.

From the side, the sedan looks impressive and solid. The design is harmonious, without controversial solutions. The same applies to the five-door hatchback EC7-RV.

The rear of the sedan has some resemblance to the Mercedes S-Class, especially noticeable in the LED lights in the dark. However, there is no obvious copying.

Interior

Unlike many Chinese cars, the interior of the Emgrand 7 is not overloaded with buttons, wood-look plastic, or chrome. The interior is simple but concise, although with sharp corners that may seem unusual.

The controls are logically arranged. On the central console — audio system and climate control.

Under a separate visor at the top of the dashboard — clock and fog light indicators.

The steering wheel may seem a bit large, but the car is not designed for active driving — it is created for calm, comfortable movement. The steering column is adjustable only for tilt.

The instrument panel is familiar, with an onboard computer. Fuel level and oil temperature indicators are electronic.

The cabin has cup holders, a glasses compartment, and other niches — there are not many, but enough. The glove box may seem cramped.

Thanks to the long wheelbase, the cabin is spacious even for tall passengers. There is enough space both in the front and rear. The seats cannot be called ideal, the lateral support is rather symbolic, but overall the chairs are comfortable.

The sedan's trunk is almost 700 liters. The rear seat backs fold down, increasing the volume. The lid can be opened from the cabin or with the key fob. The hatchback's trunk is smaller in volume, but due to its height, it allows you to fit no fewer things.

Engine and transmission

The Geely Emgrand 7 is equipped with two gasoline engines of 1.5 and 1.8 liters with a variable valve timing system (CVVT) and a chain drive. The younger unit produces 98 horsepower, the older one — 127.

With the 1.5-liter engine, acceleration is sluggish; with the 1.8-liter, it is noticeably more lively. But in any case, the dynamics are average, designed for unhurried driving.

The gearboxes are a five-speed manual or an automatic. The automatic is available only for the 1.8-liter engine and is a CVT produced under license from the Belgian Punch Powertrain.

Safety

The Emgrand 7 is one of the first Chinese cars to receive four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. In Chinese tests, the model earned five stars, but European standards are considered stricter. The car also meets ECE standards.

Safety was one of the main tasks of the engineers. The body uses steel, a "safety cage" is provided, as well as programmable deformation zones. Already in the basic configuration, there is ABS with brake force distribution from Bosch.

Features

The strong points of the Emgrand 7 are its harmonious appearance and spacious interior. The car does not look cheap, rather the opposite — presentable.

It is worth considering fuel consumption: according to owner reviews, the version with the 1.8-liter engine consumes about 10-12 liters in the city. The 1.5-liter modification has slightly less consumption — the weight and dimensions take their toll.

Popularity in Ukraine

The Geely Emgrand EC7 occupies high positions in new car sales ratings due to its affordable price and rich equipment. There are practically no competitors with a similar level of equipment for that money on the market. The model's dimensions attract buyers who considered budget European foreign cars but chose Geely because of its spaciousness. Most Ukrainians prefer the sedan; the hatchback is bought less often.

Our verdict

The Geely Emgrand 7 is a worthy alternative to budget European cars that are inferior to it in dimensions and equipment but cost the same.

If you need a large car with a good level of safety, the Emgrand EC7 is worth considering for purchase.