Geely Emgrand GS vs Volkswagen Golf - which is better?

The content of the article:

• Exterior of the Geely Emgrand GS and Volkswagen Golf
• Interior design of Geely Emgrand GS vs Volkswagen Golf
• Specifications Geely Emgrand GS vs Volkswagen Golf
• Equipment and price Geely Emgrand GS and Volkswagen Golf

The fact that the Chinese know how to make good cars has long been a well-known fact, as well as the fact that they are not going to stop there. A striking example of this is the new cross-hatch Geely Emgrand GS, whose debut in Russia is scheduled for autumn 2019.

According to preliminary information, an extremely stylish, well-equipped and productive car for more than reasonable money awaits us. And in order to find out what chances the novelty has in the domestic market, we decided to compare it with the generally recognized leader in its class - the 7th generation VW Golf.

Exterior of the Geely Emgrand GS and Volkswagen Golf

The first generation Geely Emgrand GS, also known as the Emgrand Cross, debuted on the global stage in 2016. Initially, the car was developed exclusively for the domestic market in China, but in 2018 it was reported that the car could reach the domestic market.

In the same year, the cross-hatchback underwent a planned update, during which it acquired a more modern and attractive exterior. By the way, Peter Horbury, who previously "painted" the design for Volvo cars, worked on the design of the model.

But back to the exterior. The front part of the body demonstrates spectacular head optics with LED eyebrows of the running lights, a proprietary false radiator grille and a massive front bumper, complemented by a large air intake.

The dynamic and taut profile pleases the eye with massive wheel arches, embossed sidewalls, a sloping roofline and plastic protection around the perimeter.

The lean stern is represented by a compact fifth door, a small spoiler, as well as neat side lights and a massive bumper with a pseudo-diffuser and two "trunks" of the exhaust system.

External dimensions are as follows:

The Emgrand GS rises above the road by more than a sufficient 193 mm.

Against the background of an opponent, VW Golf has a more restrained and, let's not be afraid of the word, verified design.

The hatchback's "muzzle" sports large headlights with brace-shaped DRLs, a neat false radiator grille and a front bumper, complemented by a narrow air intake strip and a pair of fog lights.

The profile is represented by well-defined wheel arches and embossed sidewalls, and the image is completed by a neatly "sculpted" stern with attractive parking lights and a monumental bumper, complemented by a pseudo-diffuser with two sections of the exhaust system.

The external dimensions of the "German" have the following parameters:

Above the roadway, the "belly" of the VW Golf rises by 160 mm, which is far behind the Chinese opponent.

Interior decoration Geely Emgrand GS vs Volkswagen Golf

The salon of the 7th generation VW Golf can safely claim the title of reference: high-quality finishing materials, excellent assembly and well-defined ergonomics.

In front of the driver there is a multifunction steering wheel, convenient in grip and cross-section, with a slightly cut lower rim, and right behind it is a well-read instrument panel (optionally fully digital).

In the central part of the dashboard there is a 6.5-9 ”screen of the media center and a microclimate unit that is very clear in control.

The front seats boast a wide range of adjustments, a well-thought-out profile and well-felt lateral support. The rear sofa, although it does not pretend to be the most spacious, allows three riders to sit comfortably.

The volume of the trunk is 380 liters as standard, and with the backs of the rear sofa folded it reaches 1270 liters. At the same time, there is a niche under the raised floor, where the manufacturer has placed a full-size spare wheel and a small set of tools.

The interior design of the Geely Emgrand GS boasts a pretty front dashboard design and good finishing materials - however, they are still far from the level of the VW Golf.

In front of the driver is a plump multifunction steering wheel with a sporty cut off the lower rim, and right behind it is a well-read instrument panel. In the central part of the dashboard there is an LCD display of the information and media system and a laconic control unit for the in-cabin climate, complemented by a small display.

The front seats provide a good level of comfort and a sufficient number of adjustments. A wide armrest can optionally be located between them, inside of which there are several compartments for various small items.

The rear sofa, thanks to a fairly long wheelbase, is able to accommodate three riders - however, the central passenger may be somewhat annoyed by the high transmission tunnel.

The exact volume of the luggage compartment is unknown, but it is unlikely that it is much inferior to its predecessor with its 500 liters. If necessary, the volume of usable space can be doubled, while the folded backrests of the second row form a flat loading area.

From the point of view of ergonomics, build quality and quality of finishing materials, the "Chinese" is noticeably inferior to its German counterpart.

Specifications Geely Emgrand GS vs Volkswagen Golf

On the Russian market, VW Golf is represented by two 4-cylinder 1.4-liter petrol engines:

1. "Younger" generates 125 "horses" and 200 Nm of limiting torque, which allows you to change the first "hundred" in 9.1 seconds. and develop the maximum 204 km / h. The combined fuel consumption does not exceed 5 l / 100 km.
2. "Senior" reproduces 150 liters. with. and 250 Nm of peak thrust, which allows you to accelerate from 0 to 100 in 8.2 seconds. and develop a maximum speed of 216 km / h. The declared average fuel consumption is also 5 l / 100 km.

Both in the first and in the second case, the engine can be docked with a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission, as well as a 7-speed "robot" with a dual clutch system.

The car is designed on a modular MQB bogie, the structure of which is 80% high-strength steel grades. The front suspension flaunts the classic MacPherson struts, and the rear, depending on the power of the pre-installed engine, has a semi-dependent beam or multi-link.

The steering is complemented by an electromechanical amplifier with variable characteristics, and the braking system is supplemented by disc mechanisms of both axles (ventilated at the front).

Geely Emgrand GS engine range represented by two gasoline units - however, it is not yet known which of them will reach the domestic market:

1. 1.8-liter 133-horsepower unit generating 170 Nm of torque. This is enough for the car to reach the maximum 185 km / h and consume about 7 liters of fuel in the combined cycle.
2. 1.4-liter turbo engine with 133 hp and capable of developing a similar 185 km / h. The limiting torque is 185 Nm. Passport fuel consumption in mixed driving mode reaches 6 l / 100 km.

It is expected that the motors will be paired with a 6-speed "mechanics" or "robot" at 6 speeds. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not disclose the time it takes for the Emgrand GS to reach the 100 km / h mark.

At the heart of the cross-hatchback is the familiar FE cart. The front suspension is traditionally equipped with MacPherson struts, and the rear - with a semi-independent beam. The steering is represented by a classic hydraulic booster. The braking system will be based on front disc and rear drum mechanisms.

Equipment and price Geely Emgrand GS and Volkswagen Golf

In the photo: Geely Emgrand GS media system

The cost of VW Golf in Russia starts at 1.43 million rubles, for which the buyer receives the following equipment:

• halogen optics with LED DRLs;
• fog lights;
• steel wheels R15;
• heated front seats;
• 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with heating;
• gear knob with leather trim;
• fabric salon;
• ESP, ASR, MSR, EDS and ABS systems;
• Isofix fasteners;
• central locking;
• frontal airbags + driver's knee cushion;
• immobilizer;
• brake pad wear sensor;
• driver fatigue tracking system;
• 2-zone climate;
• audio system with 8 speakers;
• Cruise control.

The full list of the available Geely Emgrand GS, as well as the exact cost of the car, are still unknown. However, it is expected that already in the database, the machine will be able to offer:

• media system with LCD display;
• multi-wheel;
• ESP and ABS systems;
• air conditioning system;
• front and side airbags;
• wheel disks R18;
• electric drive of external mirrors;
• heated seats of the first row and so on.

In the Chinese market, the car is sold at a price of 78 thousand yuan, which is about 700 thousand rubles.

Conclusion

It should be admitted that the Geely Emgrand GS is a very interesting car, both in terms of design and technical component, and in terms of equipment. In addition, the car will offer excellent value, but this is hardly enough to get close to the reference in all parameters VW Golf.

But if you want to get the most of a car for the least money possible, the Emgrand GS is one of the best options to buy.