What's the difference?
GAC might still be a new name to a lot of Aussie new car buyers, but the Emzoom Luxury isn’t here to quietly blend in. It’s sharply styled, keenly priced and carries just enough attitude to turn a few heads - which is a good start in a crowded small SUV segment.
It also keeps things simple. There’s just the one trim level on offer locally, and it comes in swinging against some well-established rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Premium, Kia Seltos Sport+ and MG ZS Vibe Turbo.
But standing out on paper is one thing, backing it up with enough personality to stay interesting over time is another.
The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is likely to be the most important new vehicle Volkswagen launches in 2025.
The popular mid-sizer has proven to have impressive staying power for the brand, with the outgoing version still impressing buyers despite being nearly a decade old.
What does this ground-up new version change? Does it have what it takes to maintain the nameplate’s reputation in one of Australia’s most hotly contested market segments? And what are some surprises this time around?
We went to its local launch to find out.
GAC isn’t messing around with the Emzoom Luxury. It’s undeniably eye-catching, priced well and carries just enough of a premium aesthetic to draw attention.
Is it the best small SUV I’ve driven? No. It does enough to avoid being overlooked, but it’s not quite reinventing the wheel.
What it does well is deliver a comfortable, easy urban runaround with strong equipment for the price. However, the safety calibration and overall breadth of systems feel like areas that still need attention.
All up, it gets a lot right for the money, but doesn’t quite land a knockout punch.
The new Tiguan is as confident as ever in its identity, even in such a crowded mid-size SUV space where there are so many models worthy of your attention.
No matter which version you choose, this is still the mid-size SUV for a driving enthusiast who doesn’t quite have premium dollars to spend.
While it may not quite expand its appeal as much as the brand hopes precluding a hybrid variant, those who are choosing this as their family hauler for the right reasons won’t be disappointed.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.