8 May 2013

The new Geely EC7: Technical detail and performance

• More than spacious occupancy
• Comfortable ride
• Abundant storage space

Spacious, comfortable and responsive

Geely’s brand-new EC7, also launching the new luxury sub-brand Emgrand in South Africa, offers a spacious interior, comfortable ride and abundant storage space. This new offering from Geely’s luxury Emgrand range also offers a host of luxury and safety features at a price that will be noticed by buyers and competitors alike.

The chassis of the new Emgrand EC7 has been tuned by PDE, a Dutch company and word leader in chassis tuning. PDE also works with various German and other European luxury car manufacturers, other world-renowned luxury and executive car brands, as well as Geely’s new affiliate, Volvo.

Extensive acoustic testing and development for the improvement of noise and vibration transfer to suit the Emgrand product has also been undertaken by PDE. Sound insulation foam, alongside high quality sound insulation strips and pads, ensure that the interior is a quiet and peaceful private space.

This is needed to insulate the cabin from the otherwise beautiful humming of the powerful power plant.

Engine:

The new Emgrand EC7 is powered by the very capable GeTec-series 4-cylinder 1.8ℓ 16V DOHC petrol engine boasting an all aluminium construction and other light weight technology such as the plastic intake manifold.

The 1 792cc engine also boasts CVVT technology – continuous variable valve timing – capable of adapting the breathing behaviour of each cylinder’s 2 inlet and 2 outlet valves to not only improve performance, but also enhance economy and emissions.

The engine delivers 102kW at 6 000 rpm with 172 NM of torque at 4 200 rpm, with most of it available from between 3 500 and just below 5 000 rpm. This helps the engine to deliver outstanding performance figures of up to 57,2kW/ℓ, making it efficient and economical.

Acceleration at reef altitude is expected to be 10,5 sec from 0 to 100km/h, reaching a top speed of 185 km/h.

Transmission:

The two 1.8-litre launch models are matched to a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, which offers accurate and rapid gear shifting and sensitive and smooth acceleration.

A 6-speed automatic version for the new Emgrand EC7 will be introduced to the local market before the end of the year and as soon as it becomes available for right-hand drive models.

The electronic throttle has a “blip” function, maintaining higher revolutions for a split second while the driver lifts his foot to engage the clutch and change gear. This allows for a smoother and quicker gear change, improving driver control and offering a more engaging driver feel.

Dimensions:

One of the key features of the new Emgrand EC7 is the leg and head room for the front and back occupants.

The vehicle is 4 635mm long, 1 789mm wide and 1 470mm high, with a wheel base of 2 650mm, leaving ample space for occupants. Rear passengers have a massive 931mm from the rear seat back to the back of the front seat, leaving enough legroom for even the tallest of South Africans – even when the front seats are pushed all the way back.

The rear seat configuration includes a 40/60 split with load-through ability, allowing objects of up to 1,8m in length to be transported. The luggage space is 680ℓ with the seats in normal use.

As far as interior storage is concerned, the EC7 has no less than 9 interior storage compartments and 4 cup holders.

The new car, which has an estimated fuel consumption of 7,6ℓ/100km (Chinese test figures) is fitted with a 50ℓ fuel tank, allowing a single trip distance in excess of 660km between fuel stops.

Chassis:

After its PDE treatment, the Emgrand EC7 chassis is described as “more solid and reliable with excellent operability and comfort”.

The suspension is made up of fully independent MacPherson strut type in the front, and semi independent MacPhersons with trailing arms at the rear.

The car has disc brakes all round, coupled to ABS and EBD for maximum stopping power.

Both models are fitted with stylish 16” Alloy wheels with 215/55R16 tyres to ensure outstanding road holding without compromising in-cabin road noise. The EC7 also comes standard with a full-size alloy spare wheel.

ENDS

**Please note this is subject to change without notice**