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Question of the Day: What is your non-negotiable item, device, or app for international travel?
Chinese cars, are they as bad as everyone thinks?
- Thread starter ChrisThomas
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Geely SA launches new flagship E5: price and specs
Geely has expanded its E5 lineup with the introduction of the Apex Plus spec. See pricing below…
Following the launch of the Geely E2, which tops the list of most affordable EVs in SA, in April 2026, the Chinese automaker has expanded its E5 portfolio with the introduction of a new flagship variant, the Apex Plus. The Apex Plus is equipped with the same electric motor as its E5 stablemates. The front-mounted unit produces 160 kW and 320 N.m of torque. However, compared to its Aspire and Apex siblings, the new range-topper pairs the e-motor with a larger lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery – 68.4 vs 60.8 kWh. The E5 Apex Plus’ 68.4 kWh LFP unit serves up a claimed operating range of 450 km; in increase of 20 km over the Aspire and 40 km over the Apex. Geely claims a 10-100% 11 kW AC charge takes seven hours, while a 30-80% 100 kW DC fast charge takes 20 minutes.
The E5 Apex Plus completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds; 0.7 seconds slower than the Aspire and 0.5 seconds slower than the Apex, respectively. Top speed across the range is rated at 175 km/h.
Standard specification includes a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10.2-inch digital instrumentation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, USB-A and -C ports, keyless entry and start, voice control, partial leather seats, electric adjustment for the front pews, and a panoramic sunroof. The E5 Apex Plus also features a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Geely E5 Apex Plus price in SA
The Geely E5 Apex Plus is priced from R788 888; making it R88 889 and R28 889 more expensive than the Aspire and Apex variants, respectively. As standard, pricing includes a six-year/120 000 km service plan, six-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, and an eight-year/200 000 km battery warranty. All models include a wallbox home charger, an emergency charging cable and a R12 000 charging voucher when financed through Geely finance.
Geely E5 Aspire – R699 999
Geely E5 Apex – R759 999
Geely E5 Apex Plus – R788 888
www.carmag.co.za
Geely has expanded its E5 lineup with the introduction of the Apex Plus spec. See pricing below…
Following the launch of the Geely E2, which tops the list of most affordable EVs in SA, in April 2026, the Chinese automaker has expanded its E5 portfolio with the introduction of a new flagship variant, the Apex Plus. The Apex Plus is equipped with the same electric motor as its E5 stablemates. The front-mounted unit produces 160 kW and 320 N.m of torque. However, compared to its Aspire and Apex siblings, the new range-topper pairs the e-motor with a larger lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery – 68.4 vs 60.8 kWh. The E5 Apex Plus’ 68.4 kWh LFP unit serves up a claimed operating range of 450 km; in increase of 20 km over the Aspire and 40 km over the Apex. Geely claims a 10-100% 11 kW AC charge takes seven hours, while a 30-80% 100 kW DC fast charge takes 20 minutes.
The E5 Apex Plus completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds; 0.7 seconds slower than the Aspire and 0.5 seconds slower than the Apex, respectively. Top speed across the range is rated at 175 km/h.
Standard specification includes a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10.2-inch digital instrumentation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, USB-A and -C ports, keyless entry and start, voice control, partial leather seats, electric adjustment for the front pews, and a panoramic sunroof. The E5 Apex Plus also features a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Geely E5 Apex Plus price in SA
The Geely E5 Apex Plus is priced from R788 888; making it R88 889 and R28 889 more expensive than the Aspire and Apex variants, respectively. As standard, pricing includes a six-year/120 000 km service plan, six-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, and an eight-year/200 000 km battery warranty. All models include a wallbox home charger, an emergency charging cable and a R12 000 charging voucher when financed through Geely finance.
Geely E5 Aspire – R699 999
Geely E5 Apex – R759 999
Geely E5 Apex Plus – R788 888
Geely SA launches new flagship E5: price and specs
Geely has expanded its E5 lineup with the introduction of the Apex Plus spec. See pricing below...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
MotorMatters review of the Changan CS75 Pro
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
MotorMatters launch review of the GAC Emzoom Nova
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Bought one of these; the car itself is nice. The after-sales experience, absolute disaster. Avoid buying from Thorp TableView...
Gtx Gaming
Gtx Gaming
Avoid any thorp dealership...
Bad reviews from chery users also.
Also they like catch out people they sell new cars below price of used ones, but when you want to buy it your force to select 4 out the 7 optional extras to get it at the listed price.
I wrote a review on HelloPeter, letting people know what to expect.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
GAC Emzoom Nova: price and specs
GAC has launched the Emzoom Nova as the latest entry-level variant in its local Emzoom model range. See pricing below…
Standard specification included with the Emzoom Nova package includes a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, replete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring, 3.5-inch driver’s information display flanked by analogue instrumentation, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, rear park distance sensors, keyless entry and remote start, and synthetic leather and cloth seats. The exterior features a revised front fascia, 17-inch alloy wheels, and manual flush door handles. The Emzoom Nova is equipped with two airbags. The Emzoom Nova is available in Graphene Grey, Moonlight Grey, Solid White, Star Silver, Galaxy Lilac, and Fast Red body hues.
The Emzoom Nova is powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine producing 130 kW and 270 N.m of torque. The four-cylinder unit is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. GAC claims an average fuel consumption of 6.2 L/100 km. Three driving modes are available: Eco, Comfort and Sport.
GAC Emzoom Nova price in SA
The Emzoom Nova is priced from R359 900, making it R20 000 and R90 000 more affordable than the mid-spec Executive and top-spec R-Style derivatives, respectively, at the current promotional price. Included in the price are a two-year/30 000 km service plan and a five-year/150 000 km warranty. Additionally, first owners benefit from a lifetime/unlimited km engine warranty.
www.carmag.co.za
GAC has launched the Emzoom Nova as the latest entry-level variant in its local Emzoom model range. See pricing below…
Standard specification included with the Emzoom Nova package includes a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, replete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring, 3.5-inch driver’s information display flanked by analogue instrumentation, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, rear park distance sensors, keyless entry and remote start, and synthetic leather and cloth seats. The exterior features a revised front fascia, 17-inch alloy wheels, and manual flush door handles. The Emzoom Nova is equipped with two airbags. The Emzoom Nova is available in Graphene Grey, Moonlight Grey, Solid White, Star Silver, Galaxy Lilac, and Fast Red body hues.
The Emzoom Nova is powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine producing 130 kW and 270 N.m of torque. The four-cylinder unit is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. GAC claims an average fuel consumption of 6.2 L/100 km. Three driving modes are available: Eco, Comfort and Sport.
GAC Emzoom Nova price in SA
The Emzoom Nova is priced from R359 900, making it R20 000 and R90 000 more affordable than the mid-spec Executive and top-spec R-Style derivatives, respectively, at the current promotional price. Included in the price are a two-year/30 000 km service plan and a five-year/150 000 km warranty. Additionally, first owners benefit from a lifetime/unlimited km engine warranty.
GAC Emzoom Nova: price and specs
GAC has launched the Emzoom Nova as the latest entry-level variant in its local Emzoom model range. See pricing below...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Stellantis to soon start building Voyah EVs for Dongfeng in one of its French factories
Stellantis and Dongfeng signed a letter of intent and will soon finalize a deal to produce Voyah vehicles at the Rennes plant in France. The two companies will form a joint venture with Stellantis owning 51% of the stake.
Voyah is the luxury sub-brand of Dongfeng in China, and its vehicles are barely known in Europe. According to the latest data, Dongfeng sold a little over 3,000 vehicles in Europe in 2025. But that's about to change as Dongfeng is looking for an aggressive overseas expansion, as the competition in its home Chinese market is squeezing out volumes and profits of all EV makers.
Earlier this month, the two companies signed another deal where Dongfeng will produce new Peugeot and Jeep models for the Chinese market.
This appears to be a part of a broader effort of European carmakers to make use of their underutilized factories across Europe. For instance, Stellantis will build cars jointly with Leapmotor in Spain, and Stellantis again owns 51% of the stake. Volkswagen is said to be exploring such deals with various Chinese carmakers as well.
www.arenaev.com
Stellantis and Dongfeng signed a letter of intent and will soon finalize a deal to produce Voyah vehicles at the Rennes plant in France. The two companies will form a joint venture with Stellantis owning 51% of the stake.
Voyah is the luxury sub-brand of Dongfeng in China, and its vehicles are barely known in Europe. According to the latest data, Dongfeng sold a little over 3,000 vehicles in Europe in 2025. But that's about to change as Dongfeng is looking for an aggressive overseas expansion, as the competition in its home Chinese market is squeezing out volumes and profits of all EV makers.
Earlier this month, the two companies signed another deal where Dongfeng will produce new Peugeot and Jeep models for the Chinese market.
This appears to be a part of a broader effort of European carmakers to make use of their underutilized factories across Europe. For instance, Stellantis will build cars jointly with Leapmotor in Spain, and Stellantis again owns 51% of the stake. Volkswagen is said to be exploring such deals with various Chinese carmakers as well.
Stellantis to soon start building Voyah EVs for Dongfeng in one of its French factories
Voyah is Dongfeng's luxury sub-brand.
www.arenaev.com
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Lawnchairman
Expert Member
Yeah its that bad and they selling like hot cakes in Gauteng.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
GAC Emzoom Nova (2026) Price & Specs
The GAC Emzoom Nova is the new entry-point derivative to the boldly-styled crossover range and is priced from just under R360 000.
The GAC Emzoom range was launched locally in South Africa back in August 2024, but the range has now been expanded to lower the entry price. The GAC Emzoom Nova retails for R359 900.
Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, making 130 kW and 270 Nm, and GAC reckons 0-100 kph is dispatched in just 8 seconds. The vehicle features a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and the claimed fuel economy sits at 6.2 L/100 km. Three driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport) are offered.
How much does the GAC Emzoom Nova cost in South Africa?
The vehicle is sold with a 2-year/30 000 km service plan, and a lifetime engine warranty for the first owner which reverts to a 5-year/150 000 km warranty going forward.
Emzoom Nova R359 900
Emzoom Executive R449 900
Emzoom R-Style R499 900
The GAC Emzoom Nova is the new entry-point derivative to the boldly-styled crossover range and is priced from just under R360 000.
The GAC Emzoom range was launched locally in South Africa back in August 2024, but the range has now been expanded to lower the entry price. The GAC Emzoom Nova retails for R359 900.
Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, making 130 kW and 270 Nm, and GAC reckons 0-100 kph is dispatched in just 8 seconds. The vehicle features a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and the claimed fuel economy sits at 6.2 L/100 km. Three driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport) are offered.
How much does the GAC Emzoom Nova cost in South Africa?
The vehicle is sold with a 2-year/30 000 km service plan, and a lifetime engine warranty for the first owner which reverts to a 5-year/150 000 km warranty going forward.
Emzoom Nova R359 900
Emzoom Executive R449 900
Emzoom R-Style R499 900
Pho3nix
The Legend
What’s real life range in these?
FiestaST
Honorary Master
GAC Yue 7 SUV confirmed for SA
GAC has confirmed to CAR magazine that the Yue 7 SUV will launch in South Africa in 2026. Here’s what we know so far…
Following the global debut of the Yue 7 at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, the local arm of GAC has announced that it will launch the Yue 7 in South Africa later this year. The Yue 7, which is sold in its home market under the firm’s Trumpchi sub-brand, measures 4 999 mm in length, 2 004 mm in width, and 1 933 mm in height – dimensions comparable to the current-generation Land Rover Defender 110 and Toyota Land Cruiser 300. The GAC’s wheelbase spans 2 900 mm. The large SUV offers approach and departure angles of 30 and 33 degrees, respectively.
Underpinned by the Chinese automaker’s GMC Thunder 3.0 platform, the Yue 7 is available with the choice of two- or four-wheel drivetrains in overseas markets, and employs a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that pairs a 125 kW/245 N.m 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol internal combustion engine (ICE) with either a single or dual electric motors. The manufacturer has yet to release combined power and torque outputs for the respective PHEV arrangements. The electric motor(s) are fed by either a 28.3kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery or a larger, 45 kWh item – the former and latter offering claimed electric-only operating ranges of 116 and 188 km, respectively.
www.carmag.co.za
GAC has confirmed to CAR magazine that the Yue 7 SUV will launch in South Africa in 2026. Here’s what we know so far…
Following the global debut of the Yue 7 at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, the local arm of GAC has announced that it will launch the Yue 7 in South Africa later this year. The Yue 7, which is sold in its home market under the firm’s Trumpchi sub-brand, measures 4 999 mm in length, 2 004 mm in width, and 1 933 mm in height – dimensions comparable to the current-generation Land Rover Defender 110 and Toyota Land Cruiser 300. The GAC’s wheelbase spans 2 900 mm. The large SUV offers approach and departure angles of 30 and 33 degrees, respectively.
Underpinned by the Chinese automaker’s GMC Thunder 3.0 platform, the Yue 7 is available with the choice of two- or four-wheel drivetrains in overseas markets, and employs a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that pairs a 125 kW/245 N.m 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol internal combustion engine (ICE) with either a single or dual electric motors. The manufacturer has yet to release combined power and torque outputs for the respective PHEV arrangements. The electric motor(s) are fed by either a 28.3kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery or a larger, 45 kWh item – the former and latter offering claimed electric-only operating ranges of 116 and 188 km, respectively.
GAC Yue 7 SUV confirmed for SA
GAC has confirmed to CAR magazine that the Yue 7 SUV will launch in South Africa in 2026. Here is everything we know so far…
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
We drove the new Emzoom Nova and here’s what stood out
How does it drive?
Starting with the oily bits, the car is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 130kW and 270Nm of torque. Power is distributed via a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Perhaps the biggest gripe we have with the Emzoom models is the noticeable lag in power delivery.
A task as simple as maneuvering it in a parking lot proved to be frustrating. The driving route we were afforded was also rather short, no more than 10 minutes in total.
Where the car makes up for this, however, is with its on-road mannerisms.
Once up to speed, the compact SUV handles decently and soaks up road imperfections rather well, thanks to its smaller 17-inch alloy wheels with a higher profile tyre.
Pricing and warranty
The car is priced at R359,900 and is sold with a two-year/30,000km service plan and a five-year/ 150,000km warranty.
How does it drive?
Starting with the oily bits, the car is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 130kW and 270Nm of torque. Power is distributed via a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Perhaps the biggest gripe we have with the Emzoom models is the noticeable lag in power delivery.
A task as simple as maneuvering it in a parking lot proved to be frustrating. The driving route we were afforded was also rather short, no more than 10 minutes in total.
Where the car makes up for this, however, is with its on-road mannerisms.
Once up to speed, the compact SUV handles decently and soaks up road imperfections rather well, thanks to its smaller 17-inch alloy wheels with a higher profile tyre.
Pricing and warranty
The car is priced at R359,900 and is sold with a two-year/30,000km service plan and a five-year/ 150,000km warranty.
Normal driving, 310km. Eco driving, 325km. Varies based on conditions and car configuration, like regen setting.