GAC's Civic Turbo fighter will start below PHP 1.2M

We’re only just a few days away before GAC Motor formally launches under Astara Philippines, the same company that handles Peugeot in the country.

While the company already announced that it has added GAC Motor PH to its automotive portfolio just before the holidays last month, the company announced will also be launching two new models come January 18, the all-new GS8 flagship and the turbocharged EMPOW 55 sports sedan.

First previewed during the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the EMPOW 55 will serve as a rival to the Honda Civic while the GS8 can go toe-to-toe against the likes of the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, as well as the newly-launched Changan UNI-K.

But even before both vehicles make their official debut, we recently received information about the starting price of the upcoming EMPOW 55. According to an ad we saw on the internet, the turbocharged sports sedan will start at PHP 1.185 million. If this is true, GAC’s new turbocharged four-door will undercut the entry-level Honda Civic S which is currently retailing for PHP 1.368 million.

Official specifications and available variants have yet to be revealed by GAC Motor PH. What we do know is that it will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 177 PS and 270 Nm of torque. Power is then transferred to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives the front wheels. And just like the vehicle we saw during MIAS 2022, we can expect it to come with 18-inch alloy wheels, quad exhausts, and slim LED headlights/taillights.

With two new vehicles set to be revealed as well as a new boss at the helm who plans to build brand awareness, GAC Motor PH will be quite busy after its relaunching. We also cannot wait to get behind the wheel of the EMPOW 55 (and the GS8) to see just how it will feel on the road.