GAC to preview Civic RS Turbo fighter at MIAS 2022

This year's Manila International Auto Show will have plenty of new car launches. However, not every automaker participating will debut a brand new vehicle. For GAC Motor Philippines, they will be previewing two vehicles at the annual motor show.

While GAC has yet to officially say what models they will unveil, we were able to catch a glimpse of one of the vehicles they will be debuting via a teaser image they posted. Based on what we saw, it appears GAC will be bringing the EMPOW55.

Don't let its name fool you as this sporty-looking sedan is aimed directly against the likes of the Honda Civic. With its fastback styling, aggressive grille, sleek LED headlights and taillights, and dual exhausts, the EMPOW55 is a looker.

Under the hood, it's powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Despite its small size, it actually cranks out 177 PS along with 270 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which allows it to go from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.95 seconds. Compared to the Honda Civic's 1.5L turbo, the EMPOW55 makes 1 less PS but makes 30 Nm of additional pulling power.

With those output figures, it seems GAC is looking to put other sports sedans on notice. But since GAC will only be previewing the sedan this Thursday, interested buyers will have to wait for more details on April 7.

If GAC Motor Philippines actually launches the EMPOW55, would you get it over the Honda Civic? Let us know in the comments.