By Xolile Hopa

What happens when you take one of the boldest-looking compact SUVs on the market and make it more accessible? You get the GAC Emzoom Nova. Priced from R356,100, the Nova is now the entry point into the Emzoom range, and it could be the model that puts GAC on the radar of more South African buyers.

The name “Nova” means “new” in Latin and is linked to the idea of a bright star. It is a fitting name for a model designed to bring fresh energy to the compact SUV market. But beyond the new badge, does the more affordable Emzoom still have the same appeal?

At first glance, the answer is yes. The Nova retains the Emzoom’s sharp, sporty design, with newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels, a black-patterned front grille, manual hidden door handles, and remote engine start. It has the kind of design that makes you look back at it after parking.

Step inside and the Nova feels modern and well laid out. A 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto takes centre stage, while the multifunction steering wheel and manually adjustable seats make the cabin easy to live with. The driving position is comfortable, and there is a real sense that this is not just a budget-focused model. That said, one noticeable omission is the lack of a rear-view camera, a feature many buyers may expect at this price.

For city driving, the Emzoom Nova is the right size. At 4,410mm long, 1,850mm wide, and 1,600mm high, it is compact enough for tight parking spaces without feeling too small. The 341-litre boot also gives it enough practicality for shopping trips, school runs, and weekend luggage.

Where the Nova really surprises is under the bonnet. It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual wet-clutch automatic transmission. With 130kW and 270Nm sent to the front wheels, it feels lively and eager to go. GAC claims a 0 to 100km/h time of 8.0 seconds, which is quick for an entry-level compact SUV.

Then there is the lifetime engine warranty. In a market where long-term ownership costs matter more than ever, that is a major confidence booster and could be one of the Nova’s biggest selling points.

The GAC Emzoom Nova asks an important question: why should an affordable compact SUV be boring? It offers head-turning styling, strong performance, useful technology, and a practical footprint at a competitive price. The missing rear-view camera is disappointing, but the Nova still brings enough personality and value to make it a serious contender in the compact SUV segment.