Geely Emgrand EC7, an entry-level sedan from the Chinese automaker Geely, is expected to cruise on the Nepali roads by the end of this year. Saakha & Universal Automobiles, sole authorized distributor of Geely in Nepal, plans to roll out Geely Emgrand EC7 by the end of December. According to the company, this sedan has earned a four-star rating on the Euro-New Car Assessment Program (E-NCAP). “As Chinese cars are gradually creating a niche for themselves in the Nepali automobile market, we expect this entry-level sedan to compete with similar cars in terms of both price and performance,” said Prabal Saakha, managing director of Saakha Group, the mother company of Saakha & Universal Automobiles. “The four star rating which has been received by the EC7 is the highest ever achieved by any Chinese car, and this proves that Chinese cars are also dependable and trust- worthy,” he said, adding that the car has been manufactured for the European market. According to him, the company aims to sell around 25  units of  the sedan in  the   very  first year.  Citing  that the  car will be one of the most economical models avail- able among the entry-level sedans, Saakha said, “This car will be available in the Nepali market at a starting price of Rs 2.2 to Rs 2.4 million approximately.”

Equipped with a 1.8-lt petrol engine, Emgrand EC7 has a six-speed automatic gearbox to generate maximum power output of 139 kw at 6,200 rpm and a peak torque of 172 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The sedan is fitted with MacPherson front and hybrid link rear suspension. The car’s interior has various attractive features including mechanical non-dazzling interior mirror, full automatic air conditioning system with dust and pollen filter, front door speakers and high solar energy absorbing front windshield glass. Moreover, it also encompasses other features like information display that shows outside temperature, remote control door lock system, engine immobilizer with alarm, automatic door locking speed-sensing system and explosion proof and leak-proof fuel tank. It can be categorized as the safest car among the cars of Chinese origin, as it has a variety of safety features which includes anti lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution system (EBD) and double bumping bag, along with three-point rear seat belts with automatic/emergency locking retractors for all passengers. Meanwhile, Geely is keen not to repeat the safety fiasco of other Chinese brands in Europe. This can also be noticed in its higher trims, that come with six airbags as standard. On the base GS version, equipment includes electric windows and a CD player. Higher-end versions get features such as an electric sunroof, electrically adjustable leather seats, a DVD player as well as steering wheel mounted audio controls. The car offers ample legroom. The middle-sitting second-row passenger has one of the strangest three point seat belts, involving two buckling points. However, boot capacity is generous though, at 680 litres. Geely’s 1.8-litre engine looks under powered, but in city driving conditions, it seems game and potent enough. The sedan will be available in different colour variants such as red, silver, blue, grey, and pearl white.