Geely Emgrand EC7

Geely Emgrand EC7: Which Version Should You Choose?

The Geely Emgrand EC7 choice comes down to two engines and two transmission types. The 1.5 MT has 98 hp and is the more economical option where consumption is measured, while the 1.8 MT and 1.8 CVT provide 126 hp and quicker acceleration. All versions are front-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated Gasoline hatchbacks with inline 4-cylinder engines.

The Geely Emgrand EC7 choice comes down to two engines and two transmission types. The 1.5 MT has 98 hp and is the more economical option where consumption is measured, while the 1.8 MT and 1.8 CVT provide 126 hp and quicker acceleration. All versions are front-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated Gasoline hatchbacks with inline 4-cylinder engines. Buyers prioritizing measured fuel economy should start with the 1.5 MT rated at 6.7 l/100 km combined; those prioritizing performance should consider a 1.8 MT or 1.8 CVT capable of 0–100 km/h in 12.8 seconds.

Generation and version differences

The Emgrand EC7 has one generation in the supplied catalogue data. The 1 generation ran from July 2009 to March 2017 and used a Hatchback 5-door body. It contains 6 listed versions: two entries named 1.5 MT, two named 1.8 MT, and two named 1.8 CVT.

Some identical version names carry different specifications, so the production dates and figures matter. The earlier 1.5 MT, available from July 2009, has 98 hp, reaches 100 km/h in 15 seconds, and has a maximum speed of 165 km/h. The later 1.5 MT, available from November 2010, retains 98 hp but reaches 100 km/h in 13 seconds and has a maximum speed of 170 km/h.

The 1.8 MT listings both produce 126 hp. The version available from July 2009 develops 162 Nm and reaches 180 km/h, whereas the version available from November 2010 develops 168 Nm and reaches 185 km/h. Both record the same 12.8-second acceleration time.

The two 1.8 CVT entries share the same core specifications: 126 hp, 172 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 12.8 seconds, and a maximum speed of 185 km/h. One starts in July 2009 and the other in November 2010.

Engine and gearbox specs

The 1.5 MT produces approximately 65.4 hp per litre, while every 1.8 MT and 1.8 CVT produces approximately 70.3 hp per litre. Moving from the 1.5 MT to either 1.8 version adds 28 hp, an increase of about 28.6%, and adds between 36 and 46 Nm depending on the selected 1.8 version.

The 1.8 CVT has the highest torque at 172 Nm. That is 4 Nm more than the later 1.8 MT and 10 Nm more than the earlier 1.8 MT. Peak torque arrives at 4,200 rpm in the 1.8 CVT, at 4,250 rpm in both 1.8 MT listings, and at 4,000 rpm in the 1.5 MT.

All engines are mounted at the front in a transverse position and use Distributed injection (multi-point). The 1.5 MT has a compression ratio of 10.3, compared with 10 for the 1.8 MT and 1.8 CVT. Every version uses 92 fuel.

Performance and fuel economy

The earlier 1.5 MT has the lowest measured consumption. Against a 1.8 version, it uses 1.3 l/100 km less in the city, 0.7 l/100 km less on the highway, and 0.9 l/100 km less combined. Its trade-off is performance: the 15-second acceleration time is 2.2 seconds slower than the 12.8-second result of every 1.8 version.

The later 1.5 MT cuts the measured 0–100 km/h time to 13 seconds, only 0.2 seconds behind the 1.8 versions, despite retaining 98 hp and 126 Nm. Its city, highway, and combined consumption figures are not measured, so it cannot be presented as the confirmed economy leader.

Among the 1.8 choices, measured consumption and acceleration do not distinguish the transmissions. The decision is therefore between the 5-speed Manual and Variable gearboxes, followed by differences in torque, top speed, and weight.

Dimensions, weight and wheels

Exterior length, width, and height are not measured in the supplied data. All versions have 160 mm of ground clearance and a 50-litre fuel tank.

The later 1.5 MT is 121 kg lighter than the earlier 1.5 MT. It consequently improves from approximately 13.8 to 12.6 kg per horsepower, matching its quicker acceleration result.

The later 1.8 MT is 95 kg lighter than the earlier 1.8 MT. The later 1.8 CVT is 20 kg lighter than the earlier 1.8 CVT. At 1,260 kg, the later 1.8 MT and 1.8 CVT share the best power-to-weight relationship in the range at 10 kg per horsepower.

Every version uses independent spring front suspension, semi-independent spring rear suspension, and disc brakes at both ends.

Which Emgrand EC7 version should you buy?

Choose the earlier 1.5 MT if measured fuel consumption is the priority. Its 6.7 l/100 km combined result is the lowest available figure, and it also has the only recorded wheel sizes: 205/65 R15 and 215/55 R16. The compromise is the slowest acceleration and lowest maximum speed in the range.

Choose the later 1.5 MT if you want 1.5-litre performance closer to the larger engine. It reaches 100 km/h in 13 seconds, 2 seconds sooner than the earlier 1.5 MT, and raises maximum speed by 5 km/h. However, its consumption and wheel-size figures are not measured.

Choose a 1.8 MT if you want 126 hp with a 5-speed Manual gearbox. Between the two entries, the later 1.8 MT is the stronger numerical choice: it adds 6 Nm, increases maximum speed by 5 km/h, and reduces kerb weight by 95 kg while retaining the same acceleration and measured consumption.

Choose a 1.8 CVT if the Variable gearbox is the deciding feature. Both listings offer the range’s highest torque figure of 172 Nm, and both combine 12.8-second acceleration with a 185 km/h maximum speed. The later entry weighs 20 kg less and records the same 1,260 kg kerb weight as the later 1.8 MT.

On the available figures alone, the later 1.8 MT offers the strongest balance for a Manual buyer, while the later 1.8 CVT is the corresponding Variable choice. The earlier 1.5 MT remains the clearest economy selection because its lower consumption is measured rather than assumed. Reliability, problems, prices, and equipment are not measured in the supplied data, so they cannot support a version recommendation here.