There’ll be a new kid on the block very soon, in the form of Chinese marque GAC Motor. And when we say soon, we actually mean tomorrow, according to two teasers that were published over the weekend on the carmaker’s official Facebook page.
According to the teaser images, the brand with make its Malaysian debut with the GAC Motor GS3, a B-segment SUV that rivals the likes of the Honda HR-V and Proton X50. The teaser images, which shows off the GS3’s headlights, also suggests that we’ll be getting the facelifted version here on our shores.
GAC Motor will be represented by WTC Automotif (WTCA) here in Malaysia, a new subsidiary under the Tan Chong Motor Group. The companies signed an MoU for the potential sales and assembly of GAC vehicles in Malaysia and Vietnam last year, so there’s a possibility that the GS3 will be locally-assembled (CKD) here in Malaysia – though we’ll have to wait for confirmation on that front.
Back in China, the GAC Motor GS3 (Sold under the Trumpchi brand) comes equipped with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine in two stages of tune – the lower-end model gets 161 hp and 235 Nm of torque, while the rest of the line-up gets 166 hp and 265 Nm. Drive is sent to the front via a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
As for the cabin, the GS3 comes with a pretty modern interior headlined by the floating digital instrument cluster and infotainment combination panel that’s somewhat reminiscent of modern Mercedes-Benz cars.
Of course, ADAS systems are also available on the GAC Motor GS3, although it’s unclear how many of them will actually make their way onto the Malaysian model – if any at all.
The GAC Motor GS3 will enter a pretty competitive scene here in Malaysia, especially with the likes of the aforementioned Honda HR-V and Proton X50 already capturing the minds of car buyers in the segment.
The notion of a completely new brand will make it all that much more difficult, but at least TC Motors will not be a complete stranger to the challenge, having only recently launched the new JMC (Jiangling Motors) brand here in Malaysia, led by the Vigus pick-up truck.
Keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest info on the GAC Motor GS3, tomorrow!
GALLERY
