Here it is folks, the GAC GS3 with all the key information after being teased on social media yesterday. The Chinese automaker, distributed by Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA), has the GAC GS3 as the first-ever model to be introduced in Malaysia.
Fully imported from China, for the time being, two variants of the GAC GS3 are on offer and both are priced competitively and equipped with plenty of features too. The GAC GS3 Standard is priced at RM88,800 while the Premium grade goes for RM96,800. Prices are on-the-road and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that has been extended to 30th June 2022.
EXTERIOR
While the GAC GS3 arrive at our shores later in its model life, the schedule has allowed GAC to offer us the facelifted version, compared to the model currently being offered in the Philippines. New styling items include headlights, grille, taillights and bumpers, all of which has made the GS3 look a lot more sleek and modern.
The lower bumper cladding linking the smaller fog lamps add visual elements emphasising the width and dynamism of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the D-pillar in gloss black contributes to a “floating-roof” look.
Key dimensions of the GAC GS3 are 4,358 mm (length), 1,825 mm (width), 1,685 mm (height) and a wheelbase of 2,560 mm. Compared to the Proton X50, the GS3 is similar in exterior dimensions but has a 40 mm shorter wheelbase. Standard exterior features are:
- Halogen headlamps with follow-me-home function
- LED tail lamps
- Roof rails
- 17-inch wheels with 215/60R17 tyres
The fully-imported GAC GS3 is offered in four colours – Lunar Grey, Ivory White, Starlight Silver and Rosefinch Red. The Premium variant is available in Rosefinch Red with black roof, Ivory White with black roof and Lunar Grey (with body-coloured roof) together with black side mirrors, shark fin antenna and roof rails.
INTERIOR
The interior of the GAC GS3 is well appointed too, with a good mix of gloss black finishing as well as panels with stitching. Standard items include:
- Tilt and slide sunroof
- Cruise control
- Push-button air-conditioning controls with PM2.5 air filtration system
- ECO Mode
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and phone mirroring
- Parking camera
For the extra RM8,000, the Premium grade gets power-folding side mirrors, a 3.5-inch coloured multi-information display, intelligent key with push-start button, leatherette seat upholstery, a more comfortable rear seat with a folding armrest and centre headrest.
The GAC GS3 boasts one of the widest cabins in its class measuring 1,500 mm and offers comfortable and well-supported seating for three adults at the back. WTCA says the boot has 356 litres of storage space and is expandable to 780 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Malaysia is also the first country to launch the right-hand drive model of the GAC GS3.
PERFORMANCE
Under the bonnet lies a rather conventional powertrain with the GS3 being powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Outputs are modest at 114 hp and 150 Nm with the transmission being a six-speed automatic made by Aisin A.W.
- Engine: 1,495 cc, 4-cylinder Dual CVVT
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Driveline: Front engine, front wheel-drive
- Max horsepower: 114 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Max torque: 150 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
- Fuel Consumption: 14.5 km/L (6.9 L/100km)
Mechanically, the GAC GS3 has the standard MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear axle, with a conventional manual hand-operated parking brake acting on rear disc brakes.
SAFETY
Standard active safety features in the GAC GS3 include ABS, EBD with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), both Hill Descent and Hill Start Hold Control as well as Blind Spot Detection.
Only the airbag count separates the Standard grade from the Premium grade, with the latter having six airbags that include front side airbags. The Standard gets frontal units as well as curtain airbags. Seatbelt alarm (audio and visual) for all five seats is also fitted in the GAC GS3.
PRICE
The GAC GS3 Standard is priced at RM88,800 while the Premium grade goes for RM96,800. Prices are on-the-road and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that has been extended to June 30th 2022. Included in the price is a five-year/150,000 km manufacturer’s warranty plus free labour charge for five scheduled services within the first three years or 100,000 km travelled (whichever comes first)
The GAC GS3 is available for viewing and test drives at its new showroom along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur (next to the Nissan ETCM showroom) with more sales outlets planned to support more models in the future.
GALLERY
