Following its first official teaser last year, the highly-awaited 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom has now finally made its way over to Malaysia in a media preview event today. The company has also opened the order books today for the model, which will be priced “below RM130,000”, at a booking fee of RM1,000.
Detailed information of the Malaysia-bound model is still not available yet, but we do know that it’ll be locally assembled here in Malaysia following WTC Automotif’s RM60 million investment for the Chinese brand’s CKD efforts. According to Warisan TC Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Tan Keng Meng, CKD operations for the GAC GS3 Emzoom in Malaysia will begin in the second quarter of 2024, at its new production facility located in Segambut.
The highlight of the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom is undoubtedly its futuristic design, characterised by sharp and aggressive lines throughout its exterior. A key design element is the ‘Flying Mecha’ front fascia inspired by Japanese Gundam figurines, as seen from the unique frameless grille that extends outwards towards the slim triangular daytime-running lights.
The same triangular motif is repeated throughout its entire exterior design, including the character lines on the doors, as well as the three-dimensional LED tail lights round the back, and to further emphasise its aggressive styling, the compact crossover also gets a unique roof-mounted spoiler, plus 18-inch alloy wheels.
For an even more sporty look, the range-topping R-Style variant adds orange accents throughout the exterior, 19-inch wheels, alongside a more aggressive body kit that even has elaborate diffuser elements and centre-mounted exhaust outlets round the back.
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In comparison to its loud exterior design, the cabin of the GAC GS3 Emzoom is relatively minimalist, although it does still show its playful edge with the blue-coloured upholstery, unique air con vent design, and the crystal gear shift lever on the centre console.
Interior equipment highlights include a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic climate control, and powered driver’s seat. GAC says that the all-new GS3 Emzoom also boasts segment-leading interior space performance, highlighted by the flat floor in the second-row seats.
With the rear seats folded down flush to the boot floor, GAC says that the rear passenger quarters can also turn into a 1.8-metre long bed.
The Malaysia variant line-up of the GAC GS3 Emzoom should mirror that of the Philippines, where the compact crossover made its global market debut with three variants on offer. No matter the variant, though, they are all powered by the same “third-generation” 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This combo makes a total of 177 hp and 270 Nm and sends all power to the front wheels.
Advanced driver assistance features, however, should only be limited to the range-topping variant. The ADAS suite include adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, as well as an intelligent speed limit control system.
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