2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM Premium R Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly fierce. Consumers value practicality in space while also having higher requirements for power performance and intelligent configurations. As a new contender in this segment, the 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM Premium R has attracted quite a bit of attention from family users upon its launch, thanks to its 1.5T high-power engine, abundant active safety features, and class-leading wheelbase. This time, through an actual test drive, we’ll focus on evaluating its power response, space utilization, and daily driving comfort to see if it stands out among vehicles in the same price range.

In terms of appearance, the GS3 EMZOOM Premium R's design leans towards a youthful and sporty style. The front face features a large-sized blacked-out grille paired with through-style LED daytime running lights, offering high recognition. The side profile boasts smooth lines, and the 18-inch multi-spoke wheels further enhance the sporty feel. The rear features through-style LED taillights that echo the design of the front, creating an eye-catching visual effect when illuminated. Overall, the design is considered stylish among C-Segment SUVs, in line with current market aesthetics.

Sitting inside, the interior is dominated by black tones, and the dashboard is wrapped in soft materials, providing a decent tactile feel. The 7-inch LCD instrument cluster is clear and presents information such as RPM, speed, and fuel consumption at a glance. The 10.25-inch center control screen operates smoothly and supports CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, making daily use convenient. In terms of features, the driver's seat is six-way electrically adjustable for quickly finding a comfortable sitting position, while the front passenger seat is four-way manually adjustable, which is sufficient. The rear row is equipped with independent air-conditioning vents and power outlets, showing thoughtful attention to detail. Regarding space performance, the 2650mm wheelbase provides a clear advantage in its class; a passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the rear still has about two fists of legroom, and their head does not touch the ceiling. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 341L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, meeting the needs of family trips or transporting large items.

For the powertrain, the 1.5T turbocharged engine produces a maximum output of 130kW (177PS) and a peak torque of 270N·m, paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission. The throttle response is positive during starts, and a light press on the accelerator delivers a noticeable push-back sensation, making it easy to follow other vehicles or overtake in the city. On the highway, accelerating beyond 100km/h, the gearbox shifts down quickly, and the power reserve is ample. There are three driving modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity is further enhanced, suitable for users seeking a more engaging driving experience. The suspension features a front MacPherson and rear torsion beam setup, tuned towards comfort. When passing speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs vibrations without noticeable stiffness. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled within a reasonable range, providing overall stability. The steering is light, making it easy for women to drive, though it feels slightly loose at high speeds, which may take some getting used to.

In actual fuel consumption tests, urban traffic showed a fuel consumption of about 7.5L/100km, while highway cruising reduced it to 5.2L/100km. The combined fuel consumption was approximately 6.3L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 5.9L/100km but still economical compared to other SUVs with the same engine displacement. Regarding noise control, tire and wind noises are not obvious under 80km/h, but wind noise becomes slightly more pronounced above 100km/h without affecting normal conversations. Brake performance is stable, with the vehicle maintaining a steady stance during emergency braking, and the braking distance is on par with the average level for the class.

One of the highlights of the GS3 EMZOOM Premium R is its safety configuration, which includes 7 standard airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, ACC adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree panoramic view system. The automatic parking function can easily handle tight parking spaces, making it friendly for beginners. The vehicle comes with a 5-year/150,000-kilometer warranty, giving consumers enough confidence.

Overall, the 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM Premium R performs well in terms of space, power, and configuration, especially with its 2650mm wheelbase and rich safety features, which make it stand out in the same price range (~RM126,800) among C-Segment SUVs. Compared to competitors such as the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, it has stronger power parameters and a longer wheelbase, but slightly lower brand recognition. This vehicle is suitable for family users who value practicality in space, power performance, and safety features. It can meet the needs of daily commuting or short weekend trips. If your budget is around RM130,000 and you are looking for a well-balanced SUV, the GS3 EMZOOM Premium R is worth considering.