GAC GS3 2024 Review

As competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market intensifies, consumer demand for models in the RM 100,000–130,000 range is gradually shifting towards "balanced practicality"—requiring sufficient power, configurations that cater to daily needs, and no compromise on space. The GAC GS3 EMZOOM Standard version, launched in October 2024 with a starting price of RM 103,800, enters the market with its core selling point as "entry-level pricing matched with mainstream power and basic smart configurations." Many budget-conscious families are curious: does this vehicle truly strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and practicality? This test drive will focus on its static experience, dynamic performance, and suitability for daily usage scenarios, providing potential buyers with a reference.

The exterior design of the GS3 EMZOOM Standard adopts a simple and sporty style, featuring smooth and streamlined lines. The front face is equipped with a large blacked-out grille, paired with sharp-edged LED daytime running lights on both sides, offering moderate recognizability. The side profile showcases a waistline extending from the fender to the rear, with 18-inch wheels (225/55 R18 specs) giving the vehicle a better visual stance. However, the wheel arches are minimally adorned, maintaining the car's practical family style. At the rear, the LED taillights utilize a through-type design, though they are not fully connected when illuminated, with a chrome trim in the middle serving only as decoration. The black plastic cladding on the lower rear bumper and the dual exhaust outlets (decorative) attempt to add a touch of sportiness, yet the overall style leans more toward steadiness. The lighting system features standard LED headlights and taillights across all versions, which adequately meet nighttime commuting needs.

Inside, the interior uses black as the main color, with the dashboard covered in hard plastic, which has a slightly firm texture but decent craftsmanship. The highlight of the interior is the 10.25-inch central touchscreen with a clear layout, supporting Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functions with moderate operation smoothness. The instrument cluster combines a 3.5-inch mechanical and LCD setup, displaying only basic information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level, lacking the richness of the 7-inch LCD screen in higher models. In terms of configuration, the Standard version features keyless entry/start, a multifunction steering wheel, electrically folding mirrors, and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, covering the basics for daily car use. However, a manual air conditioning system, 2-speaker stereo system, and manually adjustable front seats (6-way for the driver and 4-way for the passenger) highlight the entry-level positioning. In terms of space, the car measures 4,410/1,850/1,600mm in length, width, and height, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2,650mm. The front row offers ample seating space with about one fist’s width of headroom for a 175cm passenger. The rear seat provides approximately two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, though the slight floor hump in the middle affects the comfort of the middle passenger when fully occupied with five people. The cargo space volume is 341L, with the rear seats supporting a 60/40 split fold. When expanded, it can accommodate larger items, suitable for short family trips.

In terms of power, the Standard version is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum of 177PS and a peak torque of 270N·m, paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission and a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. During daily driving, the initial acceleration response is slightly slow, requiring a deeper press of the accelerator to achieve noticeable thrust. Once the engine reaches 2,000rpm, the torque release from the turbocharger becomes relatively linear, providing decent mid-range acceleration (60–100 km/h) and making overtaking maneuvers relatively effortless. The transmission's shift logic leans toward smoothness, with minimal jolts during normal mode gear changes, though downshifts might feel slightly delayed during rapid acceleration. As for handling, the MacPherson strut front suspension combined with a torsion-beam rear suspension leans towards comfort. It absorbs most minor bumps when traversing speed bumps or uneven roads, although the rear suspension feels slightly stiff when dealing with major jolts, leading to mild body bounce. The steering wheel offers moderate resistance with minimal slack, providing precise control for lane changes or cornering during daily driving. However, at high speeds, the steering feels slightly lighter, lacking a sense of weight. Fuel economy meets expectations, with an average of around 8.5L/100km in urban traffic and 6.2L/100km while cruising on the highway, bringing the overall consumption close to the official figure of 5.9L/100km (slightly higher in real driving conditions). Noise control is acceptable, with the engine being relatively quiet at low speeds, though tire noise and wind noise become more pronounced above 80 km/h but remain within an acceptable range.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM Standard lies in the "balance between price and performance" — at a price of RM 103,800, you can get a 1.5T+7DCT power combination, which is relatively rare in similarly priced C-Segment SUVs. Although the basic configuration is not particularly rich, practical features such as a keyless entry system and a reverse camera are equipped to meet daily commuting needs. Comparing it with peers in the same segment, such as the Honda HR-V 1.5S (approximately RM 112,900), the Standard version is nearly RM 10,000 cheaper with better performance specifications, though it slightly lags behind in terms of configuration and brand premium. If compared with the Proton X50 1.5T Standard (approximately RM 86,800), the GS3 EMZOOM offers more space and stronger performance but is about RM 17,000 more expensive.

This vehicle is suitable for families with a budget of around RM 100,000 who prioritize performance and space—whether for daily commuting or weekend getaways, it can handle both. Its entry-level price lowers the barrier to owning a C-Segment SUV. However, if you have higher configuration requirements (such as automatic air conditioning or multiple airbags), it is recommended to consider mid-to-high trims. Overall, the GS3 EMZOOM Standard is a "practical and sufficient" entry-level SUV, without too many fancy features, but solid enough to meet the core needs of family users.