Geely GX3 Pro Enters The Philippines This Month – Could This Be A Future Proton?

Set to enter neighbouring Philippines this month is the new Geely GX3 Pro compact crossover SUV.

This month, neighbouring Philippines is set to see a brand new Geely model enter its market, and it none other than the GX3 Pro compact crossover. First previewed in said nation during the 2023 Manila International Auto Show earlier this year, the Geely GX3 Pro stands as the smallest crossover SUV offering in Geely’s global range.

Based on multiple reports coming out of said ASEAN neighbour just next to Sabah, Geely’s Philippines arm is set to offer the model across two variants, priced between PHP778,000 and RM878,000 (approx. RM63,978 and RM72,201).

Despite its compact footprint, the GX3 Pro boasts huge dimensions and a striking design, the latter evident through the signature Geely touches like the grile and headlights (top left).

Part of the GX3 Pro's kit list includes a set of multi-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels.

Before we get into details, it’s worth noting that the Geely GX3 isn’t the newest offering in Geely mass arsenal. It first debuted in China back in 2017, and has undergone various minor tweaks since before receiving a major update in its new ‘Pro’ guise that also saw an upgrade from a 4-speed automatic box to a new CVT unit.

Boasting a similarly compact footprint as the Perodua Ativa, the Geely GX3 will go up against said Perodua’s Toyota-badged Raize twin in the Philippines, which is similarly priced between PHP751,000 and PHP1,063.000 (approx. RM61,758 and RM87,415).

Despite its compact size, sources in the Philippines reports the GX3 Pro offers up to 400 litres of boot space.

Both variants of the Geely GX3 for the Philippines share a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol heart, rated at 102 HP and 142 NM. Besides level of on board equipment and amenities, what separates both variants are the transmissions primed – 5-speed manual for the base ‘Pro S’, and a CVT automatic for the ‘Pro Comfort’.

Despite compact measurements of 4,0005 MM long, 1,760 MM wide and 1,560 MM tall, the Geely GX3 boast huge dimensions all around. It even boasts a sizeable 400-litre boot space. Adding to which is the distinct styling, which includes eye-catching headlights, Geely’s unmistakable grille design with chrome accents, faux rear diffuser, LED taillights, and 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

On board, the GX3 Pro's cabin mirrors closely with the Geely Emgrand sedan, featuring a sleek two-tier dash design with a free-standing infotainment touchscreen display.

Key amenities reportedly present include leather upholstery, dual airbags, cruise control, reverse camera, as well as traction and stability control suites.

On board, the GX3’s cabin mirrors closely with Geely’s fourth generation Emgrand sedan, evident through the sleek two-tier dash design featuring a free-standing touchscreen infotainment display powered by CarbitLink. Key equipment present includes leather seats, cruise control, reverse camera, traction and stability control suites, dual airbags, as well as Bluetooth connectivity.

Overall, it appears that the Geely GX3 looks set to keep rivals like the aforementioned Toyota Raize and Kia Stonic on their toes in the Philippines when it launches this month.

Presently, the Proton X50 stands as the 'smallest' Geely-based crossover SUV on sale by the national marque. Could the GX3 Pro slot below it in the future?

Moreover, we are also certain some quarters here in Malaysia are keen to know if this pint-sized crossover will see life being rebadged as Proton in the near future. Given how Proton successfully inducted the X70, X50, and more recently the X90, this appears to be a possibility indeed.

However, given Proton’s reported plans to introduce a rebadged iteration of the Geely Emgrand sedan later this year, perhaps this potentially new and direct fighter to the Perodua Ativa might not come so soon. Nevertheless, given that it might happen, would you fancy the Geely GX3 if it had a Proton badge?