Previewed: GAC GS3 Emzoom – Bookings Now Open, Estimated RM130,000

GAC brand distributors and assemblers WTCA previewed the GAC GS3 Emzoom earlier tonight alongside two other models - the GAC Emkoo and GAC Aion Y Plus EV SUV.

Besides the GAC Aion Y Plus, WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) also previewed no less than two upcoming GAC-branded crossover SUVs set to enter the market this year.

Leading things on this front is the GAC GS3 Emzoom model, which is positioned as a rival against the likes of the Honda HR-V and Chery Omoda 5. The model will be available in either Exclusive or Premium-R guises, and WTCA is promising a tentative starting price figure of just RM130,000.

Bookings for the GAC GS3 Emzoom are now open through WTCA’s still-expanding network of authorised GAC dealership network at a nominal booking fee of just RM1,000. At launch, WTCA adds that the striking looks will be paired with a selection of four ‘limited edition’ paint schemes. 

The GAC GS3 Emzoom will be locally assembled (CKD) at TCMA Segambut and is slated for market entry by the second quarter (Q2) of this year with a tentative starting price of RM130,000.

Said price figure is largely driven by the fact that WTCA will locally assemble (CKD) the GS3 Emzoom at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) plant located in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur. WTCA adds that the model’s market entry is slated for the second quarter (Q2) of this year – very soon indeed.

Like its all-electric Y Plus cousin, the GAC GS3 Emzoom presents itself with a rather striking design led by its ‘Mecha Wing’ front grille, ‘Laser Eye’ split-LED headlights, and ‘Laser Dart’ LED taillights. And before you ask, we’re not making these names up – these were what GAC presented them as.

Under the hood, the GAC GS3 Emzoom employs the Chinese automaker’s third-generation 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbocharged and direct-injected petrol lump that’s paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic. The setup drives the front wheels with a claimed 177 PS and 270 NM outputs, with GAC also claiming an average fuel economy as low as 5.9 litres/100 KM.

Besides a striking and sharp exterior design, the GS3 Emzoom promises exceptional performance thanks to its 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo powertrain underneath.

On board, the GS3 Emzoom is expected to deliver on a number of key amenities such as wireless Apple CarPlay. For safety, a bevy of ADAS features are expected, and should promise Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities too.

We’ve detailed the Malaysia-bound GS3 Emzoom in a prior, and it appears much of the thing we last reported are panning out accordingly. Key amongst which is the bevy of kit and amenities primed, with highlights such as wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity via 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and a bevy of active driver assist (ADAS) features.

Clearly, the GAC GS3 Emzoom is specced – and perhaps styled – to sell, and perhaps give things like the Proton X50, Chery Omoda 5, and the Honda HR-V, something to sweat about. The same can be said about the GAC Emkoo model that WTCA also previewed today, which will debut later this year.

Keen to take a closer look? WTCA says it will be organising a series of roving activation events within the Klang Valley from Feb 2 to Feb 28. As for its network, WTCA says its first flagship GAC brand outlet located in Petaling Jaya will open its doors by the end of Feb.

Can this new left-field Chinese alternative give the likes of the Proton X50, Chery Omoda 5, and Honda HR-V, something to sweat about?

Following which, further outlets located in Glenmarie, Cyberjaya, Seremban, Johor Bahru, and Penang will all become operational by the first half (1H) of this year too. In total, WTCA targets to have a total of 20 GAC brand showroom and service centres established by the end of this year.

We’ll have more details on after-sales coverage for the GAC GS3 Emzoom once it is officially launched. In the meantime, what are your thoughts of this fresh new left-field Chinese fighter that’s entering the hotly contested B-segment SUVs space? Hit the comments below…