The GAC GS3 is a subcompact crossover from GAC Motor, aimed to contest the segment’s growing population in the Philippines. It combines the inherent sporty design of crossovers with the classiness that’s observed with GAC cars. It's based on the GA3 sedan that's yet to enter the Philippine market. Design-wise, the GAC GS3 follows the styling of other GAC cars, particularly the bigger GS4. The wide chrome grille flanks the fascia, connecting both sweptback headlamps with sharp LED daytime running lights. In profile, the GS3 is characterized by a floating C-pillar design. At the rear, the GS3 looks distinctive with its LED taillights in the form of an infinity sign.
Inside, the GS3 has a seamless layout with buttons and knobs that are easy to familiarize with. There are two engine options available for the GS3 in the Philippines: the naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter and the turbocharged 1.3-liter – both gasoline and sending power to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Launch
The GAC GS3 was launched in the Philippines in October 15, 2019 with two variants – the naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter and the top-of-the-line, turbocharged 1.3-liter. The range-topper gets a lot of goodies that GAC can offer, such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 6 speakers, and a wide-angle rearview camera. The lower-tier option, on the other hand, gets a bit more basic but at a lower price.
The all-new GAC vehicle is aimed to contest the growing population of the subcompact crossover segment. The GS3 conforms to what you expect in a small crossover: sporty and youthful.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The GS3 rides on the same platform as the GA3 sedan that’s yet to be brought in by GAC Motor in the Philippines. It has McPherson struts independent suspension up front while the rear end has twisting beam suspension. Brakes are both discs with the front wheels using the ventilated type.
The GAC GS3 is powered by two Euro 5-compliant gasoline engine choices. The lower variant is equipped by a naturally-aspirated 1.5L DCVVT that produces 113 hp and 150 Nm of torque. The higher-spec GS3, on the other hand, has a turbocharged 1.3L mill under its hood. This engine does have DCVVT and can produce 136 hp and 202 Nm torque. Both engine choices are coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The GS3 is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering wheel.
Technology Features
The GAC GS3 doesn’t come lackluster with technology and convenience features, especially with its top-spec offering. It has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment at the center of the dashboard, which houses the display of the wide-angle rearview camera. Smart keyless entry with push-start ignition is also standard for the range-topper, along with cruise control, automatic climate control with negative ion air filer, rear-row USB charging ports, electronic parking brake with brake hold, and power-folding side mirrors.
The lower variant, on the other hand, gets fewer tech features but at a lower price point.
Exterior
The GS3 follows GAC Motor’s design language, particularly akin to the design of the GS4. Up front, a wide chrome grille flanks the sweptback halogen headlights with LED DRLs (for the 1.3 trim), while 18-inch alloys can be found on the top-spec variant and the lower trim gets 16-inch wheels. The rear gets a pair of LED taillights in the shape of the infinity sign.
By size, the GS3 is a longer and wider than popular subcompact crossovers like the Ford EcoSport and Suzuki Vitara, while standing almost as tall as the American brand’s competitor. The GS3’s wheelbase is a lot longer than most of subcompact crossovers out there.
Interior
The GAC GS3 features a dark interior theme that is mostly clad in soft plastics, with the exception of some leather and leatherette trimmings found on the range-topper. The lower variant gets fabric upholstery instead.
As its size is bigger than most of its rivals, the GS3 has a huge interior and cargo space. Trunk volume defaults at 370L with the capability to expand to 780L when you fold the rear backrests down. All variants of the GS3 have a 5-person seating capacity.
Safety
The all-new GS3 is packed with safety features, even with its lower variants. Standard across the range are dual front airbags, five 3-point seatbelts with seatbelt reminders for the front occupants, ABS with EBD, stability control, traction control, brake assist, hill-start assist, hill descent control, ISOFIX child seat tethers, and impact sensing door locks.
The range-topping 1.3 variant gets extra front side airbags, e-parking brake with brake hold, and tire pressure monitoring system.
The GAC GS3 doesn’t have an ASEAN NCAP rating but it got a 5-star rating at C-NCAP.
GAC GS3 Variant and Pricelist
View our pricelist table and select a variant to view further specifications.
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GAC GS3 Specifications
Key specifications & features of the GAC GS3. View engine specs, dimensions, safety and technology features in our full variant pages.
Body Type
Crossover
No. of seats
5
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Max Output (HP)
113 HP @ 6,000 rpm - 136 HP @ 5,500 rpm
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Wheel Size
16 in - 18 in
Airbags
2 - 3
*Depending on variant
ISOFIX
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Connectivity
USB and Bluetooth
*Depending on variant
Warranty
5-Year Warranty or 150,000 kilometers
Price
₱888,000
₱1,058,000
Engine Size
1.5 L
1.3 L
Displacement
1,495 cc
1,325 cc
Max Output (HP)
113 HP @ 6,000 rpm
136 HP @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque (Nm)
150 nm @ 4,500 rpm
202 nm @ 1,500 rpm
Side Airbag
No
Yes
Cruise Control
No
Yes
Leather Upholstery
No
Yes
Push Start Button
No
Yes
Wheel Size
16 in
18 in
Airconditioning System
Manual Air-Conditioning With Air Filter
Automatic Air-Conditioning With Air Filter
Entertainment System
2DIN With AM/FM & MP3/WMA via 4 Speakers
8-inch Touchscreen TFT Color Display With AM/FM & MP3/WMA via 6 Speakers
Armed with youthful looks, low price tag, and bevy of features, the all-new 2020 GAC GS3 is set to conquer the growing subcompact crossover population in the Philippines. The base 1.5 GS variant is priced at P888,000. What can this entry-level trim offer to the Filipino car buyers?
