The GS3 Emzoom takes the stylish looks and capabilities of GAC’s GS3 crossover and ramps it up to another level. Touted by GAC themselves as its entry-level vehicle in the Philippines, its looks and features are by no means “entry-level.” The most recent iteration of the GS3 model is an evolution of the GS3 nameplate according to GAC, blending captivating aesthetics, expansive interior space, cutting-edge technology, and remarkable performance into one crossover. The GS3 Emzoom joins the rapidly growing lineup of next-gen GAC vehicles which include the Empow sedan, and the Emkoo SUV.
Aside from the new body and wheels, the GS3 Emzoom is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Power is delivered from the engine to the road via the front wheels. Underneath, the GS3 Emzoom is fitted with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear suspension setup at the back. Housed in the wheels of the GS3 are disc brakes, ventilated at the front and solid discs at the back providing powerful and consistent stopping power.
Launch
GAC announced on June 2023 that the brand was launching a new vehicle for the Philippine market. In the same month, on the 20th, GAC revealed that the new vehicle in question was the GAC GS3 Emzoom, the second-generation of the GS3 crossover which will serve as its replacement in GAC’s lineup. In addition, the Philippines will be the first to receive the GS3 outside of its home country.
Ahead of its launch on June 30, 2023, GAC announced the trim levels for the GS3. The GS3 Emzoom lineup starts with the GS variant, followed by the GB, and ends with the range-topping GL model. Each of these models is accompanied by a reassuring five-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for customers.
The GS3 had an initial launch price of P998,000 for the GS3 GS, P1,098,000 for the GS3 GB, and P1,198,000 for the top-end GS3 GL.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The GS3 Emzoom is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine which produces 174 hp and 270 Nm of torque. This mill is paired with a silky-smooth seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GS3 Emzoom’s speed is said to max out at 190 km/h.
The GS3 Emzoom is also much bigger than the outgoing model, measuring 60 mm longer (4,410 mm), 55 mm lower (1,600 mm), and 25 mm wider (1,850 mm) compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the wheelbase has been extended by 90 mm (2,650 mm), while the front overhang has been reduced by approximately 31 mm.
The GS3 Emzoom is fitted with MacPherson struts up front and at the back, a multi-link rear suspension setup. All four corners of the Emzoom have disc brakes, ventilated discs for the front wheels, and solid discs at the rear.
Chassis
Class
Subcompact Crossover
Body Style
Five-door Crossover
Platform
Layout
Front-engine, Front-wheel Drive
Platform
GAC Global Platform Modular Architecture (GPMA)
Powertrain
Engine
1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Power Output
174 hp @5,500 rpm
270 Nm @1,400 rpm
Transmission
7-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Technology Features
As expected of a Chinese brand like GAC, you’ll find yourself neck-deep in gadgets and goodies. First and foremost, entertainment comes from the GS3 Emzoom’s 10.25-inch multifunctional touchscreen infotainment system. In addition, the GS3 Emzoom is equipped with GAC’s proprietary advanced driver assistance system, serving as an additional layer of safety from the standard set of equipment like airbags and anti-lock brakes.
Exterior
GAC says the GS3 Emzoom is an evolution of the first-generation GS3 crossover and the brand is spot on with that wording. The GS3 Emzoom has outgrown the smooth and curved exterior of its predecessor and has traded it for an aggressive design characterized by striking body creases and sharp body lines.
This transition into a sharper look can be found at the front with the Emzoom’s headlights and grille. The grille is now more geometric in shape and the headlights are now sleeker and edgier. Upon closer inspection, the grille also has a three-dimensional look incorporated into its design, making it appear more dynamic and aggressive.
At the sides, the GS3 Emzoom is fitted with 16-inch alloys featuring a new design. If you opt for the GL model, GAC is providing you with 19-inch alloys with its own bespoke design.
Interior
Inside, the GS3 Emzoom has a plush and well-appointed interior. The interior is intelligently designed, with an emphasis on the driver. The GS3 Emzoom’s 10.25-inch touchscreen melds seamlessly with the instrument panel behind the steering wheel.
At the back, the GS3 Emzoom has 60:40 split folding rear seats that can fold flat to provide more storage space. Available in the top GL variant are an electric sunroof and an electric tailgate for added comfort and convenience.
Safety
The GS3 Emzoom is equipped with safety features, standard safety features include, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, ISOFIX anchors, Airbags, parking sensors, traction control, and stability control. In addition, all GS3 Emzoom variants are equipped with GAC’s advanced driver assistance system. If you opt for the GL model, GAC is providing the top trim GS3 Emzoom with a Surround View parking camera.
Connect with the top GAC sales agents in the Philippines. These agents have good reply speeds, process transactions quickly and have good customer reviews
GAC is sticking its nose into the subcompact crossover segment, and it's going up against the likes of the Geely Coolray, the Changan CS35, the GWM Haval Jolion, and even the Toyota Yaris Cross. In the thick of it all, however, GAC's GS3 Emzoom stands high and above in terms of styling. Does it do the same while driving? We put it to the test in this episode of Behind the Wheel.
[2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style]
(This review is from 2 months since we got our unit)
Very good in terms of what you're getting vs. how cheap it is.
Best Features for me:
- The driving feel (Very intuitive to drive and handle, you have that "SUV" confidence but you can still control the car well)
- ADAS (you might think you don't need it but when you do, you would be happy you have it)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (especially helpful in boring expressway rides)
- 360 Camera (very helpful when navigating tight spaces and parking)
- AC cools very fast (has some downsides listed below, but since the AC is cool, it's good enough)
- Rear passenger space (especially important since the comfort for our rear passenger is top priority)
Things to take note of before finally deciding
- Turbocharged engine, so temper your expectation with mileage (Personally coming from Mirage G4 so I will take time to adjust)
- Apple Carplay only (we have an Android-only household, so we needed an external device to have it work)
- Gear Stick needs getting used to (it's different from the usual AT stick, so might need some time to adjust to be fully confident, maybe a few hours of driving)
- AC vents
- Side AC vents for the driver can not be directed to the driver
- Only one AC vent for the rear passengers
- No manual mode and paddle shifters
Overall, I very much love the car, I just need to adjust my expectations with the fuel mileage. Only now starting to track my gas usage to have specific numbers to give.
Highly recommend scheduling a test drive to test the car for yourself. Before our test drive, this was about 3rd on our list but then suddenly shot up to top after test driving it ourselves.
[2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style]
(This review is from 2 months since we got our unit)
Very good in terms of what you're getting vs. how cheap it is.
Best Features for me:
- The driving feel (Very intuitive to drive and handle, you have that "SUV" confidence but you can still control the car well)
- ADAS (you might think you don't need it but when you do, you would be happy you have it)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (especially helpful in boring expressway rides)
- 360 Camera (very helpful when navigating tight spaces and parking)
- AC cools very fast (has some downsides listed below, but since the AC is cool, it's good enough)
- Rear passenger space (especially important since the comfort for our rear passenger is top priority)
Things to take note of before finally deciding
- Turbocharged engine, so temper your expectation with mileage (Personally coming from Mirage G4 so I will take time to adjust)
- Apple Carplay only (we have an Android-only household, so we needed an external device to have it work)
- Gear Stick needs getting used to (it's different from the usual AT stick, so might need some time to adjust to be fully confident, maybe a few hours of driving)
- AC vents
- Side AC vents for the driver can not be directed to the driver
- Only one AC vent for the rear passengers
- No manual mode and paddle shifters
Overall, I very much love the car, I just need to adjust my expectations with the fuel mileage. Only now starting to track my gas usage to have specific numbers to give.
Highly recommend scheduling a test drive to test the car for yourself. Before our test drive, this was about 3rd on our list but then suddenly shot up to top after test driving it ourselves.
Ask our team of experts any question and we will do our best to give you the best answer possible.
Does the GS3 Emzoom have four-wheel drive?
No, all GS3 Emzoom models sold in the Philippines are front-wheel drive only.
Does the GS3 Emzoom have a diesel variant?
No, the GS3 Emzoom is only available with one powertrain option, a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a 7-speed DCT.
How many seats are in the GS3 Emzoom?
The GAC GS3 Emzoom is a five-seater crossover. It can accommodate five passengers including the driver.
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