2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom now in PH

After announcing the variants and price range of its Coolray killer last week, GAC Motor distributor Astara Philippines has officially launched the all-new 2023 GS3.

Available in three distinct variants, the turbocharged crossover is out to compete against not just the Geely Coolray, but also against the likes of the MG ZS T, Changan CS35 Plus, and Honda HR-V.

Starting with its sleek and sporty looks, the all-new GS3 combines Cyberpunk-like aesthetics with futuristic elements. The front end features the distinct flying-mecha front fascia design which consists of sharp LED headlights, a unique grille, and large air intakes.

The rest of the vehicle sees the GS3 come with a unique pair of LED taillights, dual exhaust pipes, flush door handles, stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, and blacked-out accents. Size-wise, the 2023 GS3 measures 4410mm long, 1850mm wide, 1600mm tall, and has a 2650mm wheelbase. Available only for the range-topping GL is a special body kit and bigger 19-inch alloy wheels.

Open the doors and a high-tech & plush cabin greets the driver and passengers. A pair of digital screens rise from the dashboard. The first screen serves as the digital instrument cluster which measures 7 inches while the other display is the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and AM/FM radio. Depending on the variant chosen, the GS3 is available with two, four, or six speakers.

In the GL and GB models, the GS3 gets automatic climate control with rear vents (GS only gets manual air-conditioning), a leather-wrapped steering wheel (polyurethane on lower variants), leather seats (fabric on the GS), and rear USB charging ports (GS has none).

Other high-end features available in the 2023 GS3 include; a power-adjustable driver's seat, rear center armrest, interior ambient lighting, automatic headlights, power-folding side mirrors, a sunroof, a power tailgate, and rain-sensing wipers.

All variants of the all-new GS3 come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four shared with the Emkoo and Empow. It makes 177 PS at 5500 rpm with 270 Nm of torque and is coupled to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that drives the front wheels.

Safety features in the 2023 GS3 include anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, hill-hold control, hill-descent control (GL only), an electronic stability program, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a host of airbags (6 on the GL, 4 on the GB, and 2 on the GS).

Driver aids, meanwhile, come in the form of cruise control, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and a surround-view camera system that's exclusive to the GS. There's also a host of intelligent driver assists systems that are only available to the top-of-the-line variant. These include; adaptive cruise control (ACC), automatic emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), high-beam assist (HBA), traffic sign recognition (TSR), traffic jam assist (TJA), lane-keep assist (LKA), and lane departure warning (LDW).

Available colors for the 2023 GAC GS3 are; Graphene Gray, Ivory White, Salt Lake Blue Blue, Moonlight Gray, and Superstar Silver.