China’s GAC compact crossover launched in Malaysia from RM89k

KUALA LUMPUR: You probably have never heard of the automotive brand GAC. Well, this is one of the dozen or so prominent Chinese car manufacturers that have been reaching out across ASEAN with stylish new vehicles at unbeatable value. Yes, we say unbeatable as these Chinese car manufacturers are able to deliver quality engineering, build quality, and cabin technology in recent years at selling prices that are lower than their Japanese and Korean rivals.

Here comes the GAC GS3 compact SUV. Sized to rival the popular Geely rebadged Proton X50, the GS3 has a design language that is very similar to the larger and more prominent Proton X70. Its shoulder lines and front design look very much like a slimmer sibling to the X70.

Already launched in the Philippines, Dubai, and Qatar earlier in 2020, it was easy for GAC to look at left-hand drive markets first as China is also a left-hand drive market. For Malaysia, they needed time to develop a right-hand drive model, just like how Geely and Haval took the time to launch their vehicles in Malaysia.

GAC is working with the long-established Tan Chong Motor Group in Malaysia for sales and distribution under the company WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd. The GAC GS3 is fully imported from China and yet it is priced very competitively to challenge all segment rivals.

This fully imported GS3 marks the introduction of the GAC brand in Malaysia by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) following the signing of the distributorship agreement between WCTA and GAC Motor International Limited (GAC International) on 30th November 2021. WCTA is currently working closely with GAC International to kick-start the local assembly of the GS3 and the future introduction of upcoming GAC models like the GS7 SUV and even the high-end GS8 SUV.

This GS3 offers good cabin spaciousness with legroom and shoulder room for three rear passengers. In addition, there are 25 storage spaces to be found in the cabin along with a cargo space measuring 356 liters which can then be expanded by folding down the 60:40 rear seats.

Safety features are also good where this GS3 is equipped with up to 6 airbags, Blind Spot Detection, Electronic Stability Control, Emergency Stop Signal, Rear View Camera, Seatbelt Warning for all passengers, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and even a Climate Control System with PM2.5 filtering for odor-free motoring.

The GAC GS3 is powered by a 1.5-litre engine with Dual-CVVT and a GAC patented combustion control technology for enhanced combustion efficiency. The smooth 4-cylinder engine produces 114ps and 150Nm and is mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic with adaptive intelligent control to return a remarkable fuel efficiency of 6.9L per 100km, or 14.5km/l based on the combined NEDC cycle.

The GS3 is available in two different grades with four attractive body colours to choose from – Lunar Grey, Ivory White, Starlight Silver and Rosefinch Red.

The on-the-road prices without insurance start from RM88,800 for the Standard variant and RM96,800 for the Premium variant (for private registration with 50 Percent Sales Tax Reduction). Bookings for the GS3 start from today.

The first-ever GAC showroom is located at Lot 72, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur. For more information, please visit www.gacmotor.com.my and follow GAC Motor Malaysia on https://www.facebook.com/GAC-Motor-Malaysia-104304102124544.

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