GAC GS3 vs Proton X50: Spec-to-spec comparison

Over the last few years, a number of players have entered into the B-segment SUV space of the Malaysian automotive arena, which was single-handedly captured by the Honda HR-V once. Today, models like the Proton X50, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru XV are giving tough competition to the earlier segment leader. A new contender that recently joined this battle is the all-new GAC GS3 that is attracting customers with its attractive styling, spaciousness, and value-for-money pack.

Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA), a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings is retailing the SUV in two variants - Standard Grade and Premium Grade. In today’s story, we are going to compare this Chinese SUV with the much-loved Proton X50 in terms of price, dimensions, engine specifications, and features. So, here we go.

GAC GS3 vs Proton X50: Price 

GAC GS3 variants	Price (on-the-road, with SST, without inurance)	Proton X50 variants	Price (on-the-road, with SST, without inurance)
Standard	RM 88,800	Standard	RM 79,200
Premium	RM 96,800	Executive	RM 84,800
		Premium	RM 93,200
		Flagship	RM 103,300

GAC offers a five-year/150,000km warranty and five free labour services within three years/100,00 km. Proton, on the other hand, provides a 5-year warranty unlimited mileage, and 5 complimentary labour services.

 GAC GS3 vs Proton X50: Dimensions

Specifications	GAC GS3	Proton X50
Length	4,358 mm	4,330 mm
Width	1,825 mm	1,800 mm
Height	1,660 mm	1,609 mm
Wheelbase	2,560 mm	2,600 mm
Boot space	356 litres	330 litres

On comparing the dimensions of the two SUVs, we get to know that the new GS3 has a larger footprint in terms of length, width as well as height, but it loses out when it comes to the wheelbase. The trunk capacity of the Chinese model is also higher.

GAC GS3 vs Proton X50: Engine specifications

Specifications	GAC GS3	Proton X50 Standard, Executive, Premium	Proton X50 Flagship
Engine	1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder	1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder multi-port injection	1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder direct-injection
Maximum power	114 PS at 6,000 rpm	150 PS at 5,500 rpm	177 PS at 5,500 rpm
Peak torque	150 Nm at 4,500 rpm	226 Nm at 1,500 – 4,000 rpm	255 Nm at 1,500 – 4,000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed torque converter	7-speed DCT	7-speed DCT
Fuel economy	6.9 litres per 100 km (14.5 kmpl)	6.5 litres per 100 km (15.3 kmpl)	6.4 litres per 100 km (15.6 kmpl)

Proton offers the X50 in two engine choices, both with the same capacity of 1.5-litre delivering different states of tune. On the other hand, GAC GS3 houses the same mill under its two different versions. By comparing the specs, we can conclude that the Proton X50 has higher power and torque thanks to the TGDI mill and dual-clutch transmission. Not only this, but the X50 outperforms the GAC GS3 in fuel economy as well. 

GAC GS3 vs Proton X50: Features

On the feature front, the pricer Proton X50 is more promising than the new GAC GS3. Check out the detailed comparison here.

Specifications	GAC GS3 Premium	Proton X50 Flagship
Headlamps	Halogen	LED
Auto headlights	No	Yes
Fog lights	Front	Front, LED
Tail lights	LED	LED
Wheels	17-inch alloy	18-inch alloy
Panoramic sunroof	No	Yes
Infotainment system	8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and phone mirroring support	10.25-inch touchscreen with voice-command assistant
Instrument cluster	3.5-inch LCD	7-inch digital
Air-con	Manual	Auto
Cabin filter	Yes	Yes
Driver’s seat adjustability	Yes	Yes
Seat material	Leatherette	Leatherette
Airbags	Six	Six
Advanced safety bits	Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Hold Control, Emergency Stop Signal, Parking Sensors, Rear View Camera, Blind Spot Detection	Blind Spot Information System, Lane Departure Warning. Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent High Beam Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go functionality, Automatic high beam and parking assist

Note: For features comparison, we took the range-topping versions of the two SUVs. 

Verdict

The new GAC GS3 has a striking exterior design; it offers more space inside the cabin and also comes with the Apple CarPlay connectivity option as compared to the Proton X50. But for the ones who need a powerful SUV equipped with a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, the X50 is a clear pick. 

Also read: Subaru XV Eyesight VS Proton X50 Flagship: Which crossover to buy tomorrow