KUALA LUMPUR: China-based car maker Guangzhou Automobile Group has launched its first model in Malaysia - the GAC GS3 compact sports utility vehicle.
Distributed by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a fully-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Motor Holdings Bhd, the fully-imported GS3 is available in Standard variant priced from RM88,800 (private registration, on-the-road without insurance but with 50% SST reduction) and Premium from RM96,800.
Following the signing of the distributorship agreement between WTCA and GAC Motor International Limited on Nov 30, WTCA is currently working to kick-start the local assembly of the GS3 and other upcoming GAC models.
The GS3 comes with a Flying Dynamic Wing 3.0 front design featuring subtle chrome strips on the grille while the projector headlamps, fog lights with lower bumper cladding combination emphasises the vehicle's width.
Its sides, meanwhile, get a strong shoulder line and deeply sculptured doors with concealed D-pillars to accentuate the ‘floating’ roof design and sporty silhouette of the GS3.
At the rear is a spoiler with an integrated third brake lamp complemented by slim LED tail-lamps that wrap around contours of the body for a distinguished appearance.
The interior carries a similar theme with a ‘floating’ horizontal dashboard design, a large centre 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with switches and controls for the climate control located underneath.
The GS3 also comes with a sporty 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel wrapped in leatherette and equipped with controls for multimedia and voice calls.
The model is also said to have one of the widest cabins in the compact SUV class at 1,500mm and cabin spaciousness that’s virtually one-class above along with impressive legroom and shoulder room for rear passengers, even with three persons seated across.
Its rear seats are also ergonomically shaped for optimal thigh support which many B-segment vehicles lacked.
The GS3 also comes with no less than 25 storage spaces and its cargo space of 356 litres can be expanded by folding down the 60:40 spilt rear seats.
Powering the GS3 is a 1.5-litre engine with Dual-CVVT and a GAC patented combustion control technology for enhanced efficiency.
The smooth four-cylinder engine produces 114PS and 150Nm of torque and is mated to an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with adaptive intelligent control for a fuel efficiency of 6.9 litres per 100km or 14.5km per litre based on the combined NEDC cycle.
Other features include six airbags, Blind Spot Detection, Electronic Stability Control, Emergency Stop Signal, Rear View Camera, Seatbelt Warning for all passengers, ISOFIX child seat mounts and a Climate Control System with PM2.5 filtering for odour-free interior air.
Available colours are Lunar Grey, Ivory White, Starlight Silver and Rosefinch Red.
Warisan TC Holdings CEO Tan Keng Meng said the GS3 is a global model sold in 25 other countries with Malaysia being the first country to launch the right-hand drive version.
“WTCA has already set up a dedicated showroom for GAC in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and plans to expand reach beyond the Klang Valley very soon,” he said.
Tan (centre) with other officials at the opening of the GAC showroom.
GAC International president Zeng HeBin said the company was anticipating a strong interest in the GS3 SUV as it would appeal to Malaysian car buyers with its blend of dynamic styling, first-class safety and comfort, fuel efficiency and refined performance.
Bookings, test drives and static viewing of the GS3 are available at the new and dedicated GAC showroom at Lot 72, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur.
For details, visit www.gacmotor.com.my and follow GAC Motor Malaysia on https://www.facebook.com/GAC-Motor-Malaysia-104304102124544.
