Produced by Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co Ltd (GAC), the GS3 Emzoom comes fully-imported with the entry-level Exclusive variant and range-topping Premium R priced at RM118,900 and RM128,900 respectively without insurance.
Premium R in Salt Lake Blue.
The locally assembled unit will be made available "soon" as stated by Warisan TC Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Tan Keng Meng.
Colour options include Salt Lake Blue, Ivory White, Graphene Grey and Super Star Silver.
The stylish SUV is offered with a standard five-year or 150,000km warranty, whichever comes first.
To commemorate the GS3 Emzoom's official launch in Malaysia, WTCA is providing a Special Launch Package for the first 2,000 early-bird customers.
This entails three complimentary scheduled service maintenance (including labour, parts and lubricants) and an added seven-year or 180,000km warranty for the engine and transmission for the very first owner only.
Meanwhile, early buyers will also receive a complimentary limited edition GAC Smart Watch Key worth RM1,388 that functions like the original car key but with added connectivity features similar to a smartwatch.
Although the GS3 Emzoom is being marketed as a B-segment SUV, its 2,650mm wheelbase sits closer to the larger C-segment range that includes the Honda CR-V (2,701mm), Mazda CX-5 (2,700mm), and VW Tiguan (2,680mm).
However, its wheelbase is longer than its direct competitors such as the Chery Omoda 5 (2,630mm) and Proton X50 (2,600mm) to help create a larger interior.
The GS3 Emzoom measures 4,410mm-long (Premium R variant is longer at 4,446mm), 1,850mm-wide and 1,600mm-tall. The 341-litre boot can be expanded to 1,271 litres with rear seats folded down.
Kerb weight is 1,415kg and the SUV has a ride height of about 190mm for more confident crossing on partially flooded roads. It uses 18-inch wheels with 225/55 series tyres, front and rear disc brakes along with front MacPherson struts and rear Torsion Beam suspension.
Powering the GS3 Emzoom is a 1.5-litre (1,497cc) turbocharged engine (with Remote Engine Start system) that produces 177PS at 5,500rpm and 270Nm of torque from 1,400-4,500rpm.
A seven-speed dual-clutch (wet) transmission manages power delivery to the front wheels and helps it to sprint from 0-100kph in 8.0 seconds before reaching a top speed of 190kph.
As standard, the external accoutrements include LEDs for the front Laser Eye Split headlights with daytime runners that flank the Mecha Wing Grille and rear combination lights.
For sophistication and aero-refinement, hidden electric door handles and a rear spoiler have been added to complete the standard external accoutrements.
Inside, the signature crystal electronic gear selector gives the cabin's two-tone Blue-Black colour scheme with faux leather upholstery with a touch of opulence.
At the same time, the multi-function steering wheel gets wrapped in leather while rear passengers get a flat floor.
Furthermore, a 10.25-inch multifunctional touchscreen infotainment system provides access to the Surround View Camera System as well as smartphone connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Mirroring (no Android Auto).
For safety, the standard inclusion lists four airbags (six airbags for Premium R), hill hold control, electronic parking brake with auto hold function, electronic stability programme, tyre pressure monitoring system, blind spot vision and rear Isofix child seat anchor points.
To further bolster safety, Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) have been included, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition system, lane departure warning and intelligent speed limit control.
Opting for the Premium R variant will include the R-Style Sport Package which includes a front splitter, roof rails and rear diffuser before adding on centrally-mounted R-Style Sport Exhaust tips.
Also, the driver gets treated to a six-way power adjustable seat, side-curtain airbags, automatic dual-zone climate controls, a multi-colour ambient lighting system, front Type-C ports, a wireless charger, hill descent control, high beam assist, Fusion Automatic Parking Assist system, hands-free powered tailgate and a panoramic sunroof.
"The GAC GS3 Emzoom ticks plenty of right boxes in terms of design, performance, practicality and technology and we are confident in its overall ability to put up a strong challenge here as a CBU model," said Tan.
Tan added that the compact SUV segment is probably one of the most competitive areas in the automotive market today.
He said the company is expecting 80% of the new buyers to opt for the Premium R variant as indicated by pre-launch booking preferences.
Exclusive in Ivory White.
"More buyers are willing to pay a bit extra for vehicles that are higher specified.
"The monthly installment payment difference between the entry-level and full-specs variants is negligible when the loan period is spread over a few years," he added.
Also present during the launch was GAC International deputy general manager Wang Shun Sheng who praised Malaysia as being one of their strategic markets.
"We are pleased with the industrious partnership we have with the Tan Chong Group and remain committed to investing in the domestic market to make GAC a household name in Malaysia," concluded Wang.
WTCA currently has 15 official GAC dealers to date and expects to have more than 20 showrooms and service centres operating in the main cities of Peninsular Malaysia by the third quarter of this year (Q3 2024) with plans to expand into East Malaysia in the pipeline.
For more information, log on to https://gacmotor.com.my or visit one of the 15 official dealers appointed by WTCA.
