WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, has officially unveiled the 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM in Malaysia.
The compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) is now available in two completely built-up (CBU) variants for the domestic market, namely the GS3 EMZOOM Exclusive and GS3 EMZOOM Premium R. They are officially priced at RM118,900.00 and RM128,900.00 respectively.
The GAC GS3 EMZOOM is now on sale in four vibrant colours: Salt Lake Blue, Ivory White, Graphene Grey and Super Star Silver.
To commemorate its official introduction, WTCA is offering a Special Launch Package for the first 2000 early birds registered customers which consists of:
- Three times complimentary scheduled service maintenance includes labour, parts and lubricants.
- 7-Year/180,000km Engine & Powertrain Warranty exclusively for the first registered owner of the vehicle in addition to its standard 5 years/150,000km warranty.
- These early birds will also receive a complimentary limited GAC Smart Watch Key, which functions like the original car key with the additional connectivity features of a smart watch.
The GAC GS3 EMZOOM official debut in Malaysia automotive scene, is the latest milestone in a period of close collaboration between WTCA and GAC Motor International Co., Ltd. (GAC Motor International) to firmly build and establish the GAC brand in Malaysia.
Both parties had recently marked the Start of Production (SOP) for the completely knocked-down (CKD) GAC GS3 EMZOOM in WTCA’s Segambut plant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony merely 13 months after the local assembly project was first announced in 2023.
Speaking at the official launch of the GAC GS3 EMZOOM, Warisan TC Holdings Bhd Chief Executive Officer Tan Keng Meng cited positive public response shown towards the GAC brand as a key motivating factor for the company. “We previewed the GAC GS3 EMZOOM for the first time in Malaysia back in January. Since then, we have received strong and positive reviews, which essentially validates the appeal and competitiveness of the package we are able to offer to local consumers with this model.” added Tan.
The GAC GS3 EMZOOM is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that develops a maximum of 177PS at 5,500rpm and best-in-class 270Nm of torque, available from 1,400rpm to 4,500rpm. The output is delivered to the front wheels through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7WDCT).
This efficient powertrain enables a swift 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.0 seconds while maintaining an average fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100km (NEDC cycle). Additionally, the engine can be started remotely for vehicle pre-conditioning using the Remote Engine Start feature.
The bold exterior design of the GAC GS3 EMZOOM is further accentuated by the iconic Mecha Wing Grille, Laser Eye Split LED headlights, and electric hidden door handles that give the vehicle a futuristic and aerodynamic aesthetic. The dynamic front end is matched in the rear by Light Dart tail lights and a sporty Rear Spoiler while 18-inch alloy wheels complete the look across both variants.
The GS3 EMZOOM Premium R is equipped with an additional attractive and eye catching R Style Sport Package and R-Style Sport Exhaust that lend an edgier aesthetic while increasing the overall length of the compact SUV to 4,446mm compared to 4,410mm in the GS3 EMZOOM Exclusive. Both variants measure 1,850mm wide and 1,600mm tall, with a 341-litre trunk expandable to 1,271 litres of maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded down.
Featuring the longest wheelbase in the compact SUV segment at 2,650mm, the GS3 EMZOOM boasts one of the most spacious and comfortable cabins in its class. The interior is finished in an exclusive blue and black two-tone interior trim with leatherette seats. Drivers are treated to more luxurious touchpoints such as a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and the signature crystal electronic gear shift.
In terms of technology, advanced features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android phone mirroring, surround-view camera system, electronic parking brake with autohold are standard throughout the range.
Exclusive to the GS3 EMZOOM Premium R is the added luxury of automatic climate control, six-way power adjustment for the driver seat, multi-colour ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charger, hands-free power tailgate, Fusion Automatic Parking Assist（FAPA）and a panoramic sunroof.
Occupant safety in GAC GS3 EMZOOM is upheld by a wide range of active and passive safety features as well as the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) enabling Level 2 autonomous driving. All variants feature front and side airbags, front and rear disc brakes, hill hold control, electronic stability program (ESP) and blind spot vision as standard.
The comprehensive ADAS suite includes cruise control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Intelligent Speed Limit Control (ISLC). High Beam Assist (HMA) and Fusion Automatic Parking Assist are available in the GS3 EMZOOM Premium R.
“The compact SUV segment is probably one of the most competitive areas in the automotive market today. However, the 2024 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, ahead of the arrival of the locally-assembled vehicle plus other exciting new models on the horizon,” said Tan, who describes the launch of the GS3 EMZOOM as a vital catalyst for the GAC brand in Malaysia.
Also present at the official debut of GAC GS3 EMZOOM in Malaysia was Wang Shun Sheng, Deputy General Manager of GAC International. “In 2023, the GAC Group produced and sold more than 2.5 million vehicles.
“This is an all-time record for an independent Chinese manufacturer. We are now present in 43 countries and Malaysia is one of our 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,” said Wang.
The GAC network in Malaysia is rapidly growing with a total of 15 official dealers appointed by WTCA to date. In combination with its own branches, WTCA expects to have over 20 showrooms and service centres operating in the main cities of Peninsula Malaysia by Q3 2024, with plans to expand into East Malaysia in the pipeline.
All service centres are fully-equipped to support GAC customers in Malaysia, with sufficient spare parts already in stock to fulfil the maintenance requirements of the first batch of GAC GS3 EMZOOM vehicles in Malaysia.
