The ever-competitive compact SUV segment today welcomed a new brand into the market – GAC, with the GAC GS3 B-segment SUV.
The fully imported GAC GS3 marks the introduction of GAC brand in Malaysia by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) – the official distributor of GAC vehicles in Malaysia 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.
The GS3 is a global model sold in 25 other countries and it arrives in Malaysia as a fully imported vehicle, with Malaysia being the first country to launch the RHD model.
WTCA has already set up a dedicated showroom for GAC in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and plans to expand beyond the Klang Valley region very soon.
Sporting GAC’s latest design language – Flying Dynamic Wing 3.0, the GS3’s exterior comes with a striking front grille with subtle chrome strips, projector headlamps, a lower bumper cladding, linking the fog lamps while emphasizing the width of the vehicle.
The curvature of the grille and front bumper is carried through to the sides which feature a strong shoulder line and deeply sculptured doors, while the cleverly concealed D-pillars accentuate the ‘floating’ roof design and sporty silhouette of the GS3.
The sweeping roof line of the GS3 then tapers to a subtle rear spoiler with an integrated third brake lamp, complemented by slim LED tail-lamps that wrap around contours of the body for a distinguished presence on the road.
Like the exterior, the interior of the GS3 follows a similar theme with a ‘floating’ horizontal dashboard, with a large 8-inch infotainment touch-screen sitting centrally with switches and controls for the climate control laid out neatly below them for ease of use.
The GS3 also comes with a sporty 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel that’s wrapped in leatherette, with steering controls to handle multimedia and voice calls.
Boasting one of the widest cabins in the compact SUV class at 1,500mm, the GS3 promises to offer impressive legroom and shoulder room for rear passengers, even with three seated across.
While the rear seats are ergonomically shaped for optimal thigh support, there are no less than 25 storage spaces to be found in the cabin of the GS3 along with a cargo space measuring 356 litres which can then be expanded by folding down the 60:40 rear seats.
To ensure occupants’ wellbeing, the 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 a Climate Control System with PM2.5 filtering for odour-free motoring.
Powering the GAC GS3 is a 1.5-litre engine with Dual-CVVT producing 114 PS and 150Nm, mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic with adaptive intelligent control to return a fuel consumption reading 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.
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% Sales Tax Reduction).
Test drives and static viewing are available at the new and dedicated GAC showroom which was unveiled in a simple ceremony marking the commencement of business. The first-ever GAC showroom is located at Lot 72, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur.
