2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom: Daily driver and road trip machine, all-in-one

GAC Motor Philippines held a quick drive to Tagaytay and it provided the motoring media a chance to get to know the GAC GS3 Emzoom subcompact crossover a little bit better.

GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style

Philkotse was invited to this short trip, and we received first-hand experience in taking the GAC crossover through an out-of-town journey by traversing a variety of driving conditions including navigating tight city roads, tackling windy mountainous back roads, and long stretches of highway.

The aforementioned media drive event started at the new GAC Motor PH Alabang dealership located along the Alabang-Zapote Road. Present were GAC Motor PH brand head Franz Decloedt and Astara PH Marketing Director Timmy Naval-de Leon to welcome the participants.

GAC Motor Alabang

At the drive, we had the chance to get up close and personal with the GS3 Emzoom’s two variants: the mid-range GS3 GB DCT and the top-spec R-Style DCT. There’s also the entry-level GS trim which we didn’t get to use at the event.

So, how is the GAC GS3 Emzoom as a roadtrip chariot?

GAC GS3 Emzoom: The breathtaking exterior looks

Of note, we’ve had the chance to review and see the GAC GS3 Emzoom in the metal already, but its exterior design is just too eye-catching to gloss over.

A closer look at the GS3 Emzoom R-Style's front end

The R-Style, in particular, is filled with pleasing details on its large vertically slatted front grille that’s complemented by sharp LED headlamps, angular front lower bumper, and shapely character lines on the lower portions of its doors. The vehicle’s rear also draws in the eyes thanks to its dual-exhaust tip setup and its bold bumper.

From all angles, the GS3 Emzoom oozes with character due to the polygonal approach of its exterior design. This level of styling is of course a bit turned down on the two lower-spec trims.

GS3 Emzoom R-Style from the rear

Appropriately enough, car buyers seem to have been enchanted with how the R-Style looks as GAC Motor PH reported that this was the best-selling out of all three variants for 2023. In addition, the GS3 Emzoom also covered 39 percent of the company’s total sales during the same timeframe.

GAC GS3 Emzoom: Upwards puncher in tech & luxury

While the GS3 Emzoom R-Style and the mid-spec GB are priced reasonably, they have a lot of things to offer in terms of comfort.

For starters, both trims are filled to the brim with soft-touch materials and attractive decorative trims whilst having a logically arranged cockpit. The dashboard is integrated with easy-to-reach buttons for the automatic climate control systems and different driving features.

It's interior features plenty of soft-touch surfaces

We experienced the roominess of the rear cabin–a part of the vehicle that is enhanced on the top-spec R-Style thanks to rear air-conditioning vents. Then, we got to drive the vehicle and thus had the opportunity to use its very legible 7-inch instrument cluster and its power-adjustable driver’s seats.

Linking one’s smartphone to its 10.25-inch screen is done easily thanks to its Apple CarPlay and Android phone mirroring. Plus, our entire four-person group assigned per test unit had no problem keeping our phones powered up as the GAC model has plenty of USB ports, as well as a wireless smartphone charging pad (R-Style.)

The R-Style variant gets a panoramic sunroof

When the time came to tackle the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), some participants opted for a relaxing drive thanks to its adaptive cruise control. Extra peace of mind is likewise provided on the GS3 Emzoom thanks to its array of advanced driver assist features (ADAS). This includes forward collision warning, traffic jam assist, intelligent speed limit control, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning, among others.

GAC GS3 Emzoom: An effortless road trip chariot

With the guidance of George Ramirez and his team, the GAC GS3 Emzoom media drive started from the busy urban jungle of Alabang before transitioning to the highways.

For the busy streets, this GAC vehicle fits just right and is agile and maneuverable enough to maintain a reasonable pace in heavy traffic. On the highways though, its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine showed off by easily performing overtaking maneuvers.

The GAC GS3 Emzoom's 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine

At the most, the GS3 Emzoom’s four-banger can generate up to 177 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. Its output is then sent to its front wheels via a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission.

Even on the short rough road section before the climb up to Tagaytay’s My Country House restaurant, the GS3 Emzoom didn’t jostle its occupants too much thanks to its decent suspension system and well-bolstered seats. The climb itself on winding roads though, highlighted much of the vehicle’s capabilities.

We didn’t totally give it the beans, but pushing the Emzoom to climb inclined roads was effortless. The transmission also did its work well, but it can catch you off-guard if you aren’t careful with the throttle inputs.

The mid-spec GS3 Emzoom GB

With ample foot control though, the GS3 Emzoom is a smooth operator with plenty of muscle you can unleash if you want to. Again, it makes 177 hp and 270 Nm of torque, which is plenty enough for its 1,415 kg curb weight.

At the same time, the vehicle isn’t unruly at all. It does show some hint of body roll in particularly sharp corners, but grip was never an issue. This is probably because the R-Style’s 19-inch wheels are wrapped with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires–the kind of rubber that’s already good enough for the occasional track day.

So, is the GAC GS3 Emzoom a good road trip vehicle? We can certainly say that it is thanks to its great balance of power, comfort, and style. Beyond that though, it also has the versatility to deal with day-to-day traffic within city roads.

This crossover has a lot going for it in terms of style

For those wanting to get behind the wheel of the GS3 Emzoom, the entry-level GS is priced at Php 998,000, while the mid-spec GB has a standard retail price of Php 1,098,000. The top-spec R-Style meanwhile, is priced at Php 1,198,000.

Until the end of March 2024 though, downpayment offers for as low as Php 75,000 and monthly offers for as low as Php 10,410 are available for the GS3 Emzoom.

Catch more car news here on Philkotse.