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.
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Know more about GAC GS3 Emzoom 2024
The GAC GS3 Emzoom is a subcompact crossover. For the Philippine market, it has three different variants. There’s the GS, GB, and the top-spec GL. Prices for these trims range from Php 998,000 to Php 1,198,000.
Size-wise, the GS3 Emzoom GL is 4,446mm long, 1,850mm wide, and 1,600mm in height. The GS and GB trims meanwhile, are 4,410mm long.
Under the hood of the next-gen GS3 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that can make up to 174 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. It then uses a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending power to its front wheels.
Locally, the GS3 Emzoom competes against the Geely Coolray, Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, Toyota Raize, etc.
>>> New and used GAC GS3 Emzoom 2025 for sale in the Philippines
GAC GS3 Emzoom Launch
The next-gen GAC GS3 Emzoom was introduced to the Philippine market in June 2023. It was released locally with three trims: the GS, GB, and the top-spec GL.
GAC GS3 Emzoom Exterior
As standard, the GS3 Emzoom gets LED headlamps, LED taillights, and LED daytime running lamps. Select trims then get a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and a set of 19-inch wheels.
Other features found on the GS3’s exterior include power folding side mirrors, a heated rear windshield, and rear fog lamps.
GAC GS3 Emzoom Interior
Step inside the GS3 Emzoom is a cabin that can fit up to five occupants. Higher spec trims of this crossover then get an electronically adjustable driver’s seat, automatic air-conditioning, leather seat covers, a rear center armrest, and a 60:40 split folding rear seat.
Technology & Safety Features
Present on the higher-spec trims is a 7-inch LCD gauge cluster. All trims meanwhile, are kitted out with 10.25-inch touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Only the GL gets wireless smartphone charging. For speakers, the GS gets two, the GB four, and the GL five.
All trims get cruise control and rear parking sensors. But only the top-spec model gets adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, high beam assist, a 360-degree view camera, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, etc.
Other standard safety features present on this GAC model are anti-lock braking, stability control, tire pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchors, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, etc.
The GL gets the most airbags numbering at six. The GB meanwhile gets four, while the GS gets two.
Platform & Chassis
Handling ride quality for the GS 3 Emzoom is a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powering the GS3 Emzoom is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that can make up to 174 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels via a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch gearbox.
There are five available colors for the Philippine-spec GS3 Emzoom. This includes Salt Lake Blue, Graphene Grey, Moonlight Grey, Ivory White, and Superstar Silver.
The GAC GS3 Emzoom is up to par against its rivals when it comes to engine output. The same goes for its ADAS systems, though that’s only valid for its top-spec GL model. It is, however, one of the cheaper models in the market today that comes with both a power tailgate and sunroof.
GAC GS3 Emzoom 2025 Price List
Variants | Price |
---|---|
GAC GS3 Emzoom 1.5 GS DCT | ₱1,089,900 |
GAC GS3 Emzoom 1.5 Touring DCT | ₱1,189,900 |
GAC GS3 Emzoom 1.5 R-Style DCT | ₱1,289,900 |
GAC GS3 Emzoom Pros & Cons
Pros
- Well-equipped
- Great styling
- Peppy engine
Cons
- Lower-spec trims could use at least some ADAS features.
₱ 998,000 - ₱ 1,198,000
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