2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style Review | Philkotse Philippines

Updated Aug 11, 2023

Editor's: 4.4/5
When sporty styling and performance go hand in hand.
2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style Review | Philkotse Philippines

In this review...

  1. Introduction
  2. Exterior
  3. Interior
  4. Tech & Safety
  5. Driving & Performance
  6. Fuel Efficiency
  7. Verdict
  8. Color Options
  9. Price
  10. Specs

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style Review: Introduction

GAC, under its new distributor Astara, wants to stand out in the overflowing sea of vehicle options in the market today. But instead of staying within design norms, the company took things literally and started offering a vehicle that stands out: the GS3 Emzoom.

The all-new GAC GS3 Emzoom | Philkotse Quick Look

I’ve had the chance to test the sporty-looking crossover amid rainy Manila, and it was a great overall experience and what I quite expected based on looks alone.

4.4/5

GAC GS3 Emzoom 2024 Review

How we do our reviews
  • aesthetics
    4.5/5

    Overall exterior & Interior design, build quality, form vs function

  • Safety & Technology
    4.0/5

    Number of safety & tech features, consistency during usage

  • Performance
    4.5/5

    Power delivery, acceleration, transmission, suspension, handling

  • Comfort & Practicality
    4.0/5

    Overall Ride Comfort, Space, Storage Areas

  • Value for Money
    5.0/5

    Sticker price vs overall package

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style Exterior Review: Neck-Breaker

The GAC GS3 Emzoom's exterior design is anything but plain, especially in the R-Style variant I had the chance to test. Its captivating white color with orange accents exudes sportiness and charisma, making it stand out on the road.

GS3 Emzoom from the side

GS3 Emzoom from the side

The angular and aggressive styling might be too bold for some, but for me, it's love at first sight. The front winglets, split rear spoiler, and gigantic diffuser give it a purposeful appearance, and I was pleasantly surprised that these elements are not just for show.

And while most designers – like web, automotive, etc. – go for a rounded styling to stay easy on the eyes, GAC just went all-in with the polygonal and sharp approach. Quite bold, but works well for people like myself who are getting tired of similar-looking vehicles on the road.

A picture of the rear of the GAC GS3 Emzoom

The Emzoom from the rear

The 19-inch wheels are huge for a crossover, enhancing the vehicle’s sporty appeal. It mirrors the size of the Civic Type R’s wheels, as are the center-mounted dual exhaust pipes and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 performance tires – quite an unexpected treat for a crossover. The LED headlights are exceptionally bright, ensuring excellent visibility in various driving conditions.

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2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style Interior Review: Surprisingly Elegant

Once inside, the GS3 Emzoom's cabin exudes luxury and class, starkly contrasting its aggressive exterior. The power-adjustable seats and tilt/telescopic steering wheel allow for easy and comfortable adjustments, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience.

GS3 Emzoom rear cabin

GS3 Emzoom rear cabin

The driver-focused dashboard layout adds a sporty demeanor, with every control angled toward the driver for easy access. The seats are comfortable, providing ample support and space for passengers. However, I must note that the beige seats might not be the best choice for families with children, as they are prone to stains.

On the practical side, the GS3 Emzoom offers plenty of cubbyholes for storage, but the door-mounted bottle holders are too narrow for regular-sized tumblers. Despite this, the cargo space is generous, although the loading height is a bit high.

The GS3 Emzoom's trunk

The GS3 Emzoom's trunk is generous

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style Review: Tech & Safety

The GS3 Emzoom impresses with its technology and safety features, although some areas could be improved. The wireless charger and wireless Apple CarPlay combo is convenient, although I experienced occasional disconnections with the latter.

GS3 Emzoom's touchscreen infotainment system

A closer look at the GS3 Emzoom's touchscreen infotainment system

On the bright side, the wireless charger effectively charges the phone, not just maintaining the current charge. The adaptive cruise control, while a valuable feature, needs refinement, as I noticed some issues with its acceleration and braking smoothness.

On the safety front, the GS3 Emzoom is well-equipped, boasting six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition (which even recognizes speed limits), high beam assist, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. However, I was surprised that a blind spot monitor was missing. The driving aids are generally unobtrusive and enhance the overall driving experience.

The GAC GS3 Emzoom front cabin

The GAC crossover's front cabin

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style Review: Driving & Performance

Under the hood, the GS3 Emzoom is powered by a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering 174 hp and an impressive 270 Nm of torque – numbers that can compete against the segment frontrunner, the Geely Coolray.

GS3 Emzoom's 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine

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

The engine provides ample power, and the torque ensures a satisfying pull at any speed. The 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission offers quick and precise shifts, adding to the engaging driving experience. The only downside here is that changing drive modes can only be done through the infotainment system, and the car defaults to Eco mode, which may not suit everyone's preferences. There isn’t any manual mode, as well.

There’s a bit of a turbo lag in Eco and Comfort modes. However, once in Sport and Sport+ (exclusive to R-Style), the delay in acceleration becomes almost negligible, resulting in a truly fast and exhilarating ride. I particularly enjoyed the raunchy exhaust note, which can be opened or closed with a press of a button; I wish changing drive modes were just as easy.

GS3 Emzoom's wheels

A close-up of the GS3 Emzoom's wheels

Despite its sporty nature, the GS3 Emzoom handles surprisingly well, with minimal body roll on corners. The suspension, though slightly stiff for a crossover, manages to absorb impacts without transferring them to the occupants.

As I drove the test unit during the recent typhoon, I got a first-hand experience of driving it amid heavy rains and strong gusts. The car feels stable and safe to drive even in heavy rain, providing on-road confidence. The absence of a rear windshield wiper is a minor quibble but does not detract from the overall driving experience.

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style Review: Fuel Efficiency

In terms of fuel efficiency, the GS3 Emzoom returns an average of 10 km/l in combined city and highway driving. This figure was achieved mostly in Comfort mode, with occasional (read: several) switches to Sport mode on the highway.

The balance between performance and fuel economy is reasonable for a sporty crossover, especially when you’re having too much fun behind the steering wheel.

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style Review: Verdict

The GAC GS3 Emzoom is a compelling choice for small families seeking a crossover that marries performance and practicality. Its sporty exterior, luxurious interior, and impressive driving dynamics make it an appealing option for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on excitement. However, the non-linear acceleration might be too much for inexperienced drivers.

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom

The 2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom

With pricing starting at Php 998,000 for the GS variant, Php 1,098,000 for the GB variant, and Php 1,198,000 for the top-tier R-Style variant, the GS3 Emzoom offers good value for money, considering its features and performance.

The GAC GS3 Emzoom is a well-rounded and exciting crossover that caters to drivers who crave performance without sacrificing practicality. Its unique blend of sportiness and versatility makes it a stand-out choice in the crossover segment.

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom: Color Options

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom color options

Salt Lake Blue, Graphene Grey, Moonlight Grey, Ivory White, Superstar Silver

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom: Price

GAC GS3 Emzoom Variants

Price

GS3 Emzoom GS

Php 998,000

GS3 Emzoom GB

Php 1,098,000

GS3 Emzoom R-Style

Php 1,198,000

2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style: Specs

Overall

Make

GAC

Name

GS3 Emzoom R-Style 1.5 DCT

Body Type

Subcompact crossover

Dimensions & Weight

Length

4,446mm

Width

1,850mm

Height

1,600mm

Wheelbase

2,650mm

Seating Capacity

5

Engine & Transmission

Type

1.5-liter DOHC Turbocharged

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Transmission

7-speed dual-clutch, wet-type automatic

Horsepower

174

Torque

270 Nm

Exterior

LED headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED sequential turn signal lamps

LED front fog lamps

LED taillights

Rear fog lamps

Power-folding side mirrors

Roof spoiler

19-inch alloy wheels

Roof rails

Power tailgate

Interior

Automatic climate control w/ rear vents

Leather steering wheel

6-way power adjust driver’s seat

Ambient lighting

Leather seats

7-inch digital instrument cluster

10.25-inch touchscreen headunit with Android Auto, Apple Carplay (wireless)

6 speakers

Wireless smartphone charging pad

Six speakers

USB Charging ports

Safety & Tech

Six airbags

ISOFIX

ABS with EBD

Electronic Stability Program

Hill start assist

360-degree 3D monitor

Hill Descent Control

Autonomous emergency braking

Adaptive cruise control

Traffic jam assist

Car alarm and engine immobilizer

Tire pressure monitoring

High beam assist

Lane Keep Assist

Lane Departure Warning

Traffic sign recognition

Suspension

Front

McPherson Strut

Rear

Torsion beam

Brake

Front Ventilated Disc

Rear Disc

Jacob Oliva

Jacob Oliva

Author

Jacob is a motoring journalist and the Content Manager of Philkotse.com. A recipient of the Henry Ford Awards in 2019, he currently has a column under Wheels, the motoring section of The Philippine Star. He's also an editor for Motor1.com, a leading global automotive website.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacobosing/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobo_sing/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jacobo_sing

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