2023 GAC GS3 looks hip and rad – and we love it 

Updated Jan 06, 2023 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Loaded with style and a peppy engine too. 

The next-generation 2023 GAC GS3 was just released in China. It is slated to be sold in the said region starting this year, and it presents plenty of improvements over the old GS3 model.  

A picture of the 2023 GAC GS3.

The all-new 2023 GAC GS3

With regards to those aforementioned improvements, the new GS3 now looks like it could be a viable rival to the already established Geely Coolray. So what features does it have to make it more competitive? Moreover, does it look that part? Let’s talk about those in detail. 

Exterior 

GAC says that it designed the next-gen GS3 to appeal to Gen-Z buyers. That’s right; this car is supposed to have “zoomer” cred.  

That quality of the GS3 is of course shown on its very angular front end. A large grille with vertical slats are present, and adding more to its style is a pair of sharp LED headlamp clusters. Down below, the angularity continues with the shapes surrounding the LED foglamps. 

A picture of the GAC GS3 R from the side.

GS3 R-Style variant from the side

The side then offers deep character lines and a sporty, low-slung silhouette. Enhancing the car’s looks is a set of unique-looking alloy wheels.  

Moving rearwards, one will find it more subdued compared to the previous iteration. It still has some sharp features, especially the LED taillights. Down below is a black-colored rear bumper, which then houses a pair of arrow-shaped exhaust tips, at least for the standard GS3. 

A picture of the front of the GAC GS3 R.

A closer look at the GS3 R's front end

The GS3 R-Style variant gets more in the way of style points. This is thanks mainly to front bumper extensions, bright orange accents, and a more prominent rear diffuser. The R-Style variant also gets a panoramic sunroof.  

Interior 

Inside the new GS3 is a driver-centric cockpit. Most of the control surfaces, including the infotainment system and the center console, are angled to face the driver. Also present is a flat-bottom steering-wheel, a push-to-start button, and physical buttons for the automatic climate control system.  

A picture of the GAC GS3's cockpit.

The GS3's cockpit

As with most modern crossovers looking to make a splash in the market, this new one from GAC also has plenty of soft-touch surfaces. In the R-Style variant, these are accompanied by orange accents.  

Also present in the interior of the all-new GS3 is a 32-color ambient lighting system. Its trunk features up to 341 liters of space.  

Tech & Safety 

The new GS3 gets plenty of tech, because as most of us know, young folks like to be connected to the net all the time. 

Handling the entertainment of its occupants is a touchscreen head unit. The features and size for this screen have not been disclosed, but we’re sure that it comes with modern connectivity options. Also provided for the driver is a fully digital gauge cluster.  

GS3 infotainment system

GS3 infotainment system

No specific safety features have been detailed, but the new GS3 will reportedly have an advanced driver-assist system (ADAS) bundled with the ADiGO package.  

Engine 

Under the hood of the 2023 GAC GS3 is a new 1.5-liter tubocharged inline-4 that can produce up to 175 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.  

That said, it now matches the Geely Coolray when it comes to engine output. For that matter, GAC also claims that this new crossover has a 0-100 km/h time of just 7.5 seconds. Not bad but do remember that the Coolray makes 177 horsepower from a smaller 1.5-liter three-cylinder. A plug-in hybrid GS4 variant is reported to follow in the coming months.    

A picture of the GAC GS3 R-Style from the rear.

GAC GS3 R-Style from the rear

So is the Philippine market also getting the all-new 2023 GAC GS3? Well, Astara Philippines, the official local distributor of GAC cars, has yet to say anything about it. To this end, we’ll just have to wait for more updates. 

Keep it here on Philkotse for the latest car releases, and more automotive industry updates. 

Know more about GAC GS3 Emzoom 2024

GAC GS3 Emzoom

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.   

 

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 Pros & Cons

Pros  Cons
 
  • Well equipped 

  • Great styling 

  • Peppy engine 

  • Lower-spec trims could use at least some ADAS features.  
 

₱ 998,000 - ₱ 1,198,000

Explore
Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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

View more