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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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