Malaysia (Commonwealth) _ The 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom will be a new player in Malaysia’s B-segment SUV market. The GS3 Emzoom will be assembled at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) facility in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, making it Guangzhou Automobile Group’s first CKD program not just in the ASEAN territory, but globally.
The B-segment SUV, known as the Trumpchi GS3 in China, is constructed on the manufacturer’s newest GPMA platform and measures 4,410 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase, making it 52 mm longer and 25 mm broader When compared to its predecessor, which was the company’s first-ever right-hand-drive vehicle, its wheelbase is 90 mm longer.
In Malaysia, it will face competition from the Proton X50, which is 80 mm shorter, 50 mm thinner, and 9 mm higher with a 50 mm shorter wheelbase, as well as the Honda HR-V, which is 25 mm shorter, 60 mm slimmer, and 40 mm shorter in wheelbase.
A 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine is now standard for B-segment SUVs, and the GS3 Emzoom is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged 1.5 litre unit that produces 177 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. WTC Automotif (WTCA) ranks the GS3 Emzoom as the category champion in torque output, citing competitors such as the X50 Flagship’s 255 Nm, the HR-V Turbo versions’ 240 Nm, and the Chery Omoda 5’s 230 Nm.
The GS3 Emzoom’s powertrain is a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that transmits power to the front wheels. On the Chinese domestic test cycle, the 0-100 km/h acceleration run takes 7.5 seconds, with fuel usage of 6.18 litres per 100 km (16.2 km/l).
Locally manufactured GAC models are expected to leave the Segambut facility in April 2024, ahead of sales beginning in the middle of the year, as previously disclosed by Warisan TC CEO Tan Keng.
WTC Automotif will spend more than RM60 million in the brand’s CKD project, which will fund the manufacture of the new GS3 Emzoom as well as the establishment of the brand’s presence across the country. This will include around 70 dealerships in Malaysia, with the first, flagship shop located in Section 13 in Petaling Jaya, behind the Renault showroom under TC Euro Cars.
The 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom is categorized as a subcompact crossover, whereas the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is now classified as a small SUV by Chevrolet Philippines. This is despite the Trax’s branding in the American market as a cheap, affordable compact SUV competing with the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue, and Honda HR-V.The Trax has expanded in size.
The Trax is now 279 mm longer and 51 mm broader than it was previously.
Meanwhile, the GS3 Emzoom has risen in size, although not significantly more than its Golden Bowtie brand opponent. The GAC crossover is now 6 millimeters longer, 55 millimeters lower, and 25 millimeters broader than its predecessor. It also boasts a new 2,650 mm wheelbase, which is 90 mm longer than the previous model.
The 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom, on the other hand, grows more slowly but remains in the subcompact crossover segment, although with a size advantage. Consider the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Creta, Geely Coolray, or Kia Stonic.
These are significant enhancements for both all-new models, but it all comes down to personal preference when it comes to style. The GAC GS3 Emzoom has sharp curves and a modern appearance. While the Chevrolet Trax is more traditional, its breadth conveys elegance and confidence.
The GAC GS3 Emzoom 2024 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine shared with the GAC Emkoo. It has 177 PS and 270 Nm of torque and is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
