The All New 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM CBU is now on sale in Malaysia, priced from RM118,900.00.
The latest Compact SUV in Malaysia is powered by 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 177PS and 270Nm of torque powering the front wheels via a wet clutch DCT.
Modern looking styling is complemented with latest tech including wireless Apple CarPlayTM and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features.
Special launch package offers three times free service maintenance and seven-year coverage on engine and powertrain.
WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, yesterday, officially unveiled the 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM in Malaysia. This marks about five years in the making, in terms of planning and bringing the EMZOOM into Malaysia, the compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) is now available in two completely built-up (CBU) variants for our market (for the time being, with local assembly coming in the near future), This is the GAC GS3 EMZOOM Exclusive and GS3 EMZOOM Premium R. These are officially priced at RM118,900.00 and RM128,900.00 respectively (before insurance). The 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM is available in four colours: Salt Lake Blue, Ivory White, Graphene Grey and Super Star Silver.
In conjunction with the launch, WTCA is offering a Special Launch Package for the first 2000 early birds registered customers which consists of:
Three times complimentary scheduled service maintenance includes labour, parts and lubricants.
7-Year/180,000km Engine & Powertrain Warranty exclusively for the first registered owner of the vehicle in addition to its standard 5 years/150,000km warranty.
These early birds will also receive a complimentary limited GAC Smart Watch Key, which functions like the original car key with the additional connectivity features of a smart watch.
The GAC GS3 EMZOOM official launch is the latest milestone in the collaboration between WTCA and GAC Motor International Co., Ltd. (GAC Motor International). The goal is to build and establish the GAC brand in Malaysia as well as in South East Asia. Both parties had recently marked the Start of Production (SOP) for the completely knocked-down (CKD) GAC GS3 EMZOOM in WTCA’s Segambut plant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This came only after 13 months after the project was first announced in 2023. According to WTCA, the EMZOOM's local appearance is the result of about five years of planning and other work required to sell it here.So CKD of the EMZOOM is the next step after this launch of this initial batch of CBU units.
Speaking at the official launch of the GAC GS3 EMZOOM, Warisan TC Holdings Bhd Chief Executive Officer Tan Keng Meng cited positive public response shown towards the GAC brand as a key motivating factor for the company. He said, “We previewed the GAC GS3 EMZOOM for the first time in Malaysia back in January. Since then, we have received strong and positive reviews, which essentially validates the appeal and competitiveness of the package we are able to offer to local consumers with this model.”
The GAC GS3 EMZOOM is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that develops a maximum of 177PS at 5,500rpm and best-in-class 270Nm of torque, available from 1,400rpm to 4,500rpm. The output is delivered to the front wheels through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7WDCT). This efficient powertrain enables a swift 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.0 seconds while maintaining an average fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100km (NEDC cycle). Additionally, the engine can be started remotely for vehicle pre-conditioning using the Remote Engine Start feature.
The exterior design of the GAC GS3 EMZOOM is further accentuated by the iconic Mecha Wing Grille, Laser Eye Split LED headlights, and electric hidden door handles that give the vehicle a futuristic and aerodynamic aesthetic. The dynamic front end is matched in the rear by Light Dart tail lights and a sporty Rear Spoiler while 18-inch alloy wheels complete the look across both variants.
The GS3 EMZOOM Premium R is equipped with an additional sportier looking R Style Sport Package and R-Style Sport Exhaust that lend an edgier aesthetic while increasing the overall length of the compact SUV to 4,446mm compared to 4,410mm in the GS3 EMZOOM Exclusive. Both variants measure 1,850mm wide and 1,600mm tall, with a 341-litre trunk expandable to 1,271 litres of maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded down.
Featuring the longest wheelbase in the compact SUV segment at 2,650mm, the GS3 EMZOOM has quite a spacious and comfortable cabin. The interior is finished in blue and black two-tone interior trim with leatherette seats. Drivers are treated to more luxurious touchpoints such as a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and the signature crystal electronic gear shift.
In terms of technology, advanced features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android phone mirroring, surround-view camera system, electronic parking brake with autohold are standard throughout the range. Exclusive to the GS3 EMZOOM Premium R is the added luxury of automatic climate control, six-way power adjustment for the driver seat, multi-colour ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charger, hands-free power tailgate, Fusion Automatic Parking Assist（FAPA）and a panoramic sunroof.
Occupant safety in GAC GS3 EMZOOM is upheld by a wide range of active and passive safety features as well as the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) enabling Level 2 autonomous driving. All variants feature front and side airbags, front and rear disc brakes, hill hold control, electronic stability program (ESP) and blind spot vision as standard. The comprehensive ADAS suite includes cruise control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Intelligent Speed Limit Control (ISLC). High Beam Assist (HMA) and Fusion Automatic Parking Assist are available in the GS3 EMZOOM Premium R.
“The compact SUV segment is probably one of the most competitive areas in the automotive market today. However, the 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM ticks plenty of right boxes in terms of design, performance, practicality and technology and we are confident in its overall ability to put up a strong challenge here as a CBU model, ahead of the arrival of the locally-assembled vehicle plus other exciting new models on the horizon,” said Tan, who describes the launch of the GS3 EMZOOM as a vital catalyst for the GAC brand in Malaysia.
Also present at the official debut of GAC GS3 EMZOOM in Malaysia was Wang Shun Sheng, Deputy General Manager of GAC International. "In 2023, the GAC Group produced and sold more than 2.5 million vehicles. This is an all-time record for an independent Chinese manufacturer. We are now present in 43 countries and Malaysia is one of our strategic markets. We are pleased with the industrious partnership we have with the Tan Chong Group and remain committed to investing in the domestic market to make GAC a household name in Malaysia," said Wang.
The GAC network in Malaysia is rapidly growing with a total of 15 official dealers appointed by WTCA to date. In combination with its own branches, WTCA expects to have over 20 showrooms and service centres operating in the main cities of Peninsula Malaysia by Q3 2024, with plans to expand into East Malaysia in the pipeline. All service centres are fully-equipped to support GAC customers in Malaysia, with sufficient spare parts already in stock to fulfil the maintenance requirements of the first batch of GAC GS3 EMZOOM vehicles in Malaysia.
Head to a GAC showroom near you to view the all-new 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM or visit the official GAC Motor Malaysia website at https://gacmotor.com.my for more information.
What We Think
We feel that the EMZOOM is a welcome addition in the competitive compact B/C segment SUV market. So many new players have filled up this segment with both petrol or EV powered vehicles (Chery, Jaecoo, MG, GWM etc comes to mind) and it looks like new players are coming in by the droves. But in terms of what's offered, at RM118,900 onwards, the EMZOOM brings its own styling looks and reasonable pricing versus local and established compact SUV players like the Proton X50, Perodua Ativa, Honda HRV, SRV, Mazda cx3/5 and even the Toyota Cross.
The RM90-160,000 segment is really hot and it will be an interesting time to observe the market.
As for the EMZOOM and its distributor, WTCA, they are in it for the long haul. With the backing of the Tan Chong group, you know there are years of experience selling vehicles behind them. They are not into things for the short haul and has the staying power with them. WTCA and GAC Motor are looking into Malaysia as a hub for South East Asian assembly and for exports. So it isn't just local volume that WTCA are looking at but the GAC cars for S.E.A region and maybe more (Vietnam is said to be the first export market for WTCA and GAC).
As for the local sales of the EMZOOM, we see potential with the pricing of the SUV. RM119-130k is competitive enough to go head to head with popular SUVs from BYD and Chery (both EV and petrol competition). One good thing being a petrol powered compact SUV is that it will sell to skeptics of EVs and will also go well with rural markets that want a nice looking SUV from a reputable distributor.
As equipment fitted and offered is the industry standard (nothing more, nothing less with ADAS and all other nice stuff included), it all boils down to market acceptance and pricing. This should do reasonably well in the long run.
Product Info Sheet
2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM 1.5T
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4,410mm (4,446mm for Premium R)
Width: 1,850mm
Height: 1,600mm
Wheelbase: 2,650mm
Trunk Capacity: 341L (expandable to 1,271L)
Kerb Weight: 1,415kg
POWERTRAIN
Engine: 1.5 turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder
Displacement: 1,497cc
Maximum Output: 130kW (177PS) at 5,500rpm
Maximum Torque: 270Nm at 1,400-4,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7WDCT)
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
0-100km/h: 8.0 seconds
Average Fuel Consumption: 5.9L/100km
CHASSIS
Tyre Size: 225/55 R18
Suspension (Front): MacPherson Strut
Suspension (Rear): Torsion Beam
Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc Brakes
Rear Brakes: Disc Brakes
STYLING
Laser Eye Split LED headlights
Light Dart LED taillights
Electric hidden door handles
R-Style Sport Package*
R-Style Sport Exhaust *
Blue and black interior trim
ENTERTAINMENT & COMFORT
10.25-inch multifunctional touchscreen infotainment
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Surround View Camera System
Front USB-C Ports*
Wireless Smartphone Charger*
Automatic climate control
Multi-colour interior ambient lighting*
6-way power adjustable driver seat*
Remote Engine Start
SAFETY
Dual front airbags
Dual front side airbags
Side curtain airbags*
Hill Hold Control
Hill Descent Control*
Electronic Parking Brake with Autohold
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Blind Spot Vision (BSV)
ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS (ADAS)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
High Beam Assist (HMA)*
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Intelligent Speed Limit Control (ISLC)
Fusion Automatic Parking Assist (FAPA)*
* Only available in GAC GS3 EMZOOM Premium R
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