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.
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.
Neck-Breaking Exterior Design
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.
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.
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.
Elegance inside
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.
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.
High-Tech and Safe but Needs Refinement
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.
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.
All Show, All Go
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.
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.
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.
Guess I had Too Much Fun?
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.
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.
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.
