- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He
GAC GS3. Geometry has gone crazy
The GAC GS3 is a compact SUV by the Chinese automaker GAC Motor, which debuted in August 2017. The first generation had a nice, but unremarkable design, somewhat reminiscent of Honda models. For this, we should thank the chief designer of the brand, Rick Chen, who previously worked for Acura (Japan). The new generation SUV, released towards the end of 2022, compensating for a boring past, has turned out to be completely different from its predecessor. It looks like the geometry has gone crazy.
First generation
The first GS3 entered the Chinese market in 2017, and was restyled in 2020. The black C-pillars created the effect of the popular ‘floating roof’, the sides looked muscular, and the ‘facial features’ were reminiscent of Honda models. The SUV was equipped with two engines to choose from: the 150N version featured a 1.5-liter engine with 114 hp and the 200T version had a more powerful 1.3-liter turbo engine with 137 hp. The engines were paired a 6-speed Aisin automatic gearbox, while the 150N could also be equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle was front-wheel drive only. The equipment included 6 airbags, an electric driver’s seat, heated seats, climate control, a media system with an 8-inch screen and a navigator, keyless entry, a rear view camera, etc. In China, the price at the end of production varied from 12,000 up to 15,000 dollars.
Second generation
The new GAC GS3 was unveiled at the 2022 Guangzhou Auto Show. Its creators clearly do not know what continuity is (which is good, to be honest!), because the second generation does not resemble the first in any way. The SUV now has LED optics and interesting door handles that ‘jump out’. The ‘fierce’ R-Style version has received 19-inch wheels and an aggressive body kit. The vehicle has grown in size: it has become 60 mm longer (up to 4,410 mm) and 24 mm wider (up to 1,850 mm). The height, on the contrary, has decreased to 1,600 mm. The wheelbase has lengthened by as much as 90 mm (up to 2,650 mm).
The vehicle comes with the only 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 177 hp and 270 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch robotic gearbox. The maximum speed is 190 km/h. The SUV is front-wheel drive only. The SUV features the McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent beam suspension at the rear. The interior looks much more modern, featuring a digital dashboard and a progressive multimedia system based on the modern Adigo 5.0 operating system with extensive online capabilities. There is also a set of electronic assistants, including adaptive cruise control and an automatic braking system.
