The fully electric Aion Hyper GT stole the limelight at GAC’s stand at the Guangzhou Auto Show, but there was another interesting debut from the Chinese automaker – the new generation of the GAC GS3 compact SUV. The new Trumpchi GS3 looks a lot more modern compared to its predecessor which was introduced back in 2017. It is also slightly larger thanks to the new modular GPMA architecture, measuring 4,410 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,600 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. The latter is stretched by 90 mm, contributing to a more spacious cabin. Those figures position it very close to the likes of the Peugeot 3008 and the Nissan Qashqai.
The styling is characterized by sharp surfacing and a sporty flair. Notable
elements include the large grille which is flanked by aggressive Peugeot-style
LED headlights, the floating roof, the flush door handles, and the large rear
spoiler. GAC showed two variants of the GS3, the regular and the R-Style. The
latter adopts even sportier looks thanks to the orange accents, the aerodynamic
bumper extensions, the larger 19-inch alloy wheels, and the more pronounced
rear apron with supercar-inspired diffuser and centrally-mounted dual round
tailpipes.
Inside, the dashboard has a pretty
standard layout for the digital cockpit, reminiscent of recent models from
Hyundai and other automakers. There is a “Crystal Shifter” for the automatic
gearbox, metal accents on the fancy climate vents, a standard panoramic
sunroof, and 32-color ambient lighting. The cabin can accommodate five people
with 341 lt of luggage space at the back. GAC designers opted
for light color options for the upholstery including fairyland green, light
gray with orange accents, and black with light wave blue accents. Safety
equipment includes the ADiGO package with the basic ADAS.
Under the bonnet lies a turbocharged
1.5-liter petrol engine producing 174 hp and 270 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels exclusively through
a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. GAC says that the model offers the
fastest 0-100 km/h acceleration in its segment, completing the
sprint in 7.5 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 190 km/h. As
for fuel consumption, the automaker suggests a figure of 6.18 lt/100km (38
mpg). A plug-in hybrid variant will reportedly follow in the future.
The new GAC GS3 will go on sale in China
in the first quarter of 2023. As reported by local media, pricing is expected
to start around ¥ 85,000 (US$ 12,294).
