Radical cut: GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style

It was in mid last year when GAC Motor’s (Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Company Limited) Philippine arm introduced the GS3 Emzoom subcompact crossover. Eyed as the brand’s volume driver in the local market, the nameplate offers a multitude of features that could attract buyers.

But are the offers enough to attract customers? Let’s check out the model’s top-of-the-line trim, the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style.

Dimension

The GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style is 4,446 millimeters (mm) long, 1,850 mm wide; and 1,600 mm tall with a 2,650 wheelbase. Its trunk space offers 341-1,271 liters depending on the seat configuration.

While such numbers give occupants a fair head- and legroom, the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style can be a little snug to those who are over six feet.

Exterior

The GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style's exterior aesthetics is quite edgy — literally and figuratively — compared to its rivals in the segment.

Up front, the vehicle comes with vertical front grille slats in “flying wing” design — bordered by the angular LED headlamps.

Its sharp design language continues to its side profile as expressed in the body lines, two-tone side mirrors, and outline of its 19-inch multi-spoke wheels. Giving contrast to the overall motif are the hidden door handles that smoothens the surfaces of the sides and the rounded wheel wells.

The GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style's hind is equipped with a split-wing spoiler with third brake lamp, diagonal light dart taillamps, and twin rear tailpipes that splits the underspoiler.

To distinguish it from the other Emzoom trims, the said variant comes with R-Style trimmings and badging slapped around the vehicle.

As the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style deviates from the usual design concept of crossovers, the model is a sure hit to those who love expressive designs and colors.

Interior

Inside, the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style's cabin offers a luxurious yet sporty set-up.

Greeting occupants as soon as they step inside the vehicle are the leatherette portions as seen majority on the dashboard, door panels, and seats.

The hue of the chair of the driver (six-way power-adjustable), front passenger (four-way manual) and second row (split-folding 60:40), can be had in Camel Brown, Green and Beige, or Blue and Black.

In contrast to the seats' colorway, the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style features black and brushed silver trimmings on the flat-bottom steering wheel, center console, and air-conditioning vents.

A pair of digital displays are also outfitted in the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style: a seven-inch instrument cluster for the driver side and the 10.25-inch infotainment system (Android Auto and Apple Carplay-ready) seated in the middle of the dashboard. The audio system is mated to a six-speaker setup. 

While majority of those fitted in the vehicle have a sound usage, we have yet to learn the need for the two small shallow slats placed on the housing of the infotainment system.

In addition, some may find the cabin dark and cramped-up as the windows openings are considerably small — however, its moonroof makes its up by providing ambient lighting.

With everything that is fitted inside the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style, it is not a surprise that the vehicle poses a striking appeal to the younger generation.

Powertrain

Under the hood of the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers 174 horsepower and 270 Newton-meters of torque.

Mated to a seven-speed wet dual clutch transmission, the mill boasts four drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+).

Driven in the long stretches of South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Cavite-Laguna Expressway, as well as the city streets going to Nuvali Boulevard and Canlubang in Laguna, the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style has enough oomph for city driving.

Technologies

The GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style is not short on technologies as it also wears a plethora of convenience and driver assistive amenities that would meet the needs of its buyers.

It is equipped with push start button, wireless charging dock, and a rear USB port.

Aside from that, the vehicle also has adaptive cruise control with integrated cruise assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, intelligent speed limit control, surround view camera system — among others.

Pros, cons

The GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style’s overall look could be a hit or miss. Buyers might find it trendy or a little too overwhelming with the unconventional design concept.

While everything about the vehicles is modern, it is still lovely to see that haptic keys are still incorporated in the vehicle to ensure that drivers can spend more time navigating the road than the infotainment system.

Further, its host of conveniences make it a preferable option over other contenders in the category.

The GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style has a price tag of P1.198 million. However, those who will buy a unit today until June 30 can enjoy a P50,000-price slash — bringing down the retail price to P1.148 million.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, GAC Motor Philippines

Also read:

 Clash of the Subcompact SUV Titans: GAC GS3 Emzoom vs Geely Coolray

Triple treat: GAC PH Brings in Emzoom Crossover, Bares Record Sales and New Brand Ambassador