In recent years, the Chinese automotive industry has made significant strides in innovation, design, and performance. One of the standout models that exemplifies this progress is the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style. Under the stewardship of the Astara Group, GAC has unleashed a range of vehicles that have garnered attention from both the buying public and the media. Among these, the GS3 Emzoom R-Style has emerged as an exciting, stylish, and sporty contender in the compact crossover segment.
4.2 / 5
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.0/5
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.0/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.0/5
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.0/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.0/5
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.0/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.5/5
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.5/5
What You Will Like
- Unique design
- Dynamic drive
- Great tech and equipment
What You Won't Like
- DCT delay
- Seats lack leg support
- Orange accents might be a bit much
Exterior
The GS3 Emzoom R-Style makes a bold statement with its striking exterior design. This compact crossover is not just about utility, it's about making a visual impact. The two-toned color scheme, accentuated by vibrant orange stripes and accents, sets it apart from the mundane crowd. The overall design exudes a sense of sportiness and modernity that would look good among youth-oriented European vehicles from manufacturers like Peugeot, Citroen, or Renault.
The angular and sharply defined lines on the exterior give the GS3 Emzoom R-Style a contemporary and edgy appearance. It's a departure from the rounded styling often seen in this segment, and it works well for those looking for a more distinctive and assertive design language. It's like a fat jet fighter on the road, but in a more family-friendly form, of course.
One of the notable features of the GS3 Emzoom R-Style's exterior is the use of 19-inch wheels, a size typically associated with high-performance vehicles. These wheels, paired with center-mounted dual exhaust pipes and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 performance tires, contribute to the crossover's sporty appeal. The LED headlights are exceptionally bright, ensuring excellent visibility in various driving conditions.
Beyond its aesthetics, the GS3 Emzoom R-Style offers several practical features. It includes a panoramic glass roof, a convenient and now almost expected feature in affordable Chinese crossovers. The door handles are a neat innovation, retracting when the vehicle is locked and popping out when you approach or use the key fob. The motorized tailgate adds convenience to loading and unloading cargo, a feature appreciated by many.
One standout feature that we can’t get out of our heads is the choice of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. It's a significant departure from the usual tire choices in this segment, and it makes a substantial difference in the vehicle's performance. Car enthusiasts understand that tires play a crucial role in how a vehicle performs, and the inclusion of Michelin's PS4s is a pleasant surprise, which we will get into later.
Interior
While the GS3 Emzoom R-Style's exterior exudes sportiness and boldness, the interior presents a different narrative. Step inside, and you're greeted with an interior that focuses on luxury and comfort. It's a stark contrast to the aggressive exterior, which creates an interesting balance that doesn’t feel out of place.
The interior predominantly features beige and black panels, creating a sense of opulence. Even the beige panel on the dashboard has a pattern running through it, adding depth and style to the cabin. The choice of materials and color palette lends an air of quality to the interior.
One of the highlights of the GS3 Emzoom R-Style's interior is the 'crystal' bedazzled gear shifter. It adds a touch of glamour and uniqueness to the cabin, showcasing the attention to detail in the design. Other notable features include a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, all digital info and infotainment screens, plus support for Apple CarPlay. Unfortunately, there's no Android Auto support, which was not a problem for Jack, but a bit of a problem for Caco and the rest of the AutoDeal team with Android phones.
The cabin layout is well thought out, and the controls are intuitive. The flat-bottomed steering wheel, fitting for a small and sporty crossover, houses controls for advanced driver assistance features and the infotainment system. The use of soft-touch materials and leather accents further enhances the premium feel of the interior.
However, there are some peculiar decisions, particularly with the transmission controls. The bejeweled toggle on the console is visually appealing but lacks the functionality of a manual mode. Paddle shifters, a common feature in many modern vehicles, are conspicuously absent, especially for a vehicle with orange accents from the outside.
The seats in the GS3 Emzoom R-Style are comfortable and provide ample support. The power-adjustable seats and tilt/telescopic steering wheel make it easy for drivers to find an ideal driving position. The beige seats, while adding to the luxurious ambiance, may not be the best choice for families with children, as they could potentially be susceptible to staining in the long run.
From a practical standpoint, the GS3 Emzoom R-Style offers plenty of cubbyholes for storage. However, the door-mounted bottle holders could be wider to accommodate regular-sized tumblers. Cargo space is generous, although the loading height may be slightly high for some users.
Comfort
The GS3 Emzoom R-Style strikes a commendable balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. The suspension setup is firm but not harsh, offering a comfortable ride for daily commuting while still allowing for spirited driving on winding roads. This balance is crucial in a compact crossover, as it caters to a wide range of driving scenarios. Overall, the ride is what you would expect of most crossovers on sale nowadays.
Technology and Connectivity
In the realm of technology and connectivity, the GS3 Emzoom R-Style has a lot to offer. The centerpiece is a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with a host of features. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay, a feature that enhances convenience by eliminating the need for physical cable connections. The inclusion of DTS speakers elevates the audio experience, while the ambient lighting system adds a dash of visual flair, synchronizing with the beat of your music.
However, the absence of Android Auto might disappoint some users, with them having to resort to smartphone mirroring instead. Nevertheless, Bluetooth connectivity is available for those who prefer an alternative way to connect their smartphones.
One of the standout aspects of the vehicle's technology is the array of settings and features accessible through the infotainment system. The GS3 Emzoom R-Style offers an extensive list of driver assistance and safety features, including adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, lane warning and assist, a tire pressure monitor, and more. The consolidation of these features into the touchscreen provides a user-friendly interface to access and customize various settings.
One unique feature is the drive mode selector, which is entirely integrated into the infotainment system. Instead of physical buttons, drivers can choose between Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes through the touchscreen. Each mode adjusts settings related to steering, transmission, and engine response. Sport+ mode, exclusive to the R-Style variant, not only alters the vehicle's performance characteristics but also transforms the infotainment screen into a readout of essential vehicle parameters. That being said, we wished they could have integrated the manual drive mode toggle switch from the EMPOW so you could easily cycle through the options.
However, some quirks exist, such as a potentially inaccurate turbo pressure reading in Sport+ mode. Such discrepancies can be a minor annoyance for detail-oriented drivers, but they don't significantly impact the overall driving experience.
Safety
In the realm of safety, the GS3 Emzoom R-Style shines with a comprehensive suite of features. It includes six airbags, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition (even for speed limits), high beam assist, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. These advanced driver assistance systems enhance the overall safety of the vehicle and contribute to a more confident and relaxed driving experience.
However, one notable omission is the absence of a blind spot monitor, a feature that has become increasingly common in modern vehicles. While the driving aids are generally unobtrusive, a blind spot monitor could have further improved safety by providing better visibility of adjacent lanes.
Driving and Handling
Under the hood, the GS3 Emzoom R-Style is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers 174 hp and 270 Nm of torque. This engine is part of a trend in Chinese vehicles, as it falls under 1500cc to benefit from reduced tariffs. Engineers have put significant effort into optimizing these 1.5L engines, and the GS3 Emzoom is no exception.
The power figures are impressive, putting the GS3 Emzoom in close competition with other vehicles in its class. It offers a similar power output to the Geely Coolray, which boasts 177 hp. The GS3 has an edge in torque, with 270 Nm, compared to the Coolray's 250 Nm. The choice of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to drive the front wheels complements the engine's performance.
The engine delivers ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. However, there is a noticeable turbo lag in Eco and Comfort modes, which may require a momentary adjustment for drivers accustomed to instant acceleration. Fortunately, switching to Sport or Sport+ mode largely eliminates this lag, providing a responsive and more exhilarating ride.
One standout feature is the exhaust note, which adds a playful and sporty element to the driving experience. The ability to open or close the exhaust note with the press of a button is a thoughtful touch, allowing drivers to tailor the auditory experience to their preferences.
Despite its sporty nature, the GS3 Emzoom R-Style handles surprisingly well. It exhibits minimal body roll in corners, providing a stable and confident ride. The suspension, while slightly on the firmer side for a crossover, manages to absorb impacts effectively, ensuring a comfortable experience for occupants. This balance between sporty handling and ride comfort is a testament to the vehicle's versatility. That being said, we suspect that a lot of it is masked through its Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, but it does come as standard, so of course, we will judge it based on what it has.
During a test drive amid heavy rain and strong gusts, the GS3 Emzoom demonstrated its stability and safety in adverse weather conditions. It remained poised and secure, instilling confidence in the driver. The absence of a rear windshield wiper, while a minor inconvenience, did not detract from the overall driving experience.
Fuel Consumption
In terms of fuel consumption, the GS3 Emzoom proves to be efficient and economical. In city driving conditions with varying traffic, it achieves mileage ranging from 10 to 12 km/l, depending on traffic congestion. On the highway, it impressively exceeds 15 km/l, making it a cost-effective option for long-distance drives. For drivers willing to exercise patience and prioritize fuel economy, an average of around 17 km/l is attainable during relaxed highway cruising.
Verdict
Overall, the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style is a standout offering in the highly competitive compact crossover segment. It successfully blends bold and modern exterior design with a luxurious and comfortable interior. The combination of a feature-rich infotainment system, advanced safety technologies, and efficient powertrain options makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a dynamic driving experience in a compact SUV.
While the absence of Android Auto and a blind spot monitor may disappoint some potential buyers, these drawbacks are outweighed by the vehicle's overall strengths. The GS3 EMZOOM R-Style's performance, handling, and grip, mainly thanks to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, set it apart from its rivals. It delivers an engaging and enjoyable driving experience while maintaining practicality for daily use.
The GS3 EMZOOM R-Style serves as a testament to the evolving and increasingly competitive Chinese automotive industry. It offers a unique and stylish alternative to established brands in the compact crossover segment, appealing to drivers who value both aesthetics and performance in their vehicles. As GAC continues to refine its offerings, the GS3 EMZOOM R-Style stands as a prime example of the industry's progress and potential for future growth. It’s a true competitor that deserves its place in our market.
Exterior Photo Gallery
Interior Photo Gallery
Specifications
Engine
1.5 LFuel Type
GasolinePerformance
174 hp @ 5,500 rpmTransmission
Automatic-
Summary
-
Name GAC GS3 Emzoom 1.5 R-Style DCT Body Type Crossover Price ₱1,289,900 Transmission Category Automatic -
Engine
-
Engine Size 1.5 L Displacement 1,497 cc Number of Cylinders 4 Number of Valves 16 Transmission Type 7-speed Wet Dual-clutch automatic transmission -
Performance
-
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Max Output (hp) 174 hp @ 5,500 rpm Max Torque (nm) 270 Nm @ 1,400 rpm *estimated -
Economy & Environment
-
Fuel Type Gasoline Emissions Standard Euro 4 Fuel Capacity 47.0 L Combined Fuel Consumption 16.2 km/L *estimated -
Dimensions
-
Length 4,446 mm Width 1,850 mm Height 1,600 mm Wheelbase 2,650 mm Turning Circle n/a Ground Clearance 190 mm Trunk Capacity 341 L Number of Doors 5 Number of Seats 5 -
Safety & Security
-
Driver's Airbag Front Passenger's Airbag Side Airbags Curtain Airbags Knee Airbag Auto Brake System Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Immobilizer Security Alarm Stability Control Electronic Door Locks Speed Sensing Door Locks ISOFIX Lane Departure Warning System Blind-Spot Detection System -
Features
-
Cruise Control Front Parking Sensors Rear Parking Sensors Leather Upholstery Push Start Button Wheel Size 19 in Wheels Metal Type Alloy Airconditioning System Automatic Climate Control Entertainment System 10.25-inch Multifunctional touchscreen Connectivity AM/FM, Aux, Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay and Android Phone Mirroring Navigation Ready Warranty 5 Years Keyless Entry Roof Rack Sunroof Electric Adjustable Seats Power Steering Power Windows Power Outlet Steering Wheel Audio Control -
Technology
-
Active Park Assist Hill Start Assist AWD Modes n/a Tire Pressure Monitoring Heads-up Display Power Liftgate Start-stop System
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