BUSINESS begins for the GAC Motor brand in Malaysia with the official launch of the GS3 EmZoom.
The completely built-up (CBU) model is one of three models initially teased by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd (WTCH), that is to be launched this year.
The other two models were the Emkoo sport utility vehicle (SUV) as well as the GAC Aion Y Plus electric vehicle (EV).
"We previewed the GAC GS3 EmZoom for the first time in Malaysia back in January. Since then, we have received strong and positive reviews, which essentially validates the appeal and competitiveness of the package we are able to offer to local consumers with this model," said WTCH chief executive officer Tan Keng Meng.
Tan who was present at the model's launch cited positive public response shown towards the GAC brand as a key motivating factor for the company.
"The compact SUV segment is probably one of the most competitive areas in the automotive market today. However, the 2024 GAC GS3 EmZoom ticks plenty of right boxes in terms of design, performance, practicality and technology and we are confident in its overall ability to put up a strong challenge here as a CBU model, ahead of the arrival of the locally-assembled vehicle plus other exciting new models on the horizon," he added.
GAC International deputy general manager Wang Shun Sheng, who was also present at the official debut of the GS3 EmZoom in Malaysia, said they are pleased with the industrious partnership they have with the Tan Chong Group. He added that they remain committed to investing in the domestic market to make GAC a household name in Malaysia.
"The GAC Group produced and sold more than 2.5 million vehicles in 2023 which is an all-time record for an independent Chinese manufacturer. We are now present in 43 countries and Malaysia is one of our strategic markets," said Wang.
The GS3 EmZoom is available in two variants: Exclusive and Premium R. Both measure at 1,850mm wide and 1,600mm tall, though the Premium R variant has an increased overall length of 4,446mm compared from the Exclusive variant's 4,410mm due to the additionally equipped R Style Sport Package and R-Style Sport Exhaust.
The compact SUV model is said to boast one of the longest wheelbase in the compact SUV segment at 2,650mm. It has a 341-litre cargo trunk that is expandable to 1,271 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The front wheel drive (FWD) model packs a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine paired to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission to deliver a maximum performance of 177PS at 5,500rpm and 270Nm of torque at 4,500rpm.
It has a 0-100kph acceleration time of 8.0 seconds and an average fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100km (NEDC cycle).
Its distinctive design elements include an iconic mecha wing grille, laser eye split LED lights, light dart tail lights, an aggressive ducktail-style rear spoiler, electric hidden door handles, dual-tone interior, a crystal shift gear selector and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior is finished in a blue and black two-tone interior trim with leatherette seats, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and a signature crystal electronic gear shift.
Notable highlight features includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android phone mirroring at the front dashboard, surround-view camera system, electronic parking brake with autohold are standard throughout the range.
Exclusive to the Premium R is the automatic climate control, six-way power adjustment for the driver seat, multi-colour ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charger, hands-free power tailgate, Fusion Automatic Parking Assist and a panoramic sunroof.
Standard safety for both variants feature front and side airbags, front and rear disc brakes, hill hold control, electronic stability program and blind spot vision.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that is enabled up to Level 2 autonomous driving. The suite includes cruise control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Lane Departure Warning and Intelligent Speed Limit Control. Exclusive to the Premium R are High Beam Assist and Fusion Automatic Parking Assist.
The GS3 EmZoom Exclusive and GS3 EmZoom Premium R are officially priced at RM118,900 and RM128,900 respectively.
Both are available in four body colours: Salt Lake Blue, Ivory White, Graphene Grey and Super Star Silver.
WTCA is offering a special launch package for the first 2000 early birds registered customers to commemorate the model's official introduction.
The package consists of: Three times complimentary scheduled service maintenance includes labour, parts and lubricants; a 7-year or 180,000km engine and powertrain warranty exclusively for the first registered owner of the vehicle in addition to its standard 5 years or 150,000km warranty; and a complimentary limited GAC Smart Watch Key, which functions like the original car key with the additional connectivity features of a smart watch.
Currently there are a total of 15 official dealers appointed by WTCA in Malaysia. In combination with its own branches, WTCA expects to have over 20 showrooms and service centres operating in the main cities of Peninsula Malaysia by Q3 2024. This will be followed with plans to expand into East Malaysia as part of the pipeline.
All service centres are said to be fully-equipped to support GAC customers in Malaysia, with sufficient spare parts already in stock to fulfil the maintenance requirements of the first batch of GAC GS3 EmZoom vehicles in the country.