GAC GS3

While the layout of the interior of the GAC GS3 looks quite simple and not-so-trendy, there are some design elements which catch the immediate attention of those who sit inside the cabin. The AC vents and various controls placed in the centre console have rounded edges, which adds some funkiness to the cabin.

The multi-functional steering wheel of the GAC GS3 has silver accents on its spokes, which along with the instrument console behind it, look a bit plain. The centre console here comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which along with the vertical AC vents on its sides, are placed inside a rounded rectangular housing.

The buttons for the automatic climate control below the infotainment system also have rounded edges. There are two options for the interior cabin layout to choose from – a dark all-black interior and a dual-tone black and brown interior combination. Other basic features available in the GAC GS3 are a push start-stop button, rear AC vents, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a 6-speaker audio system.

Compared to other compact SUVs, the GAC GS3 feels larger owing to its better dimensions, giving it a road presence for midsize SUVs. However, the overall design language of the GAC GS3 doesn’t look upmarket and trendy when compared to other new-age SUVs and crossovers of its segment. The overall design of the GS3 looks plain, which might not go well with the younger set of buyers.

At the front, the GAC GS3 has a wide fascia, which comprises a trapezoidal grille with horizontal chrome slats and pair of angular headlamps flanking its side edges. The headlamp housings come fitted with halogen projectors within them, while the front bumper here comes with unique rotary vent-like blacked housings for the rounded fog lamps. The front bumper also looks muscular with blacked-out cladding and a silver skid plate at the bottom.

From the side, the GAC GS3 has a commanding stance, thanks to the presence of 18-inch large machined alloy wheels, a high ground clearance and black cladding at the bottom of the door panels and over the wheel arches. The door-mounted rearview mirrors and flowing design for the C-pillar garnish make the side profile of the GS3 look sporty.

At the back, the GAC GS3 has plain-looking wing-like combination tail lamps, which feature LED inserts in them. The design of the boot lid lacks any visual drama, though the angularly placed windscreen makes the rear look of the GS3 quite aerodynamic. The rear bumper here looks muscular with heavy black cladding all over it, with rounded exhaust ports on either side.

The GAC GS3 comes with a conventional suspension setup of Macpherson struts at the front and a twisting beam suspension at the rear. Tuned to provide a comfortable ride quality, this suspension setup is well complemented by the large 18-inch tyres, which also aid in enhancing the driving dynamics of the SUV, especially around corners. However, the steering setup feels a bit too light, which can feel unnerving at higher speeds.

Powering the GAC GS3 is a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine under its hood, which happens to be the only engine option available for the SUV. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, this engine delivers modest performance numbers – 101 PS of maximum power and 202 Nm of maximum torque. GAC claims a maximum fuel efficiency figure of 14.5 kmpl for the GS3.

The expansive list of safety features offered in the GAC GS3 as standard are six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, electronic parking brake, tyre pressure monitoring system, cruise control, rear parking sensors and 180-degree reverse parking camera.

The GAC GS3 might not be an SUV which is setting up benchmarks in styling, performance or features. However, this rather plain-looking SUV comes across as a practical SUV with impressive levels of space and stance for an SUV of its price.