On first encounter with the GAC GS3 Emzoom, it is difficult to believe that this supposed “crossover” model with its surprisingly avant-garde, extravagant geometric design and overstated sporty styling is the product of a Chinese state-owned company.
Although Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) has a history dating back seventy years, the group established its first independent marque, Trumpchi, only in December 2010. Interestingly, its initial product, the GA5 sedan, was based on the Alfa Romeo 166.
Technology transfer from the Italian brand, renowned for its sound chassis engineering and design flair, a chassis expert stolen from Fiat, and the fact that GAC Motor opened a design centre in Los Angeles likely explains the progressive looks – penned by Chinese designers Xiaolin Xu and Wang Pei – and well-balanced chassis feel of the second-generation Trumpchi GS3, branded as the GAC GS3 Emzoom for overseas markets.
Sure, the graphic angular styling with somewhat clashing, sharp geometric patterns, combined with bold colours on the R Style derivative, may not appeal to all tastes, but its bold design does make the Emzoom stand out from the existing crossover crowd.
While GAC describes the GS3 Emzoom as a “next-generation SUV”, in terms of dimensions, it is more of a big hatchback (much like the Mazda CX-30) than a crossover SUV. In addition to its contemporary aesthetics, the Chinese newcomer impressed with its interior trim quality, innovative technology, and on-road dynamics.
The flying-mecha front face design of our vivid blue R Style test unit with contrasting orange flashes is eye-catching. The angular integrated LED headlights feature 18 LED bulbs for daytime running lights. A double waistline element accentuates the sleek sides with hidden door handles, and the geometric design of the taillights, with 66 LED bulbs, creates a striking 3D effect.
HIGH-QUALITY INTERIOR
An elaborate front splitter and sporty rear wing, incorporating a neatly designed high-mounted brake light, and racy 18” rims further enhance the sporty look, and this is supported by the design detail in the interior, with elaborate geometric designs echoing the exterior styling.
The central console with a 10.25” multi-functional touchscreen on the dual-screen dashboard is powered by an eight-core chipset. While the suite of Level 2 ADAS (driver assistance) functions and the different drive modes (Eco, Comfort, and Sport) can only be controlled via the touchscreen, there are attractively designed piano-key style control buttons for the ventilation and dual-zone aircon.
In the R Style (the Emzoom also comes in Comfort and Executive trim), the driver is presented with a 7” LCD instrument cluster and a diamond-design gear shift lever. Other features include keyless entry, push-button start, ambient cabin lighting, and a huge panoramic sunroof.
Numerous charging ports and 21 flexible storage compartments are available. The cabin comfortably seats five occupants. The tastefully decorated and ergonomically designed leather-clad front seats are comfortable, and thanks to a flat floor, backseat legroom is generous.
HOT HATCH ON-ROAD DYNAMICS
The ostentatiously designed Emzoom is not just all show but no go… No, its 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged MegaWave Power petrol engine is lively. This perkiness, combined with a smooth-shifting seven-speed wet dual-clutch auto transmission and a well-sorted suspension and chassis, gives the GS3 hot hatch-like performance and handling traits.
Okay, it is not in the Golf GTI league, but its engine’s eagerness and driving dynamics remind one of older school GT hatches. The turbo mill, of Mitsubishi origin, generates a healthy 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque and, in Sport mode, allows the Emzoom to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in only eight seconds, while maintaining an acceptable real-world fuel efficiency figure (around 7.0 litres/100 km).
Furthermore, the Emzoom recently earned a five-star safety rating in the ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries) and Salvador Caetano, the local distributor for GAC Motor, also introduced a lifetime engine warranty across the entire model line-up in addition to a five-year/150,000 km warranty and a five-year/60,000 km service plan.
LAST WORD
Although it is considered a rival to the Mazda CX-30, the Omoda C5, and the Toyota Corolla Cross, the new GAC GS3 Emzoom – specifically in R Style trim – has much sportier aspirations and can be compared in terms of performance to hatches such as the Suzuki Swift Sport.
At R549,900, the GS3 Emzoom R Style offers a lot for the price. Contrary to many Chinese offerings, it is a proper driver’s car. Therefore, it is no wonder that since its introduction, the Emzoom has seen record sales growth in international markets. However, given GAC’s (currently) small dealer footprint, a question mark remains around the availability of parts for newcomers and the level of aftersales service.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images GAC Motors
