Verdict
At RM103,800, the GAC GS3 costs RM12,100 less than the RM115,900 Honda HR-V yet brings 177 hp and 270 Nm, against 119 hp and 145 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h claim from 12.1 to 7.5 seconds. It is also 63 mm longer with a 40 mm longer wheelbase. The HR-V answers with four airbags to the GS3’s two, rear air vents, automatic climate control and ULTRA Seat versatility. Choose performance and price in the GS3; choose the Honda’s cabin and safety count if those matter more.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you want 177 hp, 270 Nm and a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h claim for RM12,100 less.
Pick the Honda HR-V if four airbags, rear air vents, automatic climate control and ULTRA Seat flexibility matter more than outright pace.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Honda HR-V RM115,900.
- Performance: GAC GS3 177 hp/270 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds; Honda HR-V 119 hp/145 Nm and 12.1 seconds.
- Engine and transmission: GAC GS3 1.5L turbo with seven-speed wet dual-clutch; Honda HR-V 1.5L naturally aspirated with CVT.
- Dimensions: GAC GS3 4,410 mm long on a 2,650 mm wheelbase; Honda HR-V 4,347 mm long on a 2,610 mm wheelbase.
- Safety: GAC GS3 has two airbags and Blind Spot Info System; Honda HR-V has four airbags but no Blind Spot Info System.
- Climate and rear seating: GAC GS3 has manual air-con and 60:40 folding rear seats; Honda HR-V has single-zone automatic climate control, rear vents and…
GS3
- 177 hp and 270 Nm, with a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h claim.
- RM12,100 lower purchase price.
- Larger 341-litre boot and 47-litre fuel tank.
- Two airbags versus the HR-V’s four.
- Manual air-con and no rear air vents.
- No Honda-style reclining ULTRA Seats.
HR-V
- Four airbags, plus autonomous braking and lane-keeping steering correction.
- Single-zone automatic climate control, rear vents and reclining ULTRA Seats.
- Walk-away auto lock, auto headlamps and folding wing mirrors.
- RM12,100 more expensive.
- 119 hp and 145 Nm trail the GS3’s 177 hp and 270 Nm.
- 12.1-second 0-100 km/h claim is 4.6 seconds slower than the GS3.
What the GS3 has over the HR-V
What the HR-V has over the GS3
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The GS3 is 60 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800✓ | RM115,900 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,060/mo✓ | RM1,185/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM2,978✓ | RM3,293 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ | 119 hp at 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm✓ | 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 73 mm × 89.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | CVT |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Honda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds✓ | 12.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 186 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,347 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,790 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,591 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,610 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 1,274 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres✓ | 335 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/50R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/50R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | Continental UltraContact UC6 |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | — | 22 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | — | 19 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Rear) | — | 14 inch |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 USB-A & USB-C Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with Multi-angle |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
Used GS3 & HR-V for sale
Our reviews & guides
GAC GS3
Honda HR-V
GS3 vs HR-V FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Honda HR-V better?
The GS3 is the stronger value choice for performance, with 177 hp, 270 Nm and a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h claim. The HR-V is better if you prioritise four airbags, rear-seat comfort features and ULTRA Seat flexibility.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 is RM12,100 cheaper: RM103,800 versus RM115,900 for the Honda HR-V.
Which has the more practical cabin?
The Honda HR-V has the more flexible rear cabin thanks to reclining 60:40 ULTRA Seats and rear air vents. The GS3 has the slightly larger boot, at 341 litres versus 335 litres.
