Verdict
At RM103,800, the GAC GS3 costs RM10,000 more than the RM93,800 MG 5, but its 177 hp and 270 Nm turbo delivers 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds against 112 hp, 150 Nm and 11.5 seconds. That matters on Malaysian overtakes. The MG 5 counters with six airbags to the GS3’s two, a 401-litre boot and 2,680-mm wheelbase, versus 341 litres and 2,650 mm. Pick the GS3 for punch, adaptive cruise control and wireless phone connectivity; the MG 5 for passive-safety count, sedan space and RM90 annual road tax.
The GS3 Premium R CKD (RM126,800) sits above every 5 variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you want far stronger 177 hp/270 Nm turbo performance, a higher-riding SUV body and adaptive cruise control.
Pick the MG 5 if six airbags, a larger 401-litre boot, rear air-con vents and a lower purchase price matter more than acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; MG 5 RM93,800.
- Performance: GAC GS3 177 hp, 270 Nm and 7.5 seconds to 100 km/h; MG 5 112 hp, 150 Nm and 11.5 seconds.
- Passive safety: GAC GS3 has 2 airbags; MG 5 has 6 airbags.
- Space: GAC GS3 has a 341-litre boot and 2,650-mm wheelbase; MG 5 has 401 litres and 2,680 mm.
- Driver assistance: GAC GS3 gets adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping steering correction; MG 5 gets passive cruise control and lane-departure warning only.
GS3
- 177 hp and 270 Nm turbo engine
- 7.5-second 0-100 km/h acceleration
- Adaptive cruise control, lane steering correction and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Only 2 airbags versus the MG 5's 6
- 341-litre boot is 60 litres smaller
- Manual air-con and no rear air-con vents
5
- 6 airbags and a 360-degree camera
- 401-litre boot and 2,680-mm wheelbase
- Automatic climate control, rear air-con vents and sunroof
- 112 hp and 150 Nm trail the GS3's 177 hp and 270 Nm
- 11.5-second 0-100 km/h time is 4.0 seconds slower
- Passive cruise control and lane warning lack the GS3's adaptive cruise and steering correction
What the 5 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.
Boot space favours the 5: 401 litres against 341.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800 | RM93,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM90✓ |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,060/mo | RM960/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM2,978 | RM2,718✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ | 112 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm✓ | 150 Nm at 4,500 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 75 mm × 84.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 11.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | iCVT |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds✓ | 11.5 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,675 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,842 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,680 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres | 401 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/50R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | Maxxis Primetra S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| 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 Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| 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 | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | One-piece Folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC vent |
| Sunroof | — | Yes |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 3 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 7 Years/Unlimited Mileage Warranty on Powertrain |
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 & 5 for sale
Our reviews & guides
GAC GS3
MG 5
GS3 vs 5 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or MG 5 better?
The GS3 is the better choice for performance and driver assistance, thanks to 177 hp, 270 Nm and adaptive cruise control. The MG 5 is better for buyers prioritising six airbags, a larger boot and rear passenger amenities.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 is RM10,000 more expensive than the MG 5.
Which is safer, the GAC GS3 or MG 5?
The MG 5 has the stronger passive-safety tally with six airbags against two in the GS3. Both have autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, stability control and ISOFIX, while the GS3 adds lane-keeping steering correction.
Which one is locally assembled?
The GS3 is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the 5 is fully imported (CBU) from Thailand. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.
