Verdict
The RM15,000 step from the GAC GS3 Mk1 to the GAC GS3 Mk2 buys a far stronger 177 hp/270 Nm 1.5-litre turbo, against 112 hp/150 Nm from the Mk1’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit, plus a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h claim. The Mk2 is also 90 mm longer with a 90 mm longer wheelbase, and adds autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and a 10.25-inch screen. Used-car buyers should not ignore the Mk1’s 356-litre boot and four airbags; the Mk2 has 341 litres and two airbags.
Pick the GAC GS3 Mk1 if a lower RM88,800 entry price, four airbags and the larger 356-litre boot matter more than outright performance.
Pick the GAC GS3 Mk2 if you can stretch to RM103,800 for 177 hp, 270 Nm, modern driver assistance and the longer 2,650 mm wheelbase.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 Mk1 RM88,800; GAC GS3 Mk2 RM103,800.
- Power and torque: Mk1 112 hp and 150 Nm; Mk2 177 hp and 270 Nm.
- Transmission: Mk1 six-speed Aisin conventional automatic; Mk2 seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic.
- Dimensions: Mk1 is 4,358 mm long with a 2,560 mm wheelbase; Mk2 is 4,410 mm long with a 2,650 mm wheelbase.
- Boot and fuel tank: Mk1 has 356 litres and 50 litres; Mk2 has 341 litres and 47 litres.
- Airbags: Mk1 has four airbags; Mk2 has two airbags.
Mk1
- Four airbags, versus two in the Mk2.
- 356-litre boot is 15 litres larger.
- RM15,000 less expensive.
- 112 hp and 150 Nm trail the Mk2’s 177 hp and 270 Nm.
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or hill-start assist.
- Passive cruise control and manual-key starting.
Mk2
- 177 hp, 270 Nm and a claimed 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Autonomous braking, collision warning and steering-correction lane keeping.
- Adaptive cruise control, powered driver’s seat and 10.25-inch touchscreen.
- Two airbags, against four in the Mk1.
- 341-litre boot is 15 litres smaller than the Mk1’s.
- 47-litre tank is 3 litres smaller than the Mk1’s 50-litre tank.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM88,800✓ | RM103,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,495 cc | 1,497 cc |
| Horsepower | 112 hp at 6,000 rpm | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 150 Nm at 4,500 rpm | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 6AT | — |
| Gears | 6 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 7.5 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 6.9 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,358 mm | 4,410 mm |
| Width | 1,825 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 1,350 kg | 1,370 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 356 litres✓ | 341 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Leao Batman A51 | Continental UC6 SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" 2-tone Alloy | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" 2-tone Alloy | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain) | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) |
| 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 |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Smartphone Mirroring and 4 Speakers | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| 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 | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| 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.
Used cars for sale
Mk1 vs Mk2 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 Mk1 or GAC GS3 Mk2 better?
The GAC GS3 Mk2 is the better all-round choice for its 177 hp turbo engine, 270 Nm torque, longer wheelbase and added active-safety systems. Choose the Mk1 if its four airbags, larger boot and lower price are the priorities.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 Mk2 costs RM103,800 and the GAC GS3 Mk1 costs RM88,800, so the difference is RM15,000.
Which GAC GS3 has more luggage space?
The GAC GS3 Mk1 has the larger boot at 356 litres. The GAC GS3 Mk2 has 341 litres, a 15-litre shortfall.
