China’s GAC GS3 now on PH shores

MANILA: China’s auto brand GAC has started to reinforce its offers in the Philippines. The brand recently brought its subcompact crossover GS3 to Philippine shores.

Through its sole distributor in the Philippines, Legado Motors Inc., the GS3 made its way following its debut in November last year.

During the launch, Legado Motors Chief Executive Officer Wilbert Lim expressed belief in the car saying it is high time to bring the GS3 in the local market, after gaining a good number of followers from where it was introduced.

“We are extremely pleased with the launch of the GAC GS3 here in the Philippines, and we are excited to enter the market at a time where there is great demand for vehicles that respond to the modern lifestyle of consumers,” he said.

“GAC as a pioneering global Chinese brand is set to conquer the automotive scene in developing markets such as the Philippines, and we are confident that our value propositions will have discerning Filipino car owners take a second look at our innovative vehicles and own the GAC experience,” he added.

Powering the GS3 is either a 1.5-liter, DCVVT engine that produces 113hp and 150Nm (150N variant), or a 1.3-liter turbocharged DCVVT engine rated to make 136hp and 202Nm (200T variant) mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The design has evolved from what the Philippines previously had from the China-branded. The classic chrome elements complemented the athletic design overall. Interior-wise, premium leather or fabric will greet occupants.

Aside from that, the GS3 has been fitted with an 8-inch TFT infotainment system with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

For its safety features, the GS3 specs sheet includes -

• Electronic stability control
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
• Hill-start Hold Control (HHC)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold.

GAC GS3 price starts at Php 888,000 for the entry-level 150N while the 200T is pegged at P1.058 million.

Also Read: GAC GS8: Features explained