A few disguised autos, recognized because the GAC Trumpchi GS3 SUV, have been noticed by reader Enche Ariel present process street exams in Perak. The GS3, or seemingly the facelifted GS3 Energy on this case, is a B-segment SUV produced by GAC Group and bought beneath the Trumpchi model in China.
In case you’re questioning what the automotive is doing right here in Malaysia, effectively, it’s seemingly a part of a feasibility research ensuing from the MoU signing between TC Abroad Belongings Holdings Labuan (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings) and GAC Motor Worldwide. The MoU is legitimate till July 1, 2021, and consists of the potential of assembling and promoting GAC fashions in Malaysia and Vietnam.
The Perak plate additionally factors in direction of the potential of the SUV being assembled at Tan Chong Motor Holdings’ new RM500 million automotive hub (on 338 acres of land) in Bagan Datuk. Plans for the hub have been introduced again in mid-2018, and on the time, the corporate mentioned its business autos manufacturing line was set to kick off on the location in 2021. Whereas speculative, is the sighting of the SUV a coincidence then?
Now, on to the SUV. The prototype seen right here seems to be a right-hand drive unit. In that case, that might make it a primary for the GS3 mannequin. The GS3 is at the moment not accessible in right-hand drive markets, and there exists no RHD model of it as effectively, not homologated ones no less than.
In China, the refreshed, range-topping SUV is powered by a 1,493 cc turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. The direct-injection mill (Euro 6 emissions-compliant) makes 163 PS at 5,500 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. Drive is shipped to the entrance wheels both by means of a six-speed handbook or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the highest velocity reportedly being 165 km/h.
Curiously, there are studies suggesting the existence of an much more highly effective 1.5T four-cylinder engine. That unit makes 169 PS and 265 Nm of torque, and all that will get despatched to the entrance wheels by means of a six-speed automated handbook transmission (AMT). At this level, we’d prefer to remind you that getting data from China web sites is all the time difficult (keep in mind how all of us thought the unique Boyue had a six-speed DCT final time?), so take these bits with a grain of salt.
In any case, each 1.5T engines within the GS3 Energy are extra highly effective than the non-TGDi Proton X50s. The 1.5T PFI three-potter affords 150 PS at 5,500 rpm and 226 Nm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, whereas the 1.5 TGDi lump churns out 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.
There are cheaper, non-Energy fashions as effectively. These are powered by both a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine creating 115 PS and 150 Nm of torque, or a 1.3 litre four-cylinder turbo that makes 137 PS and 202 Nm of torque. Transmission choices right here embrace a five-speed handbook or six-speed computerized, the latter sourced from Aisin.
By way of dimensions, the GS3 Energy measures 4,350 mm in size, 1,825 mm extensive, 1,685 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of two,560 mm. That makes it 20 mm longer, 25 mm wider, and as much as 76 mm taller than the X50. Nonetheless, the GS3 Energy’s wheelbase is 40 mm shorter than the X50’s, and weighs between 1,315 kg to 1,380 kg relying on the variant. It’s actually shut, then.
Different notable options embrace McPherson struts for the entrance suspension, torsion beam suspension for the rear, disc brakes on all 4 corners (entrance models are ventilated, rears are strong), plus electrical energy steering. By way of colors, the older GS3 might be had in 5 colors, however sportier blue and purple hues have been launched with the arrival of the up to date GS3 Energy.
Design-wise, the GS3 Energy will get a large entrance grille, virtually within the vein of Lexus’ spindle grille. The headlights have been up to date with twin projector LED models, and pictures of the SUV in China present new 18-inch aeroblade-style dual-tone wheels. These seem sportier than the twin-five spoke models seen on the camouflage testers right here, however once more, nothing is kind of set in stone for the time being. The LED mixture tail lights are additionally new.
Primarily based on these pictures, the cabin is clearly to not the extent of the Geely Binyue/Proton X50. The facelift provides on a Mercedes-esque conjoined twin shows, one for the instrumentation and the opposite for the ten.25-inch widescreen infotainment system. This sees the centre vents tackle the form of an rectangular, whereas the encompassing trim incorporates a carbon-fibre print in its entirety.
Elsewhere, you’ll discover keyless entry with push-start button, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, three rectangular management hubs for heating, air flow and air-conditioning, entrance and rear USB ports, a six-speaker configuration, plus energy adjustable entrance seats. The rear seats characteristic a 60:40 break up and reclining perform, too. Boot area stays unchanged from earlier than at 370 litres, however expands as much as 780 litres with the rear seatbacks folded down.
For security, the usual package consists of three-point seatbelts for all 5 seats, twin entrance airbags (prime mannequin will get further aspect airbags for a complete of 4), ABS with EBD, digital stability programme, traction management system, hill-start help, hill descent management, and Isofix baby seat anchor factors for the rear seats. Apparently, the GS3 Energy is supplied with ADiGO superior driver help system, which incorporates energetic brake help, entrance collision warning system, and lane departure warning.
In China, the GS3 Energy is priced at 102,800 yuan, which is roughly RM64k after conversion. The beginning value for non-Energy fashions (pre-facelift; these have but to be up to date) begins from 73,800 yuan (RM46k). So, what do you consider this?
GALLERY: GAC Trumpchi GS3 Energy spyshots in Perak, Malaysia
GALLERY: GAC Trumpchi GS3 Energy in China
