With the size of a Jeep Compass and a 1.5 turbo gasoline engine, the new GAC GS3 will be the automaker's main volume bet in the country
The Chinese manufacturer GAC made official the arrival of the GS3 SUV in the Brazilian market through a teaser published on its social networks. The darkened image confirms the imminent landing of the model, which will be the automaker’s main volume bet to face sales leaders such as Volkswagen T-Cross, Hyundai Creta and Chevrolet Tracker. The SUV had already undergone homologation at Inmetro in January, although the exact date of launch at dealerships has not yet been set.
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Unlike the offensive focused on full electrification of other Asian brands, the GAC GS3 initially lands only on combustion. The model will be equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission (DCT). According to data from Inmetro’s labeling program, the SUV will register average consumption of 10.2 km/l in the urban cycle and 11.6 km/l on highways.
GAC’s business strategy is based on offering more space at a competitive price. Although it operates in the compact utility range, the GS3 boasts dimensions that flirt with the medium segment, approaching the Jeep Compass. It is 4,41 meters long, 1,85 m wide and a good 2,65 m wheelbase.
With estimated prices between R$ 130 thousand and R$ 160 thousand, the model is expected to follow the brand’s international equipment standard. These include full-LED headlights, driving assistance package (ADAS), 360-degree camera and six airbags, all packed into a body with coupe SUV lines and retractable door handles.
Thinking in the long term, the CEO of GAC Brazil, Alex Zhou, has already signaled the feasibility of converting the 1.5 turbo engine to flex technology. The company is also studying the installation of an industrial complex in the national territory to consolidate its operation, with no defined location or schedule yet.
