Verdict
The GAC GS3 costs RM12,100 less at RM103,800, yet brings 177 hp and 270 Nm against the Honda HR-V’s 119 hp and 145 Nm. That shows in the 7.5-second versus 12.1-second 0-100 km/h times, a meaningful margin for overtaking. It is also 63 mm longer, 60 mm wider and has a 40 mm longer wheelbase, with a slightly larger 341-litre boot. The HR-V answers with front side airbags, automatic climate control, rear air vents and ULTRA Seat versatility. Pick on priorities: the GS3 is the stronger performance buy; the HR-V is better equipped for cabin comfort and safety hardware.
Pick the GAC GS3 if 177 hp, 270 Nm and a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time matter more than extra airbags and rear air vents.
Pick the Honda HR-V if you want front side airbags, single-zone automatic climate control, rear vents and ULTRA Seat functionality.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Honda HR-V RM115,900.
- Output: GAC GS3 177 hp and 270 Nm; Honda HR-V 119 hp and 145 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: GAC GS3 7.5 seconds; Honda HR-V 12.1 seconds.
- Dimensions: GAC GS3 4,410 mm long and 1,850 mm wide; Honda HR-V 4,347 mm long and 1,790 mm wide.
- Safety airbags: GAC GS3 driver and front passenger; Honda HR-V driver, passenger and front side.
- Fuel tank: GAC GS3 47 litres; Honda HR-V 40 litres.
GS3
- 177 hp and 270 Nm, with 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
- RM12,100 lower price.
- Larger 341-litre boot and 47-litre fuel tank.
- Driver and front-passenger airbags only; the HR-V adds front side airbags.
- Manual air-con and no rear vents, versus the HR-V’s automatic climate control and rear vents.
- No ULTRA Seat function or walk-away auto lock.
HR-V
- Front side airbags in addition to driver and passenger airbags.
- Single-zone automatic climate control, rear vents and ULTRA Seat.
- Walk-away auto lock, auto headlamps and folding wing mirrors.
- Costs RM12,100 more.
- 119 hp and 145 Nm trail the GS3’s 177 hp and 270 Nm; 0-100 km/h takes 12.1 seconds.
- Smaller 335-litre boot and 40-litre fuel tank.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800✓ | RM115,900 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp✓ | 119 hp |
| Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 145 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 73 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | CVT |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Honda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds✓ | 12.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 186 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,347 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,790 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,591 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,610 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 1,274 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres✓ | 335 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/50R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/50R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | Continental UltraContact UC6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side |
| 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 | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| 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 | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 USB-A & USB-C Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4 Speakers |
| 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 | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with Multi-angle |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| 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 GS3 & HR-V for sale
GS3 vs HR-V FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Honda HR-V better?
The GAC GS3 is better for performance and price, with 177 hp, 270 Nm and a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h run. The Honda HR-V is better if front side airbags, automatic climate control, rear vents and ULTRA Seat matter more.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 is RM12,100 cheaper: RM103,800 versus RM115,900 for the Honda HR-V.
Which is quicker, the GAC GS3 or Honda HR-V?
The GAC GS3 is substantially quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The Honda HR-V takes 12.1 seconds, reflecting its 119 hp and 145 Nm outputs against the GS3’s 177 hp and 270 Nm.