Verdict
The GAC GS3 costs RM103,800 to the Honda WR-V’s RM94,900, but the RM8,900 gap brings a 177 hp/270 Nm 1.5-litre turbo and 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time, against 119 hp/145 Nm and 11.0 seconds. It is also 350 mm longer with a 165 mm longer wheelbase. The WR-V fights back with a 380-litre boot, 39 litres more than the GS3, side airbags and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty. Pick pace and cabin hardware with the GAC; pick the Honda for its safety provision, luggage space and warranty cover.
Pick the GAC GS3 if 177 hp, 270 Nm, a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h sprint and larger 18-inch wheels matter more than the RM8,900 saving.
Pick the Honda WR-V if you want side airbags, a 380-litre boot and an unlimited-mileage five-year warranty for less money.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Honda WR-V RM94,900.
- Power and torque: GAC GS3 177 hp and 270 Nm; Honda WR-V 119 hp and 145 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: GAC GS3 7.5 seconds; Honda WR-V 11.0 seconds.
- Length and wheelbase: GAC GS3 4,410 mm and 2,650 mm; Honda WR-V 4,060 mm and 2,485 mm.
- Boot space: GAC GS3 341 litres; Honda WR-V 380 litres.
- Warranty mileage: GAC GS3 150,000 km over five years; Honda WR-V unlimited mileage over five years.
GS3
- 177 hp and 270 Nm turbo petrol engine
- 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- 18-inch wheels, LED projector headlamps and powered driver’s seat
- 341-litre boot is 39 litres smaller than the WR-V’s
- No side airbags listed, while the WR-V has dual front and side airbags
- Five-year warranty is capped at 150,000 km versus unlimited mileage
WR-V
- 380-litre boot
- Dual front and side airbags plus five-star ASEAN NCAP rating
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty with free labour for up to five services
- 119 hp and 145 Nm trail the GS3’s 177 hp and 270 Nm
- 11.0-second 0-100 km/h time is 3.5 seconds slower than the GS3’s
- Halogen headlamps and 17-inch wheels versus the GS3’s LED projectors and 18-inch wheels
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800 | RM94,900✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp✓ | 119 hp |
| Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 145 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | CVT |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds✓ | 11.0 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 6.0 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | — | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,060 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,608 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,485 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 1,105 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres | 380 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | 16" Steel Spare |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | — |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Black Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Black Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Electric Power Steering |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Dual Front and Side Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | — |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | ISOFIX i-Size |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, with CMBS |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front and Rear |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Halogen |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat | Fabric |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air Conditioning |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | — |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | — |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 10" Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Remote Engine Start, Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, Multi-angle with LaneWatch |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5-year unlimited-mileage warranty; free labour for up to 5 services (100,000 km/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 & WR-V for sale
GS3 vs WR-V FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Honda WR-V better?
The GAC GS3 is better for outright performance and a larger body, with 177 hp and a 7.5-second sprint. The Honda WR-V is the more sensible choice for side airbags, a larger 380-litre boot and unlimited-mileage warranty cover.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 is RM8,900 more expensive than the Honda WR-V. That extra outlay brings 58 hp, 125 Nm and a 3.5-second quicker 0-100 km/h time.
Which SUV has the bigger boot?
The Honda WR-V has the bigger boot at 380 litres, compared with 341 litres in the GAC GS3. The Honda’s advantage is 39 litres.