GAC GS3 vs Mitsubishi Xpander
Verdict
The GAC GS3 is the quicker, stronger five-seat SUV here: 177 hp, 270 Nm and a stated 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time give it a clear performance lead. The Mitsubishi Xpander answers with MPV practicality, using its 2,775 mm wheelbase, seven seats and 495-litre boot to make more sense for family duty. The GS3 costs RM103,800 against the Xpander’s RM99,980, so the RM3,820 gap buys more output and auto emergency braking, not more seats or luggage space.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you want the stronger petrol car, with 177 hp, 270 Nm and auto emergency braking in a five-seat SUV body.
Pick the Mitsubishi Xpander if you need seven seats, a 495-litre boot and a lower RM99,980 price more than outright performance.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800 vs Mitsubishi Xpander RM99,980
- Seats: GAC GS3 5 vs Mitsubishi Xpander 7
- Power: GAC GS3 177 hp vs Mitsubishi Xpander 104 hp
- Torque: GAC GS3 270 Nm vs Mitsubishi Xpander 141 Nm
- Wheelbase: GAC GS3 2,650 mm vs Mitsubishi Xpander 2,775 mm
- Boot space: GAC GS3 341 L vs Mitsubishi Xpander 495 L
GS3
- 177 hp and 270 Nm are much stronger than the Xpander
- Auto emergency braking is fitted
- Wider body at 1,850 mm
- Only five seats
- Smaller 341-litre boot
- Costs RM3,820 more
Xpander
- Seven-seat cabin
- Larger 495-litre boot
- Longer 2,775 mm wheelbase
- Only 104 hp and 141 Nm
- No auto emergency braking listed
- Narrower at 1,750 mm
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 103,800 | RM 99,980✓ |
| Body type | SUV | MPV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC naturally-aspirated, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp✓ | 104 hp |
| Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 141 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 75 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 4AT |
| Gears | 7 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Jatco |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,475 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,750 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,775 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 1,240 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres | 495 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 205/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 205/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | Bridgestone Ecopia 150 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for two outer middle row passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Second row 60:40 Split Fold, Third row 50:50 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Manual Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 9" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 120 | RM 120 |
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.
GS3 vs Xpander FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Mitsubishi Xpander better?
The GAC GS3 is better for performance and active safety, with 177 hp, 270 Nm and auto emergency braking. The Mitsubishi Xpander is better for family carrying, with seven seats and a 495-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 costs RM103,800, while the Mitsubishi Xpander costs RM99,980. That makes the GS3 RM3,820 dearer.
Which has more space?
The Mitsubishi Xpander has the space advantage: seven seats, a 2,775 mm wheelbase and 495 litres of boot space. The GAC GS3 has five seats, a 2,650 mm wheelbase and a 341-litre boot.