Verdict
At RM103,800, the GAC GS3 is RM6,000 cheaper and its 177 hp/270 Nm 1.5-litre turbo reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, half a second ahead of the Proton eMas 7 PHEV. But the RM109,800 Proton is a much larger C-segment SUV: its 2,755 mm wheelbase and 528-litre boot dwarf the GS3’s 2,650 mm and 341 litres. Its 18.4 kWh battery brings 83 km of EV range, plus 6.6 kW AC and 30 kW DC charging. For family space and electric commuting, take the Proton; for a smaller, quicker petrol SUV, the GAC makes sense.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you want the lower RM103,800 entry price, 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time and a powered driver’s seat in a more compact 4,410 mm SUV.
Pick the Proton eMas 7 PHEV if you need a 528-litre boot, rear air-con, six airbags and 83 km of EV range from its 18.4 kWh battery.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Proton eMas 7 PHEV RM109,800.
- Performance: GAC GS3 177 hp, 270 Nm and 7.5 seconds; Proton eMas 7 PHEV 98 hp, 125 Nm and 8.0 seconds.
- Electric system: GAC GS3 has no motor or battery; Proton eMas 7 PHEV has one 215 hp/258 Nm motor and an 18.4 kWh battery.
- Size: GAC GS3 is 4,410 mm long with a 2,650 mm wheelbase; Proton eMas 7 PHEV is 4,740 mm long with a 2,755 mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: GAC GS3 341 litres; Proton eMas 7 PHEV 528 litres.
- Safety: GAC GS3 has two airbags; Proton eMas 7 PHEV has driver, passenger, front side and front/rear curtain airbags.
GS3
- RM6,000 lower purchase price.
- Quicker 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Powered driver’s seat and blind spot information system.
- 341-litre boot is 187 litres smaller.
- Only two airbags versus the Proton’s six.
- No rear air-con, auto headlamps or auto wipers.
eMas 7 PHEV
- 83 km EV range with 6.6 kW AC and 30 kW DC charging.
- 528-litre boot and a 2,755 mm wheelbase.
- Six airbags, rear air-con and adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go.
- RM6,000 more expensive.
- Slower 8.0-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Manual-adjustable front seats and no blind spot information system.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800✓ | RM109,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 177 hp✓ | 98 hp |
| Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 125 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 215 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 258 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 18.4 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 83 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 6.6 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 30 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.3 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds✓ | 8 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,740 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,940 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,685 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 1,735 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 51 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres | 528 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| 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 | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Automatic High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| 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 | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| 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 | 15.4" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Operation (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Boot |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 6 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year/160,000 km Hybrid and Components Warranty, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
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 & eMas 7 PHEV for sale
GS3 vs eMas 7 PHEV FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Proton eMas 7 PHEV better?
The Proton eMas 7 PHEV is better for space, safety equipment and electric running, with a 528-litre boot, six airbags and 83 km EV range. The GAC GS3 is the better pick for a lower price and quicker 0-100 km/h time.
What is the price difference?
The Proton eMas 7 PHEV costs RM109,800, which is RM6,000 more than the GAC GS3 at RM103,800.
Can the Proton eMas 7 PHEV be charged externally?
Yes. The Proton eMas 7 PHEV has an 18.4 kWh battery, accepts AC charging at up to 6.6 kW and DC charging at up to 30 kW, and has a 3.3 kW V2L function.