Verdict
The GAC GS3 Mk2 costs RM103,800 against RM88,800 for the GAC GS3 Mk1, so the RM15,000 gap buys a 177 hp/270 Nm turbo engine instead of 112 hp/150 Nm, a 7-speed wet dual-clutch and 7.5-second 0-100 km/h claim. It is also 90 mm longer in wheelbase and brings autonomous braking, steering correction lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. The Mk1 remains the more practical budget used buy on boot space and fuel-tank capacity, while its front and rear curtain airbags deserve attention beside the Mk2’s driver and front-passenger airbags only.
Pick the GAC GS3 Mk1 if a lower entry cost, its 356-litre boot, 50-litre tank and curtain airbags matter more than outright performance and driver assistance.
Pick the GAC GS3 Mk2 if you want 177 hp, 270 Nm, a 2,650 mm wheelbase and autonomous braking with adaptive cruise control.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 Mk1 RM88,800 | GAC GS3 Mk2 RM103,800
- Engine output: GAC GS3 Mk1 112 hp and 150 Nm | GAC GS3 Mk2 177 hp and 270 Nm
- Transmission: GAC GS3 Mk1 6-speed Aisin conventional automatic | GAC GS3 Mk2 7-speed wet dual-clutch automatic
- Size: GAC GS3 Mk1 4,358 mm long with a 2,560 mm wheelbase | GAC GS3 Mk2 4,410 mm long with a 2,650 mm wheelbase
- Cargo and fuel tank: GAC GS3 Mk1 356 litres and 50 litres | GAC GS3 Mk2 341 litres and 47 litres
- Safety assistance: GAC GS3 Mk1 no autonomous braking or lane-keep assist | GAC GS3 Mk2 autonomous braking and steering-correction lane-keep assist
Mk1
- 356-litre boot and 50-litre fuel tank
- Driver, passenger, front and rear curtain airbags
- 6-speed Aisin conventional automatic
- 112 hp and 150 Nm versus 177 hp and 270 Nm
- No autonomous braking, collision warning, hill-start assist or lane-keep assist
- Manual key, manual driver’s seat and passive cruise control
Mk2
- 177 hp, 270 Nm and a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h claim
- Autonomous braking, collision warning and steering-correction lane-keep assist
- 10.25-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and adaptive cruise control
- 341-litre boot versus 356 litres
- 47-litre fuel tank versus 50 litres
- Only driver and front-passenger airbags, where the Mk1 also has front and rear curtain airbags
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM88,800✓ | RM103,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,495 cc | 1,497 cc |
| Horsepower | 112 hp | 177 hp✓ |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 270 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 6AT | — |
| Gears | 6 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 7.5 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 6.9 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,358 mm | 4,410 mm |
| Width | 1,825 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 1,350 kg | 1,370 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 356 litres✓ | 341 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Leao Batman A51 | Continental UC6 SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" 2-tone Alloy | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" 2-tone Alloy | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger |
| 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 |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Smartphone Mirroring and 4 Speakers | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, 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 with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| 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 cars for sale
Mk1 vs Mk2 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 Mk1 or GAC GS3 Mk2 better?
The GAC GS3 Mk2 is the better-equipped and far more powerful choice, with 177 hp, 270 Nm, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control. Choose the Mk1 for its larger 356-litre boot, 50-litre tank and curtain airbags.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 Mk2 costs RM15,000 more than the GAC GS3 Mk1. That gap brings 65 hp and 120 Nm more, a wet dual-clutch transmission, a longer wheelbase and additional driver-assistance systems.
Which GAC GS3 has more luggage space?
The GAC GS3 Mk1 has the larger boot at 356 litres, 15 litres more than the GAC GS3 Mk2’s 341 litres. The Mk1 also has a 50-litre fuel tank, compared with 47 litres for the Mk2.