GAC GS3: Mk1 vs Mk2
Verdict
At RM88,800 versus RM103,800, the GAC GS3 Mk2 asks RM15,000 more than the GAC GS3 Mk1, and the money buys a much stronger drivetrain: 177 hp and 270 Nm against 112 hp and 150 Nm, plus a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time. It is also longer and has a 90 mm longer wheelbase. But the Mk1 still has the bigger boot at 356 litres versus 341 litres, a larger 50-litre tank and more airbags, with four against two. The Mk2 adds AEB, so this is not a one-way win.
Pick the GAC GS3 Mk1 if you want the lower RM88,800 price, larger boot, bigger fuel tank and four airbags over outright performance.
Pick the GAC GS3 Mk2 if you want the newer-generation car with far stronger outputs, a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time, longer wheelbase and AEB.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 Mk1 RM88,800; GAC GS3 Mk2 RM103,800
- Power and torque: GAC GS3 Mk1 112 hp/150 Nm; GAC GS3 Mk2 177 hp/270 Nm
- Transmission: GAC GS3 Mk1 conventional automatic; GAC GS3 Mk2 wet dual-clutch automatic
- Size: GAC GS3 Mk1 4,358 mm long/2,560 mm wheelbase; GAC GS3 Mk2 4,410 mm long/2,650 mm wheelbase
- Boot and tank: GAC GS3 Mk1 356 litres/50 litres; GAC GS3 Mk2 341 litres/47 litres
- Safety kit: GAC GS3 Mk1 four airbags/no AEB; GAC GS3 Mk2 two airbags/AEB
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 88,800✓ | RM 103,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,495 cc | 1,497 cc |
| Power | 112 hp | 177 hp✓ |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 270 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | — | 7.5 s |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 6.9 L/100km | — |
| 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 |
| Boot space | 356 L✓ | 341 L |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 47 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 4✓ | 2 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| 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.
Mk1
- RM15,000 cheaper on the listed price
- Larger 356-litre boot
- Four airbags versus two in the Mk2
- Much lower outputs at 112 hp and 150 Nm
- No AEB listed
- Shorter 2,560 mm wheelbase
Mk2
- 177 hp and 270 Nm is a big jump
- AEB is fitted
- Longer 2,650 mm wheelbase
- Costs RM103,800, which is RM15,000 more
- Smaller 341-litre boot
- Only two airbags listed
Mk1 vs Mk2 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 Mk1 or GAC GS3 Mk2 better?
The GAC GS3 Mk2 is the stronger new-generation choice for performance and AEB. The GAC GS3 Mk1 fights back with a lower price, bigger boot, larger fuel tank and more airbags.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 Mk1 is listed at RM88,800, while the GAC GS3 Mk2 is RM103,800. That makes the Mk2 RM15,000 more expensive.
Which GAC GS3 is quicker?
The GAC GS3 Mk2 is the clear performance pick, with 177 hp, 270 Nm and a listed 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds. The Mk1 has 112 hp and 150 Nm.