
The GAC Trumpchi GS3 is a B-segment SUV under the GAC Trumpchi marque. First introduced on 26 August 2017 in Wuzhen, the model serves as the brand’s core offering in the entry-level SUV segment. Having undergone several generational updates, the current lineup is spearheaded by the "Emzoom" series. The latest 2026 model was launched on 27 October 2025, retaining an internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain that blends strong value for money with smart in-car technology.
The 2026 Trumpchi GS3 Emzoom is available in three variants, with official retail prices ranging from RM79,800 to RM99,800, alongside an introductory promotional price of RM69,800 to RM89,800. Compared to the previous iteration, prices across corresponding variants have been reduced by RM6,000. Tailored primarily for young families aged 25 to 35 and budget-conscious young executives, its chief selling points include an accessible price point, generous equipment list, and practical interior packaging. In the market, the GS3 competes directly against ICE-powered B-segment rivals such as the Geely Binyue, Nissan Kicks, and Lynk & Co 06.
The Trumpchi GS3 Emzoom adopts the brand’s "Star Diamond Rhombus" design language, giving it a sharp, youthful, and sporty profile. Up front, a prominent black radiator grille with vertical slats is flanked by angular bumper air ducts and sharp headlamp clusters, delivering an aggressive, mecha-inspired front fascia.
In profile, blacked-out A-pillars, textured rear quarter trim, and flush pop-out door handles create a distinctive floating-roof aesthetic. Higher-spec variants ride on 18-inch smoked five-spoke alloy wheels and feature a roof spoiler, a sporty rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, and twin dual exhaust tips. The range-topping R-STYLE variant further adds an exclusive sports bodykit and an active exhaust valve for an enhanced exhaust note.
Dimension-wise, the GS3 Emzoom measures 4,410 mm (4,446 mm on selected variants) long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,600 mm tall, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase—stretched by 90 mm over its predecessor to match the segment benchmark. Exterior colour options include Ivory White, Superstar Silver, and Moonlight Grey, with mid-spec variants and above gaining an exclusive "Taro Purple" shade.
Inside, the 2026 model introduces soft-touch leatherette trim with new textures and colours across the dashboard, offering wider coverage and effectively eliminating the budget plastic feel of the older cabin. A newly added Starlight Black interior theme paired with 32-colour ambient lighting elevates cabin ambiance with an entry-luxury feel that punches well above its class.
Under the bonnet, the entire Trumpchi GS3 Emzoom range is powered by GAC’s third-generation Mega Wave Power 1.5-litre turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine, boasting a thermal efficiency of up to 40.48%. Benefiting from a water-cooled intercooler and dual VVT, the mill delivers 130 kW (around 177 PS) and 270 Nm of torque—a significant boost over the previous generation. The 0-100 km/h century sprint is completed in an official 7.5 seconds (R-STYLE variant), placing it among the quickest in the B-segment SUV category.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7WDCT). Fuel economy is rated at a frugal 6.18 L/100 km on the WLTC cycle on RON92 petrol, translating to a running cost of roughly RM0.50 per kilometre at current fuel rates. In congested city driving with the air-con running, real-world consumption hovers between 7.5 and 8.5 L/100 km, while highway cruising drops to around 5.5 L/100 km, easily outperforming rival 1.5-litre naturally aspirated offerings.
The Trumpchi GS3 Emzoom rides on a front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform with MacPherson struts up front and a rear torsion beam setup—a standard configuration for subcompact SUVs in this price range. The suspension is tuned on the firmer, sportier side, keeping body roll well in check through high-speed bends while delivering a planted, stable ride. On twisty trunk roads and winding hill climbs, the GS3 provides drivers with reassuring lateral composure.
Steering is handled by a flat-bottom, D-shaped three-spoke multifunction steering wheel that feels nicely weighted and accurate, with steering resistance progressively building up at higher speeds for confident highway cruising. NVH suppression is decent for its class, though higher-rpm engine noise and road tyre roar remain audible—fairly typical for vehicles at this price point.
Cabin technology is a central highlight of the GS3 Emzoom’s latest update. The 2026 model offers different central touchscreen sizes depending on the trim: a 10.25-inch unit on the Jinqu, a 12.3-inch screen on the Jinxiang, and a flagship 14.6-inch floating HD display on the Jinzhi, which supports multi-touch and gesture controls. A 7-inch full digital instrument cluster comes standard across the entire range.
The infotainment runs on the latest ADiGO intelligent connected ecosystem with 4G connectivity, supporting online navigation with live traffic updates, streaming music platforms, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. The voice assistant supports continuous dialogue and contextual "see-and-say" commands, while a dedicated companion smartphone app enables remote engine start, cabin pre-cooling, and remote door locking/unlocking. Smartphone integration includes CarLife, with the 2024 Jinzhi MAX variant also supporting Apple CarPlay and Huawei HiCar.
Comfort features include leatherette seats as standard (fabric on the base Jinqu), while the top-spec Jinzhi adds a powered driver’s seat and heated front seats. Standard or variant-dependent kit includes an operable panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push-start button, LED headlights, automatic climate control, and rear air-con vents. Boot capacity stands at 341 litres in standard guise, expanding to 1,271 litres with the rear seats folded down.
On the safety front, the GS3 Emzoom is equipped with the ADiGO driver assistance suite, delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. It packs 10 Level 2 ADAS functions on equipped trims, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop-and-go, Lane Centring Control (LCC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
For parking, all variants come standard with the Xingling intelligent parking assistance system, featuring a 540-degree panoramic camera with a transparent chassis view, automated parking assist, remote parking assist, Rear Autonomous Emergency Braking (R-AEB), and intelligent parking bay detection, making tight spot manoeuvres effortless and safe.
Passive safety is built around a high-strength cage body structure paired with GAC’s second-generation impact energy absorption technology. In terms of passive protection, the Jinxiang and above variants feature six airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags), whereas the entry-level Jinqu makes do with dual front airbags. Active electronic aids such as a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and Traction Control System (TCS) are standard across the board.
The Trumpchi GS3 Emzoom has turned in impressive sales figures. Despite the rapid rise and market penetration of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), the petrol-powered GS3 Emzoom has bucked the downward trend. In 2025, it held a solid second place in subcompact ICE SUV sales, marking three consecutive years of sales growth. In 2024, it also ranked second overall among pure-petrol B-segment SUVs, with peak monthly deliveries surpassing 12,000 units. In March 2025, domestic monthly sales reached 7,642 units, making it GAC Trumpchi's best-selling model. Deliveries stood at 5,069 units in May 2025, bringing year-to-date sales to 23,116 units. Across a broader timeframe, cumulative deliveries from January to September 2025 grew by 27.65% year-on-year.
In terms of customer feedback, owners have praised its punchy performance (177 PS and 270 Nm offering a notable edge over rivals), frugal fuel economy (WLTC 6.18 L/100 km), striking exterior design, and comprehensive tech suite (the 14.6-inch screen and Level 2 ADAS are rare highlights at this price). On the downside, common critiques include noticeable wind and tyre roar at highway speeds, a slightly tight rear bench when carrying three adults abreast, minor low-speed dual-clutch transmission hesitation, and initial new-car cabin odour.
All in all, the GAC Trumpchi GS3 Emzoom makes a compelling case in the RM70,000 to RM100,000 ICE B-segment SUV market, backed by its lively 1.5T engine, segment-leading 6.18 L/100 km fuel efficiency, an expansive 14.6-inch touchscreen, standard 540-degree smart parking, and Level 2 ADAS features. With ongoing updates from rivals like the Geely Binyue and Changan CS35 PLUS, alongside increasing price pressure from budget NEVs, sustaining this growth momentum will be the GS3 Emzoom’s next big test in the ICE crossover space.