Verdict
The GAC Emkoo is the roomier, more fully equipped choice, with a 638-litre boot against the GAC GS3’s 341 litres, a 2,750-mm wheelbase and six airbags. It also adds multi-link rear suspension, a panoramic glass roof and a 360-degree camera. The GS3 answers with a 170-kg lower kerb weight and a much quicker 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time, versus 8.8 seconds. For Malaysian families carrying people and luggage, the Emkoo’s extra space and safety kit make the stronger case; the GS3 suits buyers prioritising a smaller footprint and punchier acceleration.
Pick the GAC Emkoo if you need the 638-litre boot, six airbags, multi-link rear suspension and substantially more cabin equipment.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you want the lighter 1,370-kg SUV with a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time and a RM20,000 lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: GAC Emkoo RM123,800; GAC GS3 RM103,800.
- Acceleration: GAC Emkoo 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds; GAC GS3 in 7.5 seconds.
- Boot space: GAC Emkoo 638 litres; GAC GS3 341 litres.
- Airbags: GAC Emkoo six; GAC GS3 two.
- Wheelbase: GAC Emkoo 2,750 mm; GAC GS3 2,650 mm.
- Rear suspension: GAC Emkoo multi-link; GAC GS3 torsion beam.
Emkoo
- 638-litre boot, 297 litres larger than the GS3's.
- Six airbags and a 360-degree view monitor.
- Panoramic glass roof, ventilated driver’s seat and powered boot.
- Slower 8.8-second 0-100 km/h sprint versus 7.5 seconds.
- Heavier at 1,540 kg versus 1,370 kg.
GS3
- Quicker 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Lighter 1,370-kg kerb weight.
- More compact 4,410-mm length for tighter parking spaces.
- Only two airbags, against six in the Emkoo.
- 341-litre boot is 297 litres smaller.
- Torsion-beam rear suspension instead of the Emkoo’s multi-link arrangement.
What the Emkoo has over the GS3
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The Emkoo's wheelbase is 100 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The Emkoo is 51 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the Emkoo: 638 litres against 341.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM123,800 | RM103,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,265/mo | RM1,060/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM3,498 | RM2,978✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,497 cc |
| Horsepower | 175 hp at 5,500 rpm | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 7DCT | — |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | 7.5 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,680 mm | 4,410 mm |
| Width | 1,901 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | 1,370 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 638 litres✓ | 341 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Continental UC6 SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 2 (Driver and Front 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 | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilated Driver's Seat | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Manual Recline | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System | 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 | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 7 Year, 180,000 km Powertrain 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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
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Emkoo vs GS3 FAQ
Is the GAC Emkoo or GAC GS3 better?
The GAC Emkoo is better for family use, carrying luggage and equipment, with six airbags, a 638-litre boot and a 360-degree camera. The GAC GS3 is better if quicker acceleration and smaller exterior dimensions matter more.
What is the price difference?
The GAC Emkoo costs RM20,000 more than the GAC GS3. That gap brings a larger body, 297 litres more boot space, four additional airbags, multi-link rear suspension, a panoramic roof and a powered boot.
Which one is quicker, the GAC Emkoo or GAC GS3?
The GAC GS3 is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The GAC Emkoo takes 8.8 seconds, despite both using a 1,497-cc turbocharged petrol engine, 270 Nm and a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
