Verdict
The GAC GS3 is the performance-led choice: 177 hp and 270 Nm cut its 0-100 km/h time to 7.5 seconds, against the Omoda Jaecoo J5’s 145 hp, 210 Nm and 10.2 seconds. It also has a 2,650 mm wheelbase, 30 mm longer than the J5’s. But the J5 is much better equipped for family use, with a 480-litre boot versus 341 litres, six airbags instead of two, plus dual-zone climate control, rear air vents and a powered boot. Its seven-year warranty also outlasts the GS3’s five years.
Pick the GAC GS3 if quick overtaking response matters most, with 177 hp, 270 Nm and a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the Omoda Jaecoo J5 if you want six airbags, a 480-litre boot and substantially more cabin convenience equipment.
Key differences
- Performance: GAC GS3 has 177 hp and 270 Nm; Omoda Jaecoo J5 has 145 hp and 210 Nm.
- Acceleration: GAC GS3 reaches 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds; Omoda Jaecoo J5 takes 10.2 seconds.
- Boot space: GAC GS3 has 341 litres; Omoda Jaecoo J5 has 480 litres.
- Airbags: GAC GS3 has 2 airbags; Omoda Jaecoo J5 has 6 airbags.
- Warranty: GAC GS3 is covered for 5 years/150,000 km; Omoda Jaecoo J5 gets 7 years/150,000 km.
GS3
- 177 hp and 270 Nm from its 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine.
- 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time, 2.7 seconds quicker.
- 2,650 mm wheelbase, against the J5’s 2,620 mm.
- Only 2 airbags versus the Omoda Jaecoo J5’s 6.
- 341-litre boot trails the Omoda Jaecoo J5’s 480 litres.
- Manual air-con and no rear air vents, versus dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents.
J5
- 6 airbags, including front side and rear curtain airbags.
- 480-litre boot is 139 litres larger.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof and powered boot.
- 145 hp, 210 Nm and a 10.2-second 0-100 km/h time leave it well behind the GAC GS3’s 177 hp, 270 Nm and 7.5 seconds.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800✓ | RM108,000 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ | 145 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm✓ | 210 Nm at 1,750 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds✓ | 10.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 175 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,860 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,620 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres | 480 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | Chao Yang Aggressor ZS03+ M+S |
| 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 & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) | 6 (Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags) |
| 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 outer two 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 Projectors |
| 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 | Driver & Front Passenger Powered Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Sunroof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Panoramic Glass Shade |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 13.2-inch Portrait Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Karaoke Functionality |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, 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 | Manual Operation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 7 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 GS3 & J5 for sale
GS3 vs J5 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Omoda Jaecoo J5 better?
The GAC GS3 is better for outright performance, reaching 100 km/h 2.7 seconds sooner. The Omoda Jaecoo J5 is better equipped for safety and practicality, with six airbags, a 480-litre boot and a seven-year warranty.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 costs RM103,800 and the Omoda Jaecoo J5 costs RM108,000, so the J5 costs RM4,200 more.
Which has the stronger safety kit?
The Omoda Jaecoo J5 has the stronger passive-safety count with six airbags to the GAC GS3’s two. Both have autonomous braking, blind spot information, lane-keeping assistance, collision warning and adaptive cruise control.
