Verdict
The GAC GS3 Exclusive CKD asks RM13,000 more, yet its 1.5-litre turbo makes the same 177 hp and 270 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and uses the same seven-speed wet dual-clutch as the Standard. The extra money buys two additional front side airbags, single-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents, and a surround-view camera in place of a conventional reverse camera. For Malaysian buyers who carry rear passengers or place safety equipment high on the list, the Exclusive makes the stronger case; otherwise, the Standard delivers the same mechanical package for less.
Pick the GAC GS3 Standard CKD if the lower outlay matters most and you can accept two airbags, manual air-con and a standard reverse camera.
Pick the GAC GS3 Exclusive CKD if four airbags, rear AC vents and surround-view cameras justify the RM13,000 step up.
Key differences
- Price: RM103,800 for the GAC GS3 Standard CKD versus RM116,800 for the GAC GS3 Exclusive CKD.
- Airbags: 2 in the Standard CKD versus 4 in the Exclusive CKD.
- Front air-conditioning: manual air-con in the Standard CKD versus single-zone automatic climate control in the Exclusive CKD.
- Rear air-conditioning: no rear AC vents in the Standard CKD versus rear AC vents in the Exclusive CKD.
- Reverse camera: conventional reverse camera in the Standard CKD versus reverse camera with surround-view cameras in the Exclusive CKD.
Standard CKD
- RM13,000 less to buy.
- Same 177 hp, 270 Nm 1.5-litre turbo and 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Keeps adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and blind spot information system.
- Has 2 airbags to the Exclusive CKD's 4.
- Manual air-con and no rear AC vents.
- Lacks the Exclusive CKD's surround-view cameras.
Exclusive CKD
- 4 airbags, including front side airbags.
- Single-zone automatic climate control and rear AC vents.
- Surround-view cameras add to the reverse camera.
- Costs RM13,000 more than the Standard CKD despite identical powertrain and performance.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800✓ | RM116,800 |
| 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, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,497 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 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) |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,410 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 1,370 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres | 341 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | Continental UC6 SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side Airbags) |
| 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 | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| 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 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 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 |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with Surround View Cameras |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
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.
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Standard CKD vs Exclusive CKD FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 Standard CKD or GAC GS3 Exclusive CKD better?
The GAC GS3 Exclusive CKD is better equipped with four airbags, automatic climate control, rear AC vents and surround-view cameras. The Standard CKD is the smarter choice if those additions do not justify an extra RM13,000.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 Exclusive CKD costs RM13,000 more than the GAC GS3 Standard CKD.
Do both variants have the same performance and driver-assistance equipment?
Yes. Both use a 177 hp, 270 Nm 1.5-litre turbo with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch, post 7.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h, and include adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and blind spot information system.
