The GAC GS3 crossover, which covered 6000 km in the "Za Rulem" editorial fleet, confirmed that Chinese cars are no longer just catching up with competitors — they are confidently dictating their standards in the class. Priced from 2.45 million rubles, this compact but striking "urban athlete" surprised with its combination of style, handling, and economy.
The first thing that catches the eye is the appearance. The "matte graphite" color emphasizes the dynamic design, and this is not a film, but a factory paint job. The absence of lacquer makes the body less sensitive to dust and scratches. Despite the sporty silhouette, visibility is excellent. There is no wiper on the rear door, but the spoiler creates an airflow that cleans the glass while driving.
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 170 hp, working with a robotic transmission. In normal mode, the throttle response is slightly delayed, but in "Sport" mode, the crossover opens up: acceleration becomes livelier, and the gearbox holds the revs longer. After several hundred kilometers of driving, the transmission algorithms adapt, and jerks during gear changes practically disappear.
Handling is one of the main advantages of the GS3. A compact steering wheel with a clear response, a balanced suspension, and low-profile Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires provide confidence even on winding roads. The ground clearance under the front axle is 175 mm, and the front wheels calmly rest against curbs up to 24 cm. On broken roads, the suspension does not break through and does not irritate with stiffness, maintaining a sporty feel without compromising comfort.
The interior of the GS3 looks modern and functional. Even in the basic version, there is air conditioning, heated windshield, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a keyless entry system, and multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay — a rarity for this class. The top-end GL-R configuration adds a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, ventilated driver's seat, and adaptive cruise control with lane keeping. However, there is no heated steering wheel or auto-dimming mirror here, and the cruise control only works up to 130 km/h.
In operation, the GS3 showed itself without unpleasant surprises. No serious breakdowns were identified in 6000 km. The only drawback is a small washer reservoir of 2.5 liters and a tank volume of 45 liters. But even with it, the car demonstrates impressive fuel efficiency: consumption in the city is about 8 liters, on the highway — 7 liters, and the use of AI-92 gasoline is allowed.
GAC focuses on efficiency: the declared thermal efficiency of the engine is 40.5%, which is comparable to diesels and significantly higher than the average for gasoline engines. This confirms the high level of engineering that could only be dreamed of twenty years ago.
In terms of capacity, the GS3 is also pleasing. Formally, the trunk has a volume of 341 liters, but due to the successful layout, it seems larger. It is quite enough for a family of two or three people. The missing hooks and niches can be easily compensated with an organizer, and a curtain is not needed here — the backs of the second row fit snugly against the door.
The bottom line is simple: the GAC GS3 is a balanced urban crossover that is pleasant to drive, economical, and does not require compromises in design. It is technologically advanced and feels confident in the Russian reality. Yes, it lacks a couple of small things like a heated steering wheel or a larger tank, but overall it is one of the most interesting "Chinese cars" for its money.
After 6000 km of mileage, maintenance costs amounted to 26,764 rubles — about 4.46 rubles per kilometer, including fuel. Considering the level of equipment, consumption, and build quality, the GS3 is one of those cars that prove that the era of cheap compromises in the Chinese auto industry is over.
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