PRE-LAUNCH COMPARO: 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom vs. 2024 Chevrolet Trax

Two new crossovers are set to launch in the Philippines soon. The first is a returning nameplate initially thought to have been removed from the brand’s local lineup and is made in China, while the second is a new generation of a familiar name coming in from South Korea.

These new vehicles come in the form of the 2024 GAC GS3 (Specs | News) Emzoom, which is arriving in the country with an all-new look and set of features. While the other is the 2024 Chevrolet Trax which is returning to the Philippine market bigger and better than ever.

We will quickly compare both crossovers based on specifications found abroad to figure out which one you should keep an eye on once they launch in a couple of weeks.

Exterior

The 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom is classified as a subcompact crossover, while the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is now being considered by Chevrolet Philippines as a compact SUV. This is despite the Trax's positioning as a cheap, affordable small SUV that goes against the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue, and Honda HR-V in the American market. The Trax has grown 279 mm longer and 51 mm wider than before.

Meanwhile, the GS3 Emzoom has also grown in size, but it isn’t a radical increase compared to its Golden Bowtie brand rival. The GAC crossover is now 6 mm longer, 55 mm lower, and 25 mm wider than its predecessor. It also has a new 2,650 mm wheelbase, 90 mm longer than its previous version. 

Visually and on paper, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax looks the larger of the two. And because of the increased dimensions, the Trax will be pitted by Chevrolet Philippines against compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester, even though it is shorter and lower than any of those. 

The 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom, on the other hand, takes a more modest growth but stays within the subcompact crossover category, albeit with a size advantage. Think Honda HR-V, Hyundai Creta, Geely Coolray or Kia Stonic.

These are sizable improvements for both all-new models, but they will all boil down to your tastes when it comes to styling. The GAC GS3 Emzoom works with sharp angles and gives off a futuristic vibe. While the Chevrolet Trax is more classic in its rendition, using its width to convey elegance and confidence. 

Interior

Both vehicles come with futuristic interiors that are dominated by large screens. As their Philippine specifications still need to be discovered, it is unclear whether both brands will bring the exact specifications available abroad to the local market.

The Chevrolet Trax is expected to have an 8-inch for the LT variant or an 11-inch infotainment system for the Trax Redline and RS. 

The GAC GS3 is expected to have similar measurements for its digital instrument display and infotainment system with other markets, indicating a 12-inch infotainment system being available.

We expect both brands to use premium materials for both vehicles, with power adjustability being an option on the higher variants. The 2024 Chevrolet Trax reportedly has plastic door cards and a plastic dashboard which could affect its perceived quality.

The 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom, on the other hand, has shown off a plushier, color-accentuated interior with apparent soft-touch surfaces on the doors and dashboard. It also sports fine design details like the crystal shifter and printed accents in the interiors.

What is clear is that both vehicles will come with advanced driver assists systems and infotainment systems that will have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.

However, we don’t expect Android Auto to be available with the GAC GS3 as some of the other models in the brand’s lineup in the Philippines don’t support the feature. We expect it to be available in the Chevrolet Trax, as the rest of the Golden Bowtie’s vehicles have it as standard. 

Based on our information about both crossovers, it is a tie for this category for now. It will likely change once we get our hands on both units to see them in the metal and feel the quality of their materials. 

Power

Under the hood, both crossovers come with small turbocharged motors. Don’t let their small displacements fool you; they have good power and torque outputs. 

The 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that it shares with the GAC Emkoo. It produces 177 PS and 270 Nm of torque and is mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox.

Meanwhile, its Chevrolet Trax rival has a smaller 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 137 PS and 219 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it has lower power figures on paper, we don’t know how Chevrolet tuned the engine and transmission; it could lead to a more dynamic drive than its power figures indicate with its 0-100 km times in the 9.3-second range.

We will put this category as a tie for now until we can get a finalized spec sheet and a hands-on experience with both vehicles. But the 40 PS and 50 Nm advantage favoring the GS3 should give you a clue as to what to expect in this head-to-head.

Verdict

Based on the preliminary information above and the supposed pricing of the vehicles, we have to give the potential win to the GAC GS3 Emzoom as it comes with more features than its Chevrolet counterpart. Aside from that, the Chinese crossover is set to be more affordable, making it a more favorable option for those working on a budget.

The GS3 is currently priced between ₱998,000 to ₱1,198,000. The Trax, on the other hand, will reportedly start at around ₱1.6 million, which puts it above the ₱1.5 million sweet spot for subcompact crossovers on the market. Its reported price encroaches on the range you'll find compact crossovers residing in. 

However, things can change later on as specifications for these two vehicles have yet to be officially announced. 

Which crossover are you looking forward to more - the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom or the 2024 Chevrolet Trax?

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