Once in a while, journalists like us get lucky with a really juicy story.

In this case, a source with intimate knowledge of the upcoming 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom provided AutoFun Philippines with information about the Philippine specifications of the all-new crossover.

The source asked to remain anonymous for lack of authority to disclose these details.

The GS3 Emzoom is a subcompact crossover that will officially launch locally on June 30, 2023 is expected to take on the likes of the Toyota Raize and the popular Geely Coolray. GAC Motor Philippines will offer it in three variants:

• GS – ₱998,000

• GB – ₱1,098,000

• GL – ₱1,198,000

Here are some things about this sharp-looking crossover (besides having actor Dingdong Dantes as a brand ambassador) that could sway you into your nearest GAC showroom.

LED headlights

Based on the information we got about the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom, all three variants will come with LED headlights as standard.

These will not only have height adjustment, but also have functions like headlights on alarm and follow-me-home lighting. The last two make the little crossover easier to find and provide an instant lighting post if you park in dark places.

However, the top-specification GL variant will be the only one to get automatic headlights as standard.

Rear air-conditioning vent

Given that Philippine weather alternates between “baking desert” and “torrential downpour,” air-conditioning is a must to keep you cooler and prevent your windows from fogging up.

Our insider tells AutoFun Philippines that the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom GB and GL will get a dedicated rear air-conditioning vent, which is increasingly becoming a “make or break” feature for many buyers with families.

In addition, the GS will have manual air-conditioning, while the GB and GL will have automatic climate control.

3 interior colors

Speaking of the interior, all variants are available in three distinct color combinations.

Our insider said you can have a 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom in Blue and Black, Green and Beige, or Camel Brown. This is a notable departure for the segment, which has models with only one interior color.

In addition, the GS comes standard with fabric upholstery, while the GB and GL have PVC leather.

Minimum 18-inch wheels

Another stylistic decision for the GS3 Emzoom is related to the wheels and tires.

The GS and GB will come with 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 series rubber. Meanwhile, the top-spec GL gets segment-first 19-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 series tires and pinstripe contrast colors.

A long-term test will see uncover these huge wheels will affect the crossover’s ride and handling.

Crackling exhaust

For those who want that extra-sporty noise from their subcompact crossover, the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom GL could be for you.

The top-spec model gets a special exhaust system that produces subtle pops and crackles. It mimics the noise of high-performance cars that run rich, meaning unburned fuel is combusted in the exhaust system.

This variant is also the only one that comes standard with a body kit with contrasting colors. It includes an aggressive faux rear diffuser and a subtle front wing.

Competitive cargo capacity

All 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom models get 60:40 split-folding rear seats as standard.

As per our insider, the subcompact crossover has 341 liters with the rear seats up and 1,271 liters with the rear seats down. The GL variant will also have an electric tailgate.

For comparison, the Geely Coolray SE has 330 liters with its rear seats up.

Electrically retractable door handles

Did you ever notice in the 2024 GACGS3 Emzoom’s photos that the car has a sleek side profile on the move?

That’s because all models come standard with electrically retractable door handles. These remain flush when the car is locked and pop out when it is unlocked.

This feature is also available in the Jetour Dashing. Let’s hope there’s a good failsafe in case the electric mechanism goes wrong.

Comprehensive active-safety suite

It’s actually long been known that the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom GL will have an Advanced Driver Assistance System with Surround View Parking Camera as standard.

However, AutoFun Philippines was able to unravel what features this active-safety suite will have. These include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control and Integrated Cruise Assist

• Automatic Emergency Braking

• Forward Collision Warning

• Traffic Sign Recognition System

• Traffic Jam Assist

• High Beam Assist

• Intelligent Speed Limit Control

• Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning

In the subcompact crossover segment, only the much more expensive Honda HR-V, which comes with the Honda SENSING active-safety suite as standard, can match the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom GL’s safety gear.

Given that all 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom variants undercut the equivalent Geely Coolray models, does GAC Motor Philippines finally have a game-changer in its hands?

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