ALL variants of GAC Motor's GS3 EmZoom are now locally assembled (CKD).

The model was previously fully imported (CBU) when it was introduced back in April and officially launched in May.

WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) has also introduced a new Standard variant, expanding the line-up to three in addition to the previously available Exclusive and Premium R.

Sharing the same 2,650-mm wheelbase, the three differ in varying offers in cosmetics and features.

All variants do however, feature the same exterior that is defined by the Mecha Wing grille, Laser Eye Split LED headlights, electric hidden door handles, Light Dart tail lights, rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Other standard features includes: GAC’s signature crystal electronic gear shift, multifunction steering wheel with four-way tilt and telescopic adjustment, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android phone mirroring, electronic parking brake with auto hold, and Blind Spot Vision (BSV).

The Premium R differentiates itself with its R-Style Sport Package and R-Style Exhaust. It also gets the added luxury of automatic headlight, High Beam Assist, Fusion Automatic Parking Assist, six-way power adjustment for the driver seat, multi-colour ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charger, hands-free power tailgate and a panoramic sunroof.

Otherwise all three run on a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops a maximum of 177PS at 5,500rpm and 270Nm of torque at 1,400rpm to 4,500rpm. 

Output is delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7WDCT) that results in a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.0 seconds. 

The model's fuel economy meets Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) standards with an average consumption of only 5.9 litres per 100km.

WTCA chief executive officer Tan Keng Meng said making the model more accessible to a wider demographic by going CKD is only the start of the GAC journey here in Malaysia.

"Along side the strides we have taken in the EV sector with the GAC Aion Y Plus, I believe there is an exciting road ahead for WTCA in terms of our product offerings and commitment to our customers".

In addition to the CKD announcement, WTCA has also appointed Malaysian radio and TV personality Jack Lim as the Official Brand Ambassador of GAC Malaysia.

Selected for his household name in the Malaysian entertainment industry, Lim is the anchor DJ for Chinese language radio station MYFM 101.8FM and an accomplished artist and producer known for a wide range of acting and hosting roles.

GAC believes his values such as trust and quality align with the brand, with his prominence among the Malaysian community making him a leading candidate to guide the GAC brand to a position of market leadership that it currently occupies in its home market in China. 

“The GS3 EmZoom has always struck me as a highly attractive and competent car, both in terms of its bold styling and generous list of high-end features since its arrival on Malaysian roads. It is easy to understand why GAC is hugely successful in its home market in China, where fierce competition is abundant. I am incredibly honoured to be associated with the brand in my capacity as the official brand ambassador of GAC Malaysia,” said Lim. 

Prices for the 2024 GS3 EmZoom CKD now start at RM103,800 for the Standard, RM116,800 for the Exclusive, while the range-topping Premium R continues tis going for RM126,800 - prices are on-the-road without insurance, applicable to West Malaysia only.

The Standard is offered in Frost White and Asphalt Black options while the Exclusive adds Salt Lake Blue and Superstar Silver. All of these colours are available for the Premium R, which also features an exclusive Graphite Grey colour with a sporty orange exterior trim. 

Asphalt Black and Graphite Grey are exclusive to the locally-assembled GS3 EmZoom — these colours are currently not offered anywhere else outside the Malaysian market.

Cabin comes in contemporary blue-and-black interior colour scheme for all.

All variants comes with a five-year, 150,000-km warranty. Additionally, the first 2,000 customers can enjoy the extra protection of a seven-year, 180,000-km engine and transmission warranty, subject to official terms and conditions.

To commemorate the success of its first GAC CKD project, WTCA has launched the Rev Up with EmZoom campaign that lasts until Dec 31, 2024. 

Rev Up Deals offer cash rebates worth RM5,000 and RM7,000 for the Exclusive and Premium R variants respectively, allowing customers to enjoy promotional prices starting from only RM111,800 for the Exclusive and RM119,800 for the Premium R. 

WTCA is also offering up a bundling of Complimentary Maintenance Service and Smart Watch Key worth RM1,388 in lieu of lower cash rebates.