We encountered some very interesting GAC and Aion vehicles at the Shanghai Motor Show.
While at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, we came across a lot of familiar and unfamiliar Chinese car brands. One that caught our eye was GAC, which is a brand that was introduced to Malaysia via Warisan Tan Chong. Their first product in Malaysia, the GS3, was not the most impressive but was priced competitively.
However, GAC has evolved dramatically in the last few years and has even spun off a more upmarket brand called Aion and they’ve also got loads of New Energy Vehicles in the pipeline. Before we get too ahead of ourselves, here’s a look at the NEW GAC GS3, which was on display with a bicycle rack attached.
New GAC GS3
The new GS3 is 60mm longer with a 90mm longer wheelbase and shortened overhangs. It’s also 55mm lower to the ground and 25mm wider as well. The bootspace is still small at 341L, but there’s a new 1.5L turbocharged engine and a wet clutch type 7-speed DCT.
The entire product looks and feels more upmarket than before with dual digital displays, a Porsche-style shift by wire selector and eye-catching styling. If this comes into Malaysia under RM100,000, the Proton X50 may be in a bit of trouble.
Refreshed GAC GS8
The GAC GS8 also looks like it got a refresh in China. At the very least this full-sized SUV has a new front grille and bumper. The second generation debuted in 2021, powered by a 2.0L turbo paired to an 8-speed automatic. There’s also hybrid version with a Toyota-sourced powertrain.
GAC Emkoo
A real standout model was the Emkoo, which debuted a year ago in China. It offers a glimpse into GAC’s future design language with its V-shaped ‘Illuminant Grille’. The GAC Emkoo is available as a hybrid or a turbocharged petrol vehicle. So far, it has been shown in the Philippines, making South East Asia a clear target for its introduction to a global audience.
GAC’s all-electric offshoot Aion was also out in full force at the Shanghai Auto Show.
The most eye-catching were the recently debuted the Taycan rivaling Hyper GT and all-electric hypercar, the Hyper SSR. These two vehicles garnered a lot of attention from domestic and international media alike. It’s easy to see why.
The Hyper SSR is a China-exclusive supercar which can allegedly accelerate from 0-100km/h in under 2 seconds in its most powerful configuration.
Aion also has a wide variety of more pedestrian vehicles. Here’s a few snapshots of the Aion LX Plus, S Plus, V Plus, Y Plus and Y Younger. All of these are electric vehicles in various configurations and body styles.
