Quick look:
- Representative of today’s crossover SUVs, the GAC GS3 EMZOOM can also be driven at high speed around a racing circuit.
- The GS3 EMZOOM is assembled locally and priced from RM116,800. For a limited time, rebates of up to RM24,500 are offered.
At one time, if you talked about racing a SUV around a track, the idea would have seemed silly. Usually tall – which means a high centre of gravity – a SUV would not handle well in fast turns. In fact, in the 1990s, there were even SUVs that would tip over when cornering too fast.
It was also because of the potential of tipping over that led Volvo to develop its Roll-Over Protection system for its first SUV, the XC90. The automaker, having built a strong reputation for safety, could not put a SUV into production if it would roll over easily, so it developed a solution.
Today, the new generation of SUVs – which include crossovers – are different. Adapted from passenger car platforms, they can handle almost like a passenger car even though they have slightly more ground clearance. There are even high-performance SUVs from BMW and Bentley that can achieve some impressive times around a racetrack.
Track-capable
The GAC GS3 EMZOOM crossover is also ‘track-capable’ as WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), the official distributor of GAC Motor in Malaysia, recently proved at an event at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
Piloted by a professional driving instructor, the EMZOOM covered the 5.543 km track in a brisk 2 minutes and 57 seconds. The vehicle was powered by a standard 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 177 ps/270 Nm, paired with a 7-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission.
Sporty driving character
The crossover’s sporty driving character and dynamic handling was also shown in the slalom challenge as the vehicle made quick directional transitions, while the emergency braking and avoidance exercise demonstrated vehicle stability.
According to Loh Ling Howe, Chief Operating Officer of WTCA, the event was created to allow participants to experience first-hand the driving characteristics that continue to define the EMZOOM beyond conventional product presentations.
The recently refreshed GS3 EMZOOM, assembled in Malaysia, is priced from RM116,800 for the Exclusive variant and RM126,800 for the Premium R variant. For a limited time, rebates up to RM24,500 are being offered.
