GAC Motor Philippines officially launched the all-new second generation GS4 compact SUV, which now comes with a sportier look and is packed with more features as well. A few weeks ago, we drove the GS4 to Subic Bay Freeport Zone and aside from the various on-road conditions, we got to test the GS4 in more extreme simulated adverse road conditions on an enclosed track.
The new GS4 has been redesigned from front to back. It has sleeker LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and the sheet metal looks more muscular and has a bolder front grille, with sharper creases and edges that’s very well put together. The rear also comes equipped with a new set of dynamic LED taillights and slimmer turn signal lights. On top, a big jam-proof panoramic sunroof completes the overall premium exterior look. The new GS4 is not only taller but wider but has a slightly lower ground clearance, which probably contributed to a better balance and handling of the car.
Inside, GAC says that the dashboard was inspired by a light prism dual-star design to appeal to a more youthful market. It comes with a 3.5-inch instrument panel display, an 8-inch LCD infotainment display with Bluetooth and Apple Carplay connectivity. The 6-speaker system, a multi-functional steering wheel, with audio and cruise control all adds up to appeal to the tech-savvy demographic.
There are two interior choices – one in two-tone (black and caramel brown) or all-black leatherette seats. The front seats are now equipped with 6-way and 4-way manual adjustable sport-inspired leatherette seats, with lumbar support for a more relaxing and ergonomic driving experience. Standard for the rear seats are central armrests with cupholders and three independent adjustable headrests. Fit and finish is quite good and high-quality and eco-friendly raw materials were used like the low-odor water-based PVC leather, and low-odor polypropylene plastics, to help in eliminating the sources of unpleasant odor, specially when the car is being baked under the sun. Another “new normal” feature is its high-performance air-conditioning filter with PM1-level filtration that keeps clean and refreshing air in the cabin. It also filters over 99.7 percent of smaller dust particles, common dust, and pollen.
Powering the GS4 is GAC Motor’s self-developed 3rd-generation of Euro 5-compliant 1.5L turbocharged engine that is mated to a 6-speed automatic Aisin gearbox capable of producing 166 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. In actual driving conditions, it translated to smooth power output and shifting, and promises better fuel economy and has three driving modes: economic mode, manual mode, and sport mode. Its outstanding performance is partly because of Bosch’s 2nd-generation high-pressure system; a single-cycle triple injection technology that ensures high combustion efficiency; and a low-inertia turbocharger that gives a faster response and earlier peak torque.
What’s interesting about the roadtrip was GAC PH was able to design a road course that features various adverse road and weather conditions to simulate hazardous roads in real life. Part of the course has a dual road surface finish on the same track — one is a slippery linoleum surface with soapy water and the other half is dry grippy surface. The drive exercise shows that the GS4’s Pro Active Safety features like EBD, ABS, Traction Control and Stability Control worked very well to counter any instant road emergencies and the driver, no matter what skill level can safely maneuver the vehicle out of danger. The reverse exercise also showed that maneuvering the car solely by using the rear camera and monitor is possible, a very useful feature in getting in and out of very tight spots.
The GS4’s specially designed high-strength chassis did very well in the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) department and it also made the vehicle more stable at high speeds. Using Bosch’s latest ESP 9.3 system, it also corrects oversteering at sudden cornering and sudden lane change. It also has a 14-in-1 active safety system that provides uphill and downhill assistance.
All these features and with an SRP of P1.098 million makes the GS4 1.5L 270T GB an attractive buy. The GAC GS4 also comes with a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.
