SPEC SHOWDOWN: 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom GL vs. 2023 Geely Coolray Sport SE

The Geely Coolray has cemented its place in the Philippine car industry by transforming how Filipinos perceive Chinese cars.

When it was launched locally in 2019, it proved that a Chinese car brand could produce an exciting model that offered good value compared to traditional Japanese marques.

The Coolray also made the subcompact crossover a hot segment, following years of competent but boring models like the old Honda HR-V. But what is shaping up to be the little Geely’s strongest-ever rival will launch in the Philippines on June 30, 2023 – the GAC GS3 Emzoom.

And thanks to an anonymous source with intimate knowledge of this car, AutoFun Philippines has comprehensive details of what this Chinese crossover has to offer.

Can the top-of-the-line Geely Coolray Sport SE survive this Spec Showdown against the top-spec GAC GS3 Emzoom GL?

GAC larger, more stylish

The GS3 Emzoom GL and the Coolray Sport SE may be in the same class, but the GAC is 116 mm longer and has a wheelbase that's 50 mm longer.

The GS3 Emzoom GL also gets an aggressive body kit that includes a subtle front wing and a faux rear diffuser. It likewise rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 series tires and contrasting yellow stripes on the wheels and trim.

Meanwhile, the Coolray Sport SE has a body kit with contrasting black-and-red colors and gloss-black 18-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of style, I like the racier looks of the GAC, especially with its large 19-inch alloy wheels.

‘Pick a color’ cabin

Both of these Chinese crossovers offer plush, leather-lined cabins that come with all the toys that you expect from top-spec models.

However, the GAC not only has more cargo capacity than the Geely, but it’s also the only car in its class that offers a choice of three interior colors – Blue and Black, Green and Beige, and Camel Brown. 

Meanwhile, the Coolray has black-and-red upholstery that suits drivers who want a more youthful aesthetic.

For this one, I give the win to the GAC. Although the specifications are largely similar, the GS3 Emzoom GL gets standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a choice of attractive cabin colors.

Punchy little cars

Performance is where the Coolray Sport SE really made its name, even making waves in legal drag racing.

The Geely’s turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3 gasoline engine makes it go like a startled mouse, but at the expense of poor fuel consumption.

However, the GAC is also packing a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with similar power and torque figures. It even has a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a special exhaust system with pops and crackles.

The GAC has a slight edge for having a more refined 4-cylinder engine, marginally more torque, and a bit of giggle-inducing exhaust notes. I just hope that it isn’t as thirsty as the Geely.

Coolray behind on safety

When it comes to safety gear, it’s like night and day between the Geely and the GAC.

Both have front, side and curtain airbags, along with a 360-degree camera. However, the newer GAC has a comprehensive active-safety suite, putting it at par with the likes of the current-generation Honda HR-V.

In the safety stakes, the GAC has a clear win.

Crossover war

Although the Geely Coolray Sport SE remains to be a compelling package that offers good value, the GAC GS3 Emzoom GL is really aiming for the jugular.

It also doesn’t help the Coolray’s case that the GAC is cheaper. At ₱1,198,000, the GS3 Emzoom GL is ₱71,000 less than the Coolray Sport SE – a figure that could sway buyers to GAC’s camp.

And given the newer design and more extensive equipment levels of the upcoming GAC, it looks like the Coolray is in serious trouble unless it gets major updates. And compared to other subcompact crossovers, this Chinese newcomer looks set to corner the market.

Which of these turbocharged crossover would you pick?

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