GAC GS4

GAC GS4 in Nigeria

GAC launched in the United States in late 2020, amid an industry-wide downturn brought on by a variety of problems including rising inflation, increased automobile taxes, poor customer confidence, and so on. Although it hasn't been a good start, you have to respect their courage. There's a lot to be optimistic about with substantial money backing the brand's launch, as well as a slew of stylish, upmarket models.

However, GAC is entering a congested market, and their flagship product, the turbocharged GS4 compact crossover, will compete against numerous other turbocharged compact crossovers with non-Japanese names. With so many 'alternative' brands competing for attention in such a small space, does the GS4 have what it takes to stand out?

Specifications of the model

Interior

Throughout the interior, hexagonal forms are used in a fun manner. From the steering wheel to the instrument cluster to the A/C vents to the center console—where the HVAC controls are grouped into chrome-ringed hexagonal groups—to the hexagonal inserts on the seat squabs, everything is hexagonal.

The door and center console both have graceful flowing grab grips, the latter of which annoyingly protrude into your right knee. Otherwise, the seats are comfortable, and there's plenty of room in the front and back, albeit the rear seats don't recline, and the steering wheel doesn't telescope. To be fair, telescopic steering is offered by only a few competitors. Upfront, there's plenty of room for phones and mugs, as well as a huge, covered boot outback, though the plastic fender liners do intrude quite a ways into it.

The Engine of the GAC GS4

During development, the GS4's 1.5-litre 4A15M1 engine was pitted against VW's ubiquitous EA211 1.4 turbo. It's quicker off the line than the more powerful Geely Coolray, with 150hp and 235 Nm of torque courtesy of a low-inertia turbocharger and Bosch direct injection, fed through an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission.

However, a reduction in boost at high rpm dampens performance, resulting in a sluggish 11.85-second 0-100kph pace. You can short-shift around this by using the +/- manual toggle on the shift lever, but response time is poor. Instead, simply back off the throttle and revel in the diesel-like mid-range torque. The fuel economy isn't quite up to diesel standards, but it's not as awful as you'd expect for a 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine with the same output.

Driving impressions

The GAC GS4 is surprisingly refined when compared to most Chinese crossovers. Despite the very massive 215/55R18 Michelin Primacy 3ST tires, the ride is comfortable without seeming nautical, and wheel movements over bumps are well-controlled. The tires are quiet and sure-footed, a nice increase over the GitiComforts found on most Chinese imports, but the GS4 lacks the handling agility to fully utilize them. Despite the fancy anti-roll bar fitted multi-link suspension out back, the steering is light and devoid of feedback, and the handling defaults all too easily to understeer.

The GS4's mild steering makes it easy to manage in most scenarios in town, and integrated all-around cameras make parking a snap, despite the small rear hatch. It's not the highest-definition system available, but at these costs, what do you expect?

Do you want to get one?

The GS4 is an impressive piece of gear for the money, and it would have been a clear winner if it had been released a few years earlier. However, it will compete in a competitive market with turbocharged compact crossovers from Haima, MG-Roewe, Geely, and BAIC. That said, you can get GAC GS4 in Nigeria on Cars45. They provide the best deals for available new and used trims of this model. Head on there now.