On the face of it there is no comparison between the two. GS3 after all is a subcompact SUV while X7 Plus a mid-size SUV which is being compared with Toyota Fortuner. There is obviously a price difference – Rs.4.5 million v Rs.5.5 million. These are estimated or anticipated prices as the two have not been launched in Pakistan yet. However, in the case of Changan Oshan X7 Plus, we’ll find out the price very soon – its digital launch is expected on February 11, 2022.
So, why do this comparison when there is no apparent similarity between the two? This blog will help you find out whether spending at least another one million on X7 Plus is worth it or not.
Overview
GAC Motor and Chang’an Automobile (Group) Co., Ltd. are both China-based auto manufacturers. Changan has already made its debut in the local market with Alsvin and Karvaan. People are already familiar with the quality and value offered by this Chinese automaker. The Pakistani auto market is already hyped up by the expected launch of Changan Oshan X7 Plus in the coming days. There are speculations that this SUV might come in five and seven-seater options in Pakistan.
GAC Motor would be a newbie in Pakistan but it is a renowned Chinese car manufacturer. GAC will launch its first consumer car into the local market as GAC GS3. We have recently covered its specs, features and price. The expected price of GS3 makes it even more special and noteworthy to consider as an excellent option in the already stuffed SUV market.
Exterior
GAC GS3 has a large grille on the front and large horizontal halogen headlamps. It looks much like the Honda BRV. However, things get interesting when you move to the rear of this SUV. It is where the D-pillar melts with the rear window seamlessly that reminds us of Fortuner. You will notice a lot of black piano material on the rear which adds to the shiny and glamorous profile of the car. The 8-shaped LED on the rear light looks futuristic. On the rear bumper, there exists a huge reflector on top of the dual exhaust vents.
Oshan X7 Plus looks bolder and more modern than the GAC GS3. It’s a bulky SUV with dimensions big enough to put it against the KIA Sorento and Toyota Fortuner. X7 Plus boasts a stealthy look with its corrugated grille, LED lights and DRLs. The rear lights are connected making its presence known across the entire width of the car. Once those LEDs fire up, it looks like the Audi e-tron in the night.
Let’s compare the dimensions of GAC GS3 vs. Oshan X7 Plus.
Dimensions
| Specifications | GAC GS3 | Oshan X7 Plus |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2560 | 2786 |
| Length × Width × Height (mm) | 4350×1825×1655 /1680 | 4730×1720×1870 |
Interior
GS3s interior is loaded with features, making it premium and functional at the same time. GS3 has leather upholstery which is luxurious. Just like the outside, there is a lot of piano black in the interior, which enhances the royale feel of this SUV on the inside. The odometer is analogue, but you do get a MID for essential information, an 8-inch infotainment display, multimedia steering controls, and a sunroof.
Changan Oshan X7 Plus has a futuristic interior with gadgets and screens everywhere. The odometer is digital with a 12.3-inch display along with multi-function steering to navigate across the screen. The dashboard also houses a 10-inch screen for multimedia purposes. The aesthetics of the interior are sharp and sporty. In particular, the bucket seats with dual-tone design feel comfy.
The gear knob is non-conventional, which adds to the futuristic interior of this SUV. The broad dimensions of Changan X7 Plus make it easy to fit in more people comfortably.
Engine and Transmission
GS3 comes with two engine options, a 1.3L turbocharged engine generating 136 hp and 202 Nm of torque. The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine generates 113 hp and 150 Nm of torque. Coupled with Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, this is a perfect balance of performance and efficiency.
However, none of the engine options in GS3 is equal to the performance of Oshan X7 Plus. Changan Oshan X7 Plus comes with a 1.5L turbo-charged engine from its latest blue whale series, generating 178hp and 265 Nm of torque. Changan offers X7 Plus in manual and automatic transmissions.
Features
Both SUVs are packed with stellar safety features. Both SUVs have standard metrics like ABD, EBD, ESP, automatic braking, parking sensors, TPMS, hill assist, adaptive cruise control, digital climate control, traction control and more. The launch of these SUVs will add more clarity about the features of these cars.
However, we know that Oshan X7 Plus comes with a panoramic sunroof, digital speedometer, noise and vibration control, Intelligent voice and facial recognition systems, intelligent security recognition systems along with smartwatch, gesture and child control systems. All of these features are absent in GAC GS3. This makes X7 Plus superior to GAC GS3 in terms of features.
GS3 and Oshan X7 Plus: Expected launch and price in Pakistan
The expected price of GAC GS3 in Pakistan is 4.5 Million PKR and Oshan X7 Plus is expected to have a starting price of 5.5 Million PKR in Pakistan. This can go up to 7 Million PKR depending upon the trim level of the SUV. We will let you know once the price is confirmed by Changan.
What do we think about GS3 vs. X7 Plus?
To answer the question initially asked, Changan Oshan X7 Plus is definitely worth spending another one million on since it would get you a more comfortable and faster ride.
A decade ago, there was a notion about Chinese cars that these were unreliable vehicles. To counter this, Changan entered the local market with the promise of providing a three years or 100,000 km warranty. Now it is all geared up to launch its first SUV in Pakistan next week.
In addition, GAC is also expected to launch its first SUV in Pakistan in 2022. This competition would be welcomed since it would give consumers more to choose from.
Let us know which Chinese SUV you would prefer in the comment section below.
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