2022 GAC GS8 is the only Toyota Land Cruiser Prado killer to cost a million less

2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41

Many Russian motorists like spacious crossovers with spectacular looks and rich technical equipment, but not all of them can afford such vehicles. Manufacturers from China, and, in particular, the GAC company undertook to solve this problem. It introduced its attractive GAK GS8 2022 car to the domestic market. This crossover can be called a competitor for Kia Mohave, Mitsubishi Pajero, Hyundai Palisade and Mazda CX-9. It is available to Russian motorists in three trim levels with a price from 2,098,000 rubles for the GE version to 2,718,000 rubles for the GT modification.

Specifications

There is no doubt that GAK GS8 2022, presented in Russia in the first generation, is a rich car in terms of equipment. However, before evaluating the basic configurations, as well as the prices and appearance of the car, you need to talk about the key technical characteristics of this model, having previously mentioned that motorists can appreciate all the advantages of the "Chinese" not only by the available photos, but also visually. After all, the cross has long been presented in dealerships and is found on public roads in Russia. Note that the GS8 recently received a new body. In this version, the model is still available exclusively in China.

Today this car is presented on the Russian market with an uncontested power plant. We are talking about a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 190 hp output, as well as 300 N * m of torque. This setup is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive cars are on sale, which boast the following dimensions:

• length - 4 836 mm;
• width - 1 910 mm;
• height - 1,770 mm;
• wheelbase - 2 800 mm;
• clearance - 162 mm;
• curb weight - 1 945/2 065 kg.

This Chinese car is sold in five and seven-seater variants. In the standard state, the trunk of the model holds 430 liters of cargo. The machine is equipped with a 65 liter fuel tank, which provides an impressive range. AI-92 gasoline is used as the main fuel. Cross, despite its size and weight, consumes about 8, 7 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers of run in the combined cycle. Also, this car boasts good dynamics.

Options and prices

In order to fully appreciate the SJSC GS8 2022, it is imperative to pay attention to the configurations presented for sale. At the moment, you can buy the model in variations of GE, GL and GT. The cost of the car ranges from 2,098,000 to 2,718,000 rubles. The selected type of drive, as well as the provided technical equipment, has a significant impact on the price tag.

GE

The basic model, for which a potential buyer will have to pay 2,098,000 rubles. This car is presented only in front-wheel drive version and boasts the presence of options such as:

• electric power steering;
• 18-inch aluminum rims;
• electronic parking brake;
• xenon headlights;
• LED daytime running lights, fog lights and taillights;
• sensors for light, rain and outside air temperature;
• side mirrors with electric drive and electric heating;
• factory-tinted heat-shielding glazing;
• adjustable sunroof;
• multifunctional steering wheel;
• color multifunctional display on the dashboard;
• button to start the engine in the car;
• fabric seat upholstery;
• front seats with lumbar support;
• electric front seats;
• electric heating and ventilation of the front seats;
• keyless entry system to the car interior;
• power windows front and rear;
• electric heated windshield and steering wheel;
• switch for driving modes;
• cruise control with steering wheel control buttons;
• tire pressure monitoring system;
• front and rear parking sensors;
• separate three-zone climate control;
• audio system for 6 speakers;
• infotainment complex with a 10-inch LCD screen;
• rear view camera;
• self-dimming salon mirror;
• standard immobilizer and alarm;
• full size spare wheel.

Separately, it is worth mentioning that this car can be retrofitted with some additional options for a fee. For example, a standard navigation system can be installed on a model in the basic version.

GL

The second most expensive equipment GAC GS8 2022, which is presented in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions with a price tag of 2,408,000 and 2,518,000 rubles, respectively. Such a car boasts much more interesting technical equipment, including the following set of options: 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, electric boot lid, contactless opening of the luggage compartment, roof rails, leather seat upholstery, wireless charger, monitoring system Blind spots and much more.

GT

The top variation of the "Chinese" with a price tag of 2,718,000 rubles. This model is sold in the Russian automotive market only in four-wheel drive versions. As for the technical equipment, the manufacturer has provided for a more interesting set of options, including: decorative multicolor interior lighting, 360-degree view cameras, an air purifier, adaptive cruise control, lane control system, seat memory, panoramic roof glazing.

Options and prices (summary table)

#	Equipment	Model years	Cost, rub.	Drive unit	Transmission	Engine, cc cm	Combined fuel consumption in l / 100 km
1	2.0 AT GE	12.2019 -	2 098 000	Front	AT-6	1991	8, 7
2	2.0 AT GL	12.2019 -	2 408 000	Front	AT-6	1991	8, 7
3	2.0 AT 4WD GL	12.2019 -	2 518 000	Full (4WD)	AT-6	1991	8, 7
4	2.0 AT 4WD GT	12.2019 -	2 718 000	Full (4WD)	AT-6	1991	8, 7

* - information on prices is for reference only. Check with your local dealer for the exact cost.

Safety

When choosing any modern car, it is extremely important to pay special attention to such an indicator as safety. In this regard, the Chinese GAC GS8 2022 can please its potential buyer, as it is equipped with numerous driver assistance systems, three-point belts, ISOFIX child seat mountings, as well as 6-10 pillows, depending on the selected modification. This model has repeatedly passed all kinds of safety and crash tests. According to the C-NCAP test results, the car showed good results, which fully correspond to the "Five Stars" indicator.

Handling and off-road performance

In this case, you need to take into account the fact that we are not talking about a full-fledged frame SUV, but about a model that is more focused on operation in urban conditions. It is noteworthy that this affects both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. The problem lies in the ground clearance, which is comparable to that of a passenger car. Of course, with a clearance of 162 mm between the lowest point of the car body and the road surface, there is not much to do off-road. In turn, this disadvantage is fully compensated by driving performance in the city. On paved roads, the model shows itself from the best side, perfectly holds the course, has good controllability, and in addition, allows the driver to relax and shift some of their own tasks to numerous electronics.

Advantages and disadvantages

In order to decide for yourself whether such a car is worth attention or not, it is imperative to highlight its main advantages and disadvantages. In particular, with regard to the pluses, there are several of them:

• attractive cost;
• rich technical equipment;
• inexpensive service in comparison with classmates;
• luxurious interior decoration;
• good dynamic performance.

It is also worth highlighting some disadvantages, namely: the absence of any off-road capabilities, a poor choice of power section, as well as a small variety of trim levels on the market.

Design

The strong point of this "Chinese" is without a doubt his appearance. The car looks impressive, brutal and partially resembles some classmates. But at the same time, it boasts a huge number of non-standard design solutions. The car received a massive radiator grille with powerful horizontal chrome lines, as well as rectangular head optics with a two-tier design. All this undoubtedly distinguishes the model from the general traffic flow.

The interior design of this model is made to match any premium crossover. Inside there are numerous decorative elements as well as attractive high-tech elements. At the same time, the practical placement of key control components is clearly visible here, as well as the orientation of the model to a cheaper segment of the market, where motorists cannot afford to pay for a vehicle an amount exceeding 4-5 million rubles.

Sales start

The Chinese GAC GS8 became the first manufacturer's model to be launched on the Russian automotive market. This vehicle was first shown to the public in April 2016, and the official premiere in Russia took place only in December 2019. Today, this first-generation car is moderately popular and there is a particular lack of stars from the sky, for the simple reason that many car enthusiasts are waiting for the update to be released. In addition to Russia, the cross is also sold in China, where it shows noticeably better results.

Competitors

At the moment, this Chinese crossover is considered one of the most affordable representatives of its class, which is why it noticeably crowds out competitors, in whose face it is worth highlighting:

• Kia Mohave;
• Hyundai Palisade;
• Mitsubishi Pajero;
• Mazda CX-9.