It seems like there is indeed no shortage of demand for subcompact crossovers. A lot of manufacturers are hungry for a chunky slice of this market segment in the country. GAC is no exception.

With the support of its new distributor Astara, the automaker is aggressively making its mark with the introduction of several new models. The latest member joining its local portfolio is the GS3 Emzoom.

Funky names aside, the GS3 Emzoom is a stark departure from its curvaceous predecessor that was launched about four years ago. The bodywork now consists of chiseled angles and sharp edges, with the front fascia dominated by GAC’s flying-wing corporate face.

Keeping the side profile smooth are motorized flush-mounted door handles, a rarity in this class. Thankfully, the good looks don’t stop when the sun goes down as distinctive headlights and taillights make the Emzoom look equally interesting in the dark.

The top-of-the-line GL receives a sunroof, power-folding side mirrors, and a curiously named “exhaust sound” feature, which grants the Emzoom the ability to crackle and pop without having to tune your vehicle.

The space-age theme continues inside with a clean cockpit layout accented by funky design elements such as the side aircon vents.

It comes with fabric upholstery and a six-way manual-adjustment driver seat for the GS. The GB and the GL get treated to synthetic leather, automatic climate control with second-row vents, a power tailgate, and a six-way power-adjustable driver seat.

The dashboard is dominated by a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charger is present as well.

Rear-seat legroom is generous, and GAC claims that there are 21 storage spaces scattered around the cabin. There is 341L of cargo space, but fold the 60:40-split rear seats down and that increases up to 1,271L.

Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing a healthy 174hp and 240Nm. This is mated to a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission that should allow the Emzoom to smoothly negotiate stop-and-go traffic.

Stylish 18- (GS and GB) or 19-inch (GL) wheels and low-profile tires give the car excellent road manners.

The Emzoom comes equipped with a generous amount of safety systems. There are the usual standard features such as stability control, hill-start assist, Isofix tethers, parking sensors, and a reversing camera (GS and GB) or 360° camera (GL).

Additionally, the GL comes with advanced driver aids like lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beam.

The GS3 Emzoom will be offered with the following exterior colors: Salt Lake Blue. Graphene Gray (matte), Moonlight Gray, Ivory White, and Silver.

Variants and prices are as follows:

• 1.5L GL DCT – P1,198,000
• 1.5L GB DCT – P1,098,000
• 1.5L GS DCT – P998,000

For now, the GB is the only available variant, with the GS and the GL to follow next month. Does this crossover tickle your fancy?