A million pesos definitely isn’t what it used to be. Back then, you can get a whole load of cars for that figure, but inflation has thinned that crowd now. When it comes to crossovers, there isn’t a lot of choices out there.
Still, at least there are options, right? And that brings us neatly to the Geely GX3 Pro. It made its debut in mid 2023 and eventually released in the third quarter. So far, it’s been a success for the brand, being the second best-selling vehicle in its class.
The thing is, how much crossover do you get for under a million pesos? Yes, it’s affordable, but having a low price tag doesn’t always mean good value. A road test is in order, then.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Toyota claims the Yaris Cross HEV can do 33.3km/L in the city
Nissan customers can get free vehicle check-ups and discounts on select parts this month
Styling
Despite being the latest model in the local Geely lineup, the GX3 isn’t the newest car in its entire range. It started out as the Yuanjing X3 and it was launched in its home market back in 2017. We wouldn’t call it dated, but it certainly isn’t anything like the previous Geely models that were, ironically, introduced in the home market after the GX3 Pro.
That’s not to say it’s ugly. For the most part, it’s inoffensive and won’t draw polarizing opinions. The design is neat for the most part with not much in the way of bold character lines or acute angles. Granted, its diminutive dimensions (it’s just a hair over four meters long) would make some folks call it cute, but its exterior won’t be the biggest attention grabber. For what the GX3’s purpose is in life, it’s fine for what it is.
At least there are some playful exterior color options available for it, namely red and blue. Unfortunately, the white paint on this particular test unit subdues any hint of playfulness.
Interior
Much like the other Geely models, the interior theme here is all about straight lines and smooth surfaces. The GX3 Pro does a decent job of aping its bigger brothers, all while having a distinct look of its own. Props to Geely for that, as it could’ve easily copy-pasted it from another model to cut down costs.
It’s pleasant enough to look at and those who favor simplicity will like it. Those who prefer a little more visual zing might find it dull. Either way, the interior layout is uncluttered and uncomplicated. That’s something we can all appreciate. Speaking of appreciating things, we’re glad the GX3 has a telescopic steering wheel.
On the subject of interior materials, it’s brimming with hard plastics in there. We wouldn’t complain much about it given its price point. The touch points are okay and the stalks feel solid and chunky enough to interact with. The buttons and dials aren’t half bad to press either. All in all, it better than expected from something that’s less than a million pesos, let alone under P900,000.
When it comes to space, the GX3 is, well, alright. Obviously, it doesn’t have have a cavernous amount of room as it’s just over four meters long, 4,005mm, to be exact. The driver and front passenger will be just fine although the ones sitting at the back might find themselves brushing the front seat’s backrests. It’s the same case for headroom, particularly for taller folks. As for cargo capacity, Geely claims 400 liters for the GX3 Pro. That said, it appears more for vertical space than the floor area. Still, not bad for its size.
Engine Performance
The GX3 Pro shares the same engine as the Emgrand sedan. That means it uses a 1.5-liter mill that’s good for 102hp and 142Nm of torque. Like the Emgrand, it too uses a continuously variable transmission. Conventional stuff for a conventional segment.
Of course, those are just numbers on a spec sheet. How does it feel on the road? In comfort mode, at least, it feels eager to get off the line…if a little too eager. Even a light touch sends the car zooming forward followed by a frantic jabbing of the brake pedal. For first time drivers planning to get this, we recommend being very light on the pedals with this.
The solution to the touchy throttle is to put the car in economy mode. However, it dulls the reaction to a point you’re wondering if you’re stepping on the pedal at all. Better calibration would make things a lot easier.
But once you do get the hang of the accelerator’s sensitivity, the GX3 is about on par with other mini crossovers. It’s not fast, but it’s good enough to get you out of trouble. Yes, we are aware that it’s not meant to offer lightning acceleration, but compared to its peers, it’s just right.
Fuel economy, you ask? In extreme traffic (10kph average), it can still eke out 8.4km/L. In more reasonable conditions, it’ll easily do 9 to 11km/L all day. We reckon that, if you’re gentle on the throttle (a bit of a tough ask) and you have long stretches of expressway ahead, it can clock around 18km/L. Thanks to its relatively large fuel tank for its segment (45 liters), you can go a long way with it too.
Ride and Handling
We’ll get the not so good news out of the way first. Because of its short wheelbase, the ride of the GX3 Pro is on the choppy side. It never really feels settled around Metro roads and there’s a hint of pogo-ing on smoother pavement. It’s not enough to give you backache, but it’s something you and your passengers will notice…and feel, especially on a long drive.
For the good part, well, it handles well. Okay, by that we mean it handles well enough for a mini crossover. Roadholding is surprisingly high despite the eco tires, and it’s a car that won’t be scared to take on winding roads. With that, it’s clear that Geely chose dynamics over comfort in the GX3 Pro. Sure, you’ll bounce around a bit on the straights, but at least it doesn’t flop around corners. We’d go for secure handling if we were to drive it on twisties.
As it’s not a performance car in any measure (obviously), driver engagement isn’t at the top of the priority list. It won’t excite you, but it’ll get you from point A to B without tiring your arms out thanks to its light steering.
Extra features
The GX3 Pro is perhaps the most affordable car equipped with a sunroof in the country today. Sure, you won’t need it all the time, but it’s a nice surprise and delight feature. Besides, who doesn’t want a bit of extra sunlight into the cabin from time to time?
In the aspect of safety, it’s got dual airbags, but it’s the addition of traction and stability control that caught our attention. It’s nice to know that Geely fitted it standard even in its most affordable crossover.
That said, one thing still bugs us. Like all Geely models, the GX3 Pro is not equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Other Chinese automakers have found a way around it already, and it’s about time every Geely model comes with one.
Verdict
If the GX3 Pro was over a million pesos, it’s a car that we’d be hard pressed to recommend. The thing is, it’s not even P900,000 as it carries a price tag of P878,000. For its SRP, it’s a decent set of brand new wheels that (hopefully) won’t give you headaches in years to come.
As a car, however, it needs a little more polish. There’s the touchy throttle pedal that requires a lighter foot, as well as the relatively bouncy ride. Oh, and it desperately needs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If Geely manages to improve on those things, the GX3 Pro will be an even better car to drive and own day in and day out.
The best way we could sum up this car is ‘good for the price’. If it’s a low-cost, (relatively) high-riding car you need, then the GX3 Pro fits the bill quite nicely.
SPECS: 2024 Geely GX3 Pro Comfort
Price: P878,000
Engine: 1.5-liter gasoline I4
Power: 102hp
Torque: 142Nm
Transmission: continuously variable
Layout: front wheel-drive
Seating: 5
Score: 7/10
