Geely Philippines recently previewed its entry-level GX3 Pro crossover at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show. If you think this looks a bit like a crossover-ized subcompact hatchback, that’s because it evolved from a now-discontinued hatchback model sold under Geely’s Englon brand.
For this comparison, we’ll pit the GX3 Pro against another car-derived subcompact crossover: the popular Kia Stonic. Since the GX3 Pro is not yet on sale here, some additional spec info was taken from the identical-looking overseas model. We’ll be using the high-trim variants for this one.
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The Geely GX3 Pro measures 4,005mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,575mm tall, this makes it 95mm shorter, 25mm wider, and 42mm taller than the Stonic. Geely’s subcompact crossover rides on a 2,480mm wheelbase, and this is 90mm less between axles than Kia’s subcompact CUV. Both crossovers have an identical 185mm ground clearance.
The marginally smaller GX3 Pro rolls on 205/60R16 tires which have a diameter of 25.7 inches—this is 0.5 inches greater than the diameter of the Stonic’s 195/60 R16 rubber. It’s interesting to note that despite the GX3 Pro’s slightly smaller overall size, it’s about 100kg heavier than the equivalent Stonic. Let’s see if this changes when the final figures for the PH-spec GX3 Pro are released.
As a refresher, the GX3 Pro is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline mill which puts out 102hp and 140Nm of torque. The Stonic, on the other hand, is motivated by a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter gasoline unit which produces 99hp and 132Nm of torque. The top GX3 Pro is equipped with a continuously variable transmission, while the range-topping Philippine-spec Stonic comes with a six-speed automatic tranny.
The Geely and Kia baby CUVs are available with lower-spec variants with a five-speed manual transmission. Both subcompact car-based, front-wheel-drive crossovers use a conventional unibody construction and feature the typical-for-its-segment independent MacPherson strut suspension up front and a simple torsion beam at the rear. Both are equipped with disc brakes on all corners. A lower variant of the GX3 Pro was also displayed at this year’s MIAS and that, too, gets rear disc brakes unlike the lower and mid variant Stonic.
Geely made its mark with the help of the popular Coolray subcompact SUV, will it be able to repeat the same feat with the entry-level subcompact GX3 Pro crossover? Would you consider it over the Stonic? Let us know in the comments.
