VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
77 kW
Torque
270 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Towing
700 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
—
Engine
1497 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the GAC GS3 Emzoom and the Toyota Starlet Cross is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GAC GS3 Emzoom delivers 130 kW while the Toyota Starlet Cross produces 77 kW. On fuel, the GS3 Emzoom returns 6.2 l/100km while the Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R359 900 for the GS3 Emzoom and R362 800 for the Starlet Cross. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
130 kW
77 kW
Torque
270 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
8.0 s
—
Top Speed
190 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
7
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
140 g/km
131 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4410 mm
3995 mm
Width
1850 mm
1765 mm
Height
1600 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2650 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
—
170 mm
Kerb Weight
1370 Kg
1005 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
341-1271 l
304-605-1009 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
700 Kg
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
425 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st owne
3
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2
4 services
Service Plan Distance
30000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GS3 Emzoom
Fuel Economy
Starlet Cross
Value
GS3 Emzoom
Practicality
Starlet Cross
Pros & Cons
GAC GS3 Emzoom
More powerful engine (130 kW)
Lower starting price (R359 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.2 l/100km)
Toyota Starlet Cross
Better fuel economy (5.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 130 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GS3 Emzoom or Starlet Cross?
The GS3 Emzoom uses 6.2 l/100km and the Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet Cross is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the GS3 Emzoom or Starlet Cross?
The GS3 Emzoom produces 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque while the Starlet Cross delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The GS3 Emzoom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GS3 Emzoom and Starlet Cross?
The GS3 Emzoom starts from R359 900 and the Starlet Cross from R362 800. The GS3 Emzoom is cheaper by R2 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GS3 Emzoom or Starlet Cross?
The GS3 Emzoom has a braked towing capacity of 700 Kg and the Starlet Cross can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GS3 Emzoom or the Starlet Cross?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.