2019 GAC GA4 GL 200T

In the subcompact segment, our title cannot be more accurate. Just look at the Vios and the City. These models have grown bigger and yet become more efficient throughout the years.

What you will like about our featured vehicle, the GA4, is how much larger it is than the two most popular models in the subcompact segment. Its design takes after the look of big body sedans of the 90s to early 2000s, albeit with a few more body striations (a couple on the hood and one near the rocker panel) and a sharp character line for a more distinctive look amidst this crowded segment.

Like most GAC units, the nose is not flashy. It has a plain three-slat chrome grille flanked by halogen headlamps with a level adjuster. The shapely bumper accommodates a grille extension at the bottom and halogen fog lamps on either side.

The bottom of the C-pillar is pulled back towards the rear resulting in this semi-fastback look that creates an illusion of more space because the windows are elongated. It shortens the rear deck but does not affect the cargo capacity. At the rear is a shark’s fin antenna, a small lip on the trunk, and LED rear combination taillights.

Even at first glance, the GA4’s rounded exterior differentiates it from competitors, and even though we are talking about millimeters here, it still appears heftier than it really is. It is not flashy and will not really turn heads on the road. But it brings a small amount of sophistication and looks more premium than its counterparts.

The brand’s quality extends even to the smart keyfob. It is smaller than I expected, which shows how the automaker considers all the tiny details. Most new auto brands incorporating new tech like smart entry systems struggle to make keys compact and inadvertently create chunky pieces that do not fit nicely in men’s pockets.

Its cabin has leather upholstery and an elegant padded dashboard with a broad flat surface. The design is understated, and the only highlights come from two silver trims — one spanning the width of the cockpit and the other framing the eight-inch touchscreen display.

Standard features include power-adjustable front seats, a Start/Stop button, electronic parking brake, rear air vents and a rear USB port, a drop-down armrest in the second row, and a sunroof.

The generous wheelbase and tall roof easily translate to a cabin more spacious than segment standards. Instrument displays are colorful and vibrant, but still easy on the eyes at night. I especially like the ergonomic shape of the gear-shifter that lets my palm rest comfortably on top. My only complaint is the aircon takes longer than expected to cool the cabin after some time parked under the sun.

This top-of-the-line variant uses a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that sends 136 horsepower and 202 Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. It comes with several drive modes. Eco can be accessed via a button by the center console, while Sport mode is activated by shifting to S. The difference in response and agility between the modes is minimal. The only palpable effect is the revs get higher.

It is obvious how the small engine struggles with the 1.3-ton curb weight. Upshifts happen close to 2,000 RPM regardless of the mode, and it climbs a little higher to maintain 100 km/h. Engine noise is also very audible when throttle pressure is applied. Fuel consumption is only 7 km/l in mostly highway driving. The transmission works smoothly in city traffic and at highway speeds.

Despite the body weight, the steering feel is light, and the body is highly maneuverable. It tackles corners pretty well and exhibits little body roll. Comfort is also good as it handles potholes and humps very well. There is a bit of harshness from the 17-inch alloy wheels, but other than that, I cannot complain about NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness).

The 2019 GA4 GL 200T is a bit of a mixed bag, which is probably why GAC PH isn’t offering this model anymore. It is great to note that they replaced it with a 1.5 AT variant that goes for a lot less (P858,000). It has modern amenities like the eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB ports (one in front and another in the 2nd row), traction control, hill-start hold control, and cruise control.

To answer questions about the model’s durability, know that the GA4 finished second overall in the four-hour race and fourth in the 12-hour race at the 2019 Kalayaan Cup Endurance Challenge.

GAC is not a household name in the PH, but it has been the #1 mass-market brand in China over the last two years. The GA4 is a first-gen model, but it got many things right. One of those is its big body because everyone knows that in this segment, size matters.