
The front suspension of the Trumpchi GS4 is a MacPherson strut independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a multi-link independent suspension. Taking the 2021 Trumpchi GS4 as an example, it is a compact SUV with body dimensions of: length 4545mm, width 1856mm, height 1668mm, wheelbase 2680mm, and a curb weight of 1480kg. The 2021 Trumpchi GS4 is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, producing a maximum horsepower of 169PS, maximum torque of 265Nm, and maximum power of 124kW, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The Trumpchi GS4 I drive features a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, which makes for an exceptionally comfortable ride in the city. It doesn’t feel harsh or bumpy when going over speed bumps, and the body stays stable even when the tires roll over small stones. The chassis handles vibrations smoothly on rough roads. The multi-link rear suspension provides excellent grip during turns, and at 70 km/h on ramps, body roll is much better controlled compared to some cars with torsion beam suspensions. However, independent suspensions take up more space, so the trunk floor is about 2-3 cm higher than in cars with non-independent suspensions—something to keep in mind when loading large items. The manufacturer’s tuning leans toward comfort, with moderate spring rebound speed, ensuring stability at high speeds without feeling floaty, though the support during aggressive driving is slightly weaker than in sportier models.

The front MacPherson and rear multi-link suspension is the standard configuration of the Trumpchi GS4, which is quite generous for a 150,000-yuan SUV. The MacPherson front suspension saves engine bay space and makes and part replacement easier, even at roadside shops. The multi-link rear suspension provides more precise wheel control, especially when the rear seats are fully loaded and going over bumps, preventing the body from being pulled by uneven bouncing. I've tested it fully loaded on mountain roads, and the suspension compresses and rebounds crisply without any mushy swaying. However, pay attention to the suspension bushings—in humid southern regions, they may age and crack in five or six years, causing squeaks over speed bumps, which requires inspection. The overall tuning leans toward family comfort, with moderate steering wheel feedback that makes it effortless for women to drive.

The GS4 features independent suspension both front and rear, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. This combination minimizes bumpiness when going over manhole covers, especially enhancing rear passenger comfort significantly compared to torsion beam suspensions. The suspension is soft in initial travel but firm in later stages, with acceptable body roll at 60 km/h cornering and minimal nose dive during hard braking. Road noise is well-controlled on highway expansion joints, though the body exhibits some unnecessary wobble over consecutive speed bumps. During maintenance, pay attention to the lower arm ball joint as it's prone to developing play after prolonged rough road use – a check every 20,000 km is recommended. With 190mm ground clearance, the chassis is adequately high, but the relatively small approach angle requires caution on steep slopes to avoid scraping the front lip.

Having driven three generations of the Trumpchi GS4, the suspension has consistently been a MacPherson strut setup in the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. The spring rate (K value) is tuned for comfort, making speed bumps feel like driving over a thick carpet, though body responsiveness during quick lane changes is slightly slower. The five-link rear suspension ensures the tires maintain constant contact with the road, preventing rear-wheel slippage even in wet conditions. Compared to some joint-venture models with torsion beams, the GS4 reduces rear-seat bumps by about 30% when traversing uneven surfaces. However, the lower control arms are made of stamped steel plates, which may deform under severe off-road conditions—advising against aggressive curb strikes. The factory shock absorbers typically last around 80,000 kilometers; beyond this lifespan, crossing bumps may produce noticeable after-shock 'thudding.' The tuning balances handling and comfort effectively, with steering wheel vibrations filtered out cleanly.

My GS4's suspension is soft in the initial stage but resilient in the later stage. The front MacPherson strut is simple and reliable, and replacing a shock absorber core only costs a few hundred yuan. The rear multi-link occupies more space, but the trunk can still fit a 28-inch suitcase. The suspension geometry ensures even tire wear, and the wheel alignment is less prone to deviation. On gravel roads, the chassis provides good sound insulation, with stone impacts muffled within the wheel arches. During aggressive driving, body roll is noticeable, so it's recommended to upgrade to a set of stiffer short springs. The factory shock absorbers handle long-wave roads excellently, preventing the body from swaying like a boat. The ground clearance is sufficient, but the approach angle is relatively small, and the front suspension underguard has been scraped twice. Overall, the tuning suits Chinese road conditions, and the chassis' off-road capability surpasses that of sedans in the same class.


