Qoros 3 City SUV Rides High from China to Europe

9 years, 9 months ago - 7 March 2015, Autoblog
Qoros 3 City SUV
Qoros 3 City SUV
The Chinese auto industry can be bewildering. They've got more automakers than characters in their alphabet, and few ever make it beyond their own borders.

But if there's one you're going to remember, you'd be wise to make it Qoros.

Established just a few years ago as a joint venture between Chery and shipping giant Israel Corporation (parent company of Zim whose containers you've likely seen at your local depot), Qoros currently markets only in China, but has big plans to expand overseas. Which would explain why it keeps coming back to the Geneva Motor Show.

Two years ago it showcased the Qoros 3 Sedan, last year it returned with the Qoros 3 Hatch and this year it's focusing on the Qoros 3 City SUV. A high-riding version of the hatchback, the company's latest variant takes a similar approach to the Subaru Impreza-based XV Crosstrek or VW's Golf Alltrack – though regrettably sans the all-wheel drive.

Power comes exclusively from a 1.6-liter turbo four, but buyers – in China for the time being – can choose between a manual or dual-clutch transmission, four trim levels and five colors for the bodywork designed by Gert Volker Hildebrand, formerly of Opel, Volkswagen and Mini.