The multinational team at Qoros is keeping its promises with the precision of a Swiss watch, coming back to next month’s Geneva auto show with its second model in the range ready for production.
One year after unveiling the Qoros 3 Sedan, the joint venture, a 50-50 collaboration between China’s Chery and investment group Israel Corp., is coming back with the 5-door Qoros 3 Hatch 5.
Although the new model is 8.4 ins. (215 mm) shorter than the Sedan, the Hatch shares the same wheelbase of 105.9 ins. (2,690 mm).
The car’s styling is the work of German Gert Volker Hildebrand, Qoros executive director-design and one of the most creative and passionate designers in the industry.
The 3 Hatch looks even better-balanced than the 3 Sedan from which it is derived, thanks in part to its unusually long wheelbase and wider stance that outdistance competitors such as the Volkswagen Golf and Mercedes B-Class.
That, in addition to an overall length of 174.7 ins. (4,438 mm) that is 3.1 ins. (80 mm) longer than the Golf’s, will be a plus in most markets, beginning with China. The car also is 1.6 ins. (40 mm) wider than the Golf.
The increased dimensions make the 5-passenger cabin one of the roomiest in its class, and the automaker is filling it with plenty of goodies. Four trim levels will be offered: Essence, Experience, Experience Plus and Elegance. All are equipped with a high-resolution, 3.5-in. (8.9-cm) capacitive touchscreen infotainment system and will offer 3G connectivity.
Under the hood will be one of two 1.6L 16-valve DOHC engines with variable valve timing, also shared with the Changshu, China-built 3 Sedan.
One is the naturally-aspirated unit, with variable induction system, producing 126 hp and maximum torque of 114 lb.-ft. (155 Nm) at 3,900 rpm.
The second engine is turbocharged, increasing output 24% to 156 hp and 155 lb.-ft. (210 Nm) over a broad rev range between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, the turbocharged 3 Hatch will deliver 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).
“Hatchback buyers and sedan buyers are very different consumer groups, both remarkably loyal to their preferred body style,” notes Hildebrand, who led two design teams in Munich and Shanghai. “It is for this reason that we focused on creating a bold, compact and dynamic form for the Hatch, incorporating many visual cues which younger consumers regard as synonymous with trendy, sporty vehicles.”
