QOROS 3 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Designed and engineered on the same platform as the Quoros 3 Hatch, the 3 City SUV was launched at the 2014 Guangzhou International Auto Show.

In 2013, the SUV was shown as a concept-car named Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid. The production model though started with a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. It was based on the 3 Series platform and it was the first Chinese car that obtained a 5-Star EuroNCAP score for safety. The first showrooms were opened at Bratislava, in Slovakia.

From the outside, the 3 City SUV was like a compact crossover with a hatchback shape. The design team was led by Gert Hildebrand, former head of external design for Volkswagen, SEAT and General Manager of MINI design, leading the MINI Clubman, Countryman and Coupe models. In 2011, Hildebrand joined the new Chinese Israeli joint venture Chery Quantum Automotive Corporation, now called Qoros, as Head of Design.

Inside, the Volkswagen influences were noticeable on the instrument cluster and the dashboard. Even the rotary knob for the lights had a similar design and was placed in the same position as in a Volkswagen. The infotainment unit featured an 8” touch-screen display and it was based on the Microsoft Windows Azure platform. It had an 800 x 480 screen resolution.

For the drivetrain, the Qoros 3 SUV featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed dual-clutch transmission was available as an option.

There was a mixed feeling about the Qoros 3 when it was shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The good fit and finish were in big contrast with the unclear, and somehow bland, exterior design.

Soon after it was revealed and that the car will be offered in Europe, it was crash-tested. It was a test where other Chinese brands failed to get over two stars, on older and more permissive standards. But the 3 Hatchback from Qoros passed with flying colors

The most controversial theme of the Qoros was the design. The front headlights are close to what the Czech brand Skoda had on their Octavia compact-class sedan. The taillights were straight and around the corner, with the turn-signal on top of them. Above the tailgate, there was a roof-spoiler which incorporated the third brake light. Moreover, the connection between the C-pillar and the main body was similar to the same part of a BMW 3-Series.

Inside, the german inspiration was clear. It was unclear which brand's layout dominated more. For the upper part, the Audi A4 or the Volkswagen Passat B6 seemed the theme inspiration, while the climate control unit looked very close to a BMW 3-Series. That is not a surprise, since the Head of the design was the Gert Hildebrand, who worked for Opel and Volkswagen, and was General Manager of Mini Design.

The Executive Director of Vehicle Engineering was Klaus Schmidt, a former senior manager at BMW M-Power division. Qoros 3 was powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline unit and a turbocharged unit that was under development when the car was launched.

There was a mixed feeling about the Qoros 3 Sedan when it was shown at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The good fit and finish were in big contrast with the unclear, and somehow bland, exterior design.

Soon after it was revealed and that the car will be offered in Europe, it was crash-tested. It was a test where other Chinese brands failed to get over two stars, on older and more permissive standards. But the 3 Sedan from Qoros passed with flying colors

The most controversial theme of the Qoros was the design. The front headlights are close to what the Czech brand Skoda had on their Octavia compact-class sedan. The taillights were somehow similar to the rear lights of a Volkswagen Phaeton. Moreover, the connection between the C-pillar and the main body was similar to the same part of a BMW 3-Series.

Inside, the german inspiration was clear. It was unclear which brand's layout dominated more. For the upper part, the Audi A4 or the Volkswagen Passat B6 seemed the theme inspiration, while the climate control unit looked very close to a BMW 3-Series.

The Executive Director of Vehicle Engineering was Klaus Schmidt, a former senior manager at BMW M-Power division. Probably he had the key to the Qoros 3 sedan design. He announced that the car will have two engine variants. Another 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine was on the way at the time of the Qoros 3 Sedan launch.