-
Qoros brand to debut at Geneva
February 15, 2013
A brand new automotive brand is being prepared for launch at the 2013 Geneva motor show, and we have details of the first production model along with two concepts.
Qoros’ 3 Sedan will be the first in the line-up for the new brand targeted at customers both in China and Europe. The sedan’s market launch is planned to start from the second half of the year, with the carmaker planning to release a new model every six months.
The range’s styling is said to draw heavily on ‘contemporary European themes’ (we see more than just a little BMW in there…) with ‘generous space and a high quality interior finish’.
Two four-cylinder 1.6-litre engines will be available at the 3 Sedan’s launch, with the naturally aspirated version producing 93kW/155Nm, while the turbocharged unit generates 115kW/210Nm. Both engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission, although a six-speed dual clutch transmission is optional.
Qoros is also developing a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and a new 1.6 turbo engine.
A key feature for Qoros is its eight-inch touchscreen unit developed in-house and, the carmaker says, designed to offer minimal distraction to the driver, while replacing a number of switches and buttons usually seen in car cabins.
All cars will be produced at Qoros’ Changshu plant in China for which it will source components from suppliers including Magna Steyr, Continental, TRW, Bosche, Getrag and Lear. Qoros’ Director of Production and ex-BMW man Alexander Wortberg says, ‘The factory has an initial annual production capacity of 150 000 units, with potential for expansion to 450 000 units.’
Qoros is a joint venture partnership between Chinese carmaker Chery Automobile and Israel Corporation, a global industrial holding company.
The carmaker will also show two concepts at its Geneva show debut – the 3 Cross Hybrid and the 3 Estate based on the sedan’s platform.
View Gallery
-
Popular Posts
-
Audi A3 1.8 TFSI quattro vs BMW 125i
February 15, 2013
-
SA's Best Driving Roads: Part One
February 15, 2013
-
SA's Best Driving Roads: Part Two
February 15, 2013
-
Wheels24
-
Pedal flat in Riviera paradiseSA's F1 specialist DIETER RENCKEN breaks down the Monaco circuit ahead of the Grand Prix on Sunday. Read and learn...
-
Road safety: Around and aroundDo South Africa's large and mini traffic circles still confuse you? Here's how to use them, courtesy of Fleet magazine.
-
