The China-built Chery QQ scores big on cute appeal, but what lurks under its skin offers a different story
This is the first appearance in the local market from Chery Automobile, which was formed in 1997 as an auto manufacturer owned by the Wuhu province government in China, although is about to be privatised.
The pint-sized three cylinder 812cc Chery QQ has been in production since 2003 in China, along with a 1.1-litre version - the latter currently not available here. The QQ has immediately cemented its reputation as the most affordable new car in Singapore with a price tag of $30,000. Its immediate competitors are the 1.0-litre Perodua Kelisa and the 1.1-litre Kia Picanto.
Only a five-speed manual Chery QQ is currently available, although an auto version is expected.
For its price the QQ is well equipped with one-touch power windows that close globally, power steering, power mirrors, rev counter, remote central locking, a CD and MP3 player, plus front and rear fog lights. But we wonder how well the QQ will fair after a year or so of daily driving? You can't ignore the lure of the opposition for just $3,000 more. Both the Kelisa and the Picanto offer a more planted small car driving experience and a good level of build quality for not an awful lot more. Cheapness is not always a virtue if the entire package is compromised. In the Chery QQ brochure there is, worryingly, a picture of a man standing in the pouring rain with the Chery sitting motionless behind him. We know how he feels. Perhaps QQ is an acronym for Questionable Quality.Technical Specifications
MODEL
Chery QQ
ENGINE
Engine: 812cc, 12V in-line 3
Max Power: 52bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque: 70Nm at 3,500rpm - 4,000rpm
TRANSMISSION
5 speed manual
TOP SPEED
130km/h
0-100km/h
18.5s
N GUYS CAN U HELP MI TELL MI IS THIS CAR GD...? AS I'M A CAR IDIOT.... PS ANY CAR CAN INTRO MI....
