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SA's cheapest car launched

To read more about Chery in South Africa, and aftersales and servicing for the new range, click here.

South Africa has a new "cheapest car" - the Chery QQ3 costs R59 900, and it's not as bare as you may think...

Of the ten models currently in production at Chery's Wuhu plant, three - the QQ3, J5 and Tiggo - are now available in South Africa.

McCarthy Limited executives at the launch of its new affordable range also noted that two additional models are a possibility for the local market by the end of 2008.

For now, there are three models to appeal to quite a wide range of buyers.

The entry-level QQ3 is a tiny hatchback perfect for the student, one level up is the J5 family-sized sedan, while the Tiggo compact SUV completes the range.

On Thursday's launch to the local media, those present were allowed to sample a section of the available range.

Plenty to choose from

The QQ3 range is offered with a choice of two powerplants - a 0.8- and a four-cylinder 1.1-litre unit.

Outputs for these units are quoted at 38 kW at 6 000 r/min and 70 Nm between 3 500 and 4 000 r/min for the triple and 50 kW at 6 000 r/min and 90 Nm also between 3 500 and 4 000 r/min for the bigger unit.

J5 and Tiggo are powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder 16-valve with DOHC producing 95 kW at 5 500 r/min and 178 Nm at 4 500 r/min.

All engines drive the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

Based on the relatively short stints spent behind the wheel, I am able to report that the vehicles were all fairly capable along the launch route.

Given the range's price positioning, the quality is not expected to be top-notch. A definite flimsiness to surfaces was noted with a fair amount of panels flexing under pressure. However, the materials used, although hard to the touch, appear to be tough and durable.

Chery draws its components from a lengthy list of notable global suppliers, so the real test perhaps would be to judge how its products stand up to everyday, "real world" tests.

On the road

The QQ3 is perhaps the model that most impressed in our time together. Ride quality on both the 0.8- and 1.1-litre models was fair, aided by the use of McPherson struts up front and a torsion beam and coil spring arrangement at the rear.

The only real concern - and this was common for all models driven - was that the power steering that was perhaps a bit too light for my liking.

Indeed all Chery models are fitted standard with power steering and an extensive range of nice-to-haves previously unheard of as standard in this segment.

Standard equipment on the base model include a rear spoiler, body-coloured side mirrors and door mouldings, power steering, high-mounted brake light, side impact protection bars and child-locking rear doors.

And the performance of these little cars was a pleasant surprise too. While the 0.8-litre was understandably asthmatic up at the reef, the 1.1-litre was exceptionally peppy, allowing the car to be whizzed about a whole range of back roads with seemingly little concern for the performance-sapping qualities of altitude.

The 2.0-litre in the sedan and the SUV was another marvel. Although a bit loud when moving on a bit, it nevertheless offered smooth power delivery.

And ride quality and road holding were equally good, with both making use of a McPherson strut up front and trailing arms at the rear. Standard equipment on the J5 includes power steering with adjustable steering columns, dual front airbags, central locking, front and rear armrests, air conditioning, electric windows at the front and rear, trip computer and electric mirrors.

The Tiggo adds a front-loading CD player, ABS and EBD, and a few more worthwhile features.

One problem...

The only big niggle was a common problem on all models - the five-speed gearbox. Positioning, on the QQ in particular where it was located too far forward and the gearshift was too short, was perhaps the biggest gripe.

Also shift action, on all the models, was desperate at times. It could best be described as "squishy" and numb, and Tiggo, where third and fifth gears could easily have shared a slot, was especially concerning. However, these "problems" could become a lot more bearable given time and a bit of patience.

All cars offer exceptional value with a whole of kit for not too much money. But whether it will be succeed in stealing sales from the used car market and convince those currently planning to "buy down" remains to be seen. All cars are sold with a three-year/100 000 km warrranty and a three-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15 000 km and a service plan will be available from the end of May.

PRICES

QQ3
0.8 TE - R59 900
0.8 TX - R65 900
1.1 TE - R73 900
1.1 TXE - R79 900

J5
2.0 TE - R139 900
2.0 TX - R149 900

Tiggo
2.0 TX - R159 900
2.0 TXE - R169 900

To read more about Chery in South Africa, and aftersales and servicing for the new range, click here.

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