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Qoros 3 City SUV derivative set for reveal in China

The 2015 Qoros 3 City SUV will make its world premiere at the Guangzhou motor show on November 20, broadening the Chinese-Israeli startup’s product range beyond its 3 small-car staple. 


An official sketch image points to the design resembling a jacked-up, macho version of the 3 hatch, with hints of the Kia Sportage. The City SUV will give the company ammunition to compete in the small crossover segment that is experiencing big growth, including in home market China. 

Size-rivals are likely to be cars such as the Subaru XV. Powertrain details are unknown externally, but expect it to use the Qoros 3’s 116kW/210Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine matched to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. 

The high-riding SUV will “exhibit world-class standards of engineering, safety and quality”, says the brand, and feature cool touches as as QorosCloud cloud-based navigation, vehicle maintenance updates and location checks.

You may wonder why a Chinese-made SUV — it will likely be made at Qoros’ Changshu assembly line — is news. It is notable mostly because of Qoros’ self-appointed premium positioning among Chinese brands, and eventual intended rollout into Western Europe and beyond. 

Pictured above: Qoros 3 hatch

For one, its engineering and design staff is led by experienced operators from companies such as BMW and Saab. Qoros also famously became the first Chinese car-maker to achieve a five-star European NCAP rating for its Qoros 3 sedan.

The focus in the interim is understood to be the Chinese domestic market and Eastern Europe, meaning any Australian launch remains unlikely for a while. For now, left-hand-drive us the focus. But don’t be surprised to see that change in time. 

We’ve asked Qoros for comment, by the way, and we know that Australian independent importer Ateco has expressed some interest in the brand. 

We’ll bring you more following the car’s Chinese reveal on November 20. 

Tell us, does the Qoros 3's five-star Euro NCAP result change your perception of Chinese cars to any degree?

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