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Qoros 3 Sedan - front qtr wheels turned - high
Qoros 3 sedan. Click to enlarge.

Qoros Automotive, an equal joint venture partnership founded in 2007 between China-based Chery Automobile and Israel Corporation, is presenting the world premiere of its first series production vehicle, the C-segment Qoros 3 Sedan, at the Geneva International Motor Show. In addition, the automaker is presenting two concepts based on the Qoros 3: the Cross Hybrid Concept and the Estate Concept.

The Qoros 3 Sedan, which is entering a pre-production development phase after two summers and two winters of testing at locations around the world, is due to be launched in China in the second half of 2013, with first European sales following later in the year. The launch of further Qoros models is then planned at intervals of approximately six months. Rapid expansion of the model range is possible due to a modular vehicle architecture developed in-house, the company said.

Qoros 3 Sedan. Two four-cylinder 1.6-liter gasoline engines will be available at the launch of the Qoros 3 Sedan in China, both of which feature VVT (variable valve timing). The naturally-aspirated unit delivers an output of 93 kW (126 bhp) and 155 N·m (114 lb-ft) maximum torque at 3,900 rpm. The turbocharged version offers 115 kW (156 bhp) and 210 N·m (155 lb-ft) maximum torque at 2,500 rpm.

Both power units are combined with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. A six-speed dual clutch transmission is available as an option for both engines, offering the driver automated gear selection as well as a manual shift mode.

Depending on model and market, the Qoros 3 Sedan will be fitted with an automatic start-stop system for increased efficiency, and manual models will also feature an optimal gearshift point display.

With the support of AVL, Qoros is also developing a three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and an all-new four-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, both with GDI (gasoline direct injection). These units will meet the EU6 emissions standard which comes into effect in Europe in 2014.

These will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission available as an option, which will offer the driver automated gear selection as well as a manual shift mode.

Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept. Alongside the first production model from Qoros, the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show also sees the unveiling of the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept, a crossover model that features a compact hatchback body and hybrid drivetrain. It applies the styling themes introduced on the Qoros 3 Sedan to possible future compact hatchback and crossover models.

The Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept features a hybrid drive system developed in partnership with leading electric drive systems specialist American Axle.

A three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 97 kW (130 bhp) is installed transversely at the front to drive the front wheels. A 50 kW electric motor is housed between the luggage compartment floor and the rear axle, not only convenient for power transfer but also safely isolated from rear collision impacts. The motor is powered by a LG Chem lithium-ion battery with a maximum capacity of 1.9 kWh.

A second electric motor—the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG)—is mounted between the gasoline engine and the transmission. Its role, as well as to start the gasoline engine with less noise and less vibration is to charge the rear electric motor’s dedicated battery so that the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept can operate continuously in all-wheel drive mode.

During the most demanding driving, the ISG delivers additional power to the front axle, allowing the concept to deliver swift performance: zero to 100 km/h is achieved in less than 7.0 seconds (provisional target, not yet verified).

Intelligent control software ensures manages the transition between gasoline-engine front-wheel drive, electric motor rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive, depending on the most efficient mode to respond to the driver’s inputs and the prevailing road conditions.

The Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept can be driven in pure-electric mode at a speed of up to 120 km/h (75 mph), and for a maximum range of approximately four kilometers (2.5 miles) (provisional target, not yet verified).

Qoros 3 Estate Concept. The Qoros 3 Estate Concept showcases a vision of a future variant with a bodystyle (wagon) that is especially popular among European motorists.

Comments

HarveyD

An intelligent design. The combined starter-drive/generator mounted between the ICE and transmission is a very smart idea. The AWD capability is another plus. The smaller 1.2 L ICE for the HEV/PHEV version is another very smart idea.

Is it an AWD HEV or a minimum e-range AWD PHEV?

It may do 50+ mpg?

Hope that it will be sold in NA at an affordable price?

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