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Premium plug-in hybrid sedan and compact EV city car both under consideration for the Aussie market to shake up niche segments
Chery Australia has revealed it is stress testing two Chinese-market vehicles on the harsh, red dirt roads of New South Wales, with both under consideration for a local launch.
The two cars, known by their international monikers A9L and QQ3, fill two vastly different but equally niche markets.
The Chery Fulwin A9L is a large plug-in hybrid sedan that fills a segment usually reserved for upmarket vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C 350e PHEV and Audi A5 Avant e-Hybrid.
Following Chery’s reputation for affordable prices, the A9L’s closest rivals are more likely to be the $39,990 Toyota Camry plugless hybrid and $46,990 BYD Seal dedicated EV (both prices are before on-road costs).
Conversely, the Chery QQ3 is a cute, compact electric SUV that promises city-friendly packaging on the outside and family-friendly seating on the inside. At just 4195mm long, it will have few rivals, led by the fresh-faced $31,990 BYD Atto 2 and whisker larger $38,990 MG4.
Both Chery models were released to the Chinese market in the last six months, starting from 149,900 yuan (~$AUD 30,500) for the A9L, and just 29,900 yuan (~$AUD 6150) for the QQ3.
In China, the A9L is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 33.67kWh LFP battery and single electric motor to send a combined output of 270kW and 530Nm to the front wheels. Combined range is quoted to exceed 2500km (CLTC).
The addition of a rear-electric motor grants the A9L with an all-wheel-drive option, one similar in format to the upcoming Toyota RAV4 PHEV. In AWD guise, the A9L claims a combined output of 470kW/854Nm to sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds. EV driving range is claimed to be 200km (CLTC).
The cheaper, more modest QQ3 features a rear-drive, rear electric motor which produces 58kW in base-trim and up to 90kW in higher specifications. Battery sizes are yet to be determined, however, there are at least two LFP units in the works, with range claims between 280 and 401km. Top speed is quoted as 125km/h.
The Chery Fulwin A9L measures 5018mm long, 1965mm wide, and 1500mm tall, while the Chery QQ3 sizes up at 4195mm long, 1811mm wide, and 1569mm tall. Wheelbases are 3000mm and 2700mm respectively.
It is currently unclear whether the Australian market will receive similar vehicle specifications to those offered in China. The QQ3 may receive a more powerful electric motor if it is to debut locally, while the A9L may debut the 260kW/330Nm ‘DHT 230’ PHEV drivetrain recently detailed by Chery’s local arm.
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