Chery QQ3: The Small Chinese EV Poised to Rival the Renault 5 in Europe

Chery QQ3: The Small Chinese EV Poised to Rival the Renault 5 in Europe

Chinese automaker Chery has opened pre-orders for its new electric model, the Chery QQ3. This small electric city car is raising expectations as it could compete with the Renault 5 E-Tech in the European market, and potentially in Portugal.

A New Generation of Electric Vehicles

Established in China since 1997, Chery is known for its wide range of vehicles and now plans to expand into Europe. The Chery QQ3 exemplifies this strategy by bringing a new generation of design and technology. The first version of this model was launched in 2003, selling over 1.4 million units in China.

Compact and Modern Design

The Chery QQ3 stands out with its rounded, modern design. Its compact dimensions, measuring 4.20 meters in length, 1.81 meters in width, and 1.57 meters in height, make it a direct competitor to the Renault 5 E-Tech. The oval LED headlights and solid front grille complement its contemporary look.

Technology and Interior

Inside, the Chery QQ3 offers a technological environment with a 2K touchscreen measuring 15.6 inches and a digital instrument cluster. The car boasts an impressive 35 storage spaces, along with a rear trunk capacity ranging from 375 to 1,450 liters and a "frunk" of 70 liters.

Performance and Range

The Chery QQ3 is available in two power versions: 78 and 121 horsepower. The range, according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, varies between 280 and 401 km, translating to approximately 238 to 340 km in the European WLTP cycle. While sufficient for a city car, the range is comparable to the Renault 5 E-Tech, which offers up to 400 km with its 52 kWh battery.

Price and Availability

Although Chery has not announced the official price for the European market, the first version of the QQ was priced from 29,900 yuan, or about 3,626 euros. The European market price is expected to be significantly higher due to import duties and tariffs. For the Portuguese market, a 3-5% increase compared to European prices can be anticipated due to VAT differences.

Potential in the Portuguese Market

The Chery QQ3 has the potential to attract Portuguese buyers looking for a compact and affordable electric vehicle. With new Chinese brands entering the European market, such as Chery, consumers have more choices. The presence of modern features and a competitive price can make the QQ3 an appealing option in Portugal.

Conclusion: What to Expect from the Chery QQ3

The arrival of the Chery QQ3 in the European market, including Portugal, promises to heat up competition in the compact electric vehicle segment. With a modern design, advanced technology, and reasonable range options, the QQ3 might challenge established models like the Renault 5 E-Tech. Potential Portuguese buyers should stay tuned for future updates on pricing and market availability.