Chinese car giant Chery has revealed a sketch of its latest creation, the FV2030 concept, which hints at a new production car to compete against the ultra-sleek – and China-only – Mazda CX-4 SUV.
To be launched at the 2016 Beijing motor show from April 25, coincidentally the same launch pad as the sporty new CX-4, the Chery concept car will be used to gauged customer sentiment for a potential series production version.
Sporting a smooth silhouette with a curved roofline, pumped wheel-arches and a stylised front fascia featuring sleek, slim-line LED headlights, the overall design has appeal. It's one of many original designs from China starting to show unique cultural influences.
Although it's not clear what size the vehicle is, or whether it's a two-door or a four-door proposition (but almost certainly the latter, based on customer demand), it's likely to be a similar size to the mid-size CX-4, which is based on the CX-5.
However, even if the FV2030 does evolve into a production vehicle, it's unlikely to be offered in Australia any time soon as Chery has essentially stopped importing vehicles into this country.
The Chinese car maker's biggest claim to fame Down Under was the Chery J1, which at $9990 was Australia's cheapest car.
Chery and compatriot car-maker Great Wall (which has also had import issues were also infamously linked to an asbestos recall in 2012, with a total of 24,000 vehicles recalled after it was discovered some gaskets contained asbestos.
Both companies were also beset by poor ANCAP safety ratings too.
Nevertheless, after early controversy it's clear that better Chinese vehicles are coming. Should this be one of them? Have your say on the design in the comments below.