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Joshua Dowling22 Apr 2011
NEWS

SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW: Geely unveils China's first hot hatch

A hot little number: 1.3 turbo and twin clutch transmission

Geely is about to prove that the Chinese automotive industry can build fun cars -- not only affordable cars.


The EC6 hatch, unveiled at Auto Shanghai yesterday, had an original design and two important new developments: a 1.3-litre turbo engine and a six-speed twin-clutch transmission similar to those used in the Volkswagen Golf GTI.


According the data in the Chinese-only press information, the cute as a button EC6 has a five star China NCAP safety rating, "multiple" airbags and 16-inch wheels.


In the metal it looks about as big as a MINI but has hints of Mazda2 and Suzuki Swift in what is, generally, an original design.


It is not clear if the EC6 is destined for right-hand drive, but West Australia-based Geely importer John Hughes is understood to have put his hand up for the vehicle -- and a number of others.


Geely also unveiled the IG concept car, a gullwing hatchback with solar panels on the roof to power the air-conditioning. It was available with a frugal 1.0-litre petrol engine or a fully electric powertrain.


But it was for motor show display only at this stage.


However, on the Geely production car wish list are:


The EC7 sedan and hatch (Corolla rivals);
The EX8 small SUV (a small RAV4 rival);
The GS coupe convertible (similar to the Peugeot CC);
The SX6 softroader (a Mitsubishi Outlander rival).


At this stage Geely vehicles are only sold in West Australia but the distributor plans to introduce them in the eastern states later this year.


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Written byJoshua Dowling
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