GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Qoros 3 Hatch
Chinese car-maker comes clean with more nitty-gritty pertaining to its all-new compact hatchbackLast month we brought you the first pics and details of the all-new Qoros 3 Hatch, and now the Chinese manufacturer has issued more images and specs of its VW Golf/Ford Focus rival.
Due to debut at next month’s Geneva motor show and go on sale in China around mid-year, the compact hatchback follows in the wheel tracks of the Qoros 3 Sedan that launched last year and was subsequently awarded the highest Euro NCAP crash test score of 2013.
Conceived to appeal to a more youthful audience than the sedan, the Qoros 3 Hatch is virtually identical to its sibling up to the B-pillar, but ends up with sportier proportions via its tapered derriere.
The Hatch has the same wheelbase, width and height as the sedan, but the rear overhang and overall length are reduced by 177mm, benefiting its so-called wheel-at-each-corner stance.
Qoros also claims the 3 Hatch also offers “unusually generous interior space” for its segment, no doubt helped by the fact it spans 4438mm from bumper to bumper (almost 90mm longer than a Golf Mk7).
For the European market the 3 Hatch will be available in a choice of four trim levels – Essence, Experience, Experience Plus and Elegance.
Even the base model comes kitted out with keyless start, MMHTM (Multi Media Hub) eight-inch touch-screen infotainment system, QorosQloudTMconnected services platform, Bluetooth, electric windows and exterior mirrors.
The Experience trim level adds dual-zone climate control, leather trim, and a rear parking camera. Experience Plus models also get a large glass sunroof.
Meanwhile, the range-topping Elegance trim adds cruise control, heated front seats, keyless entry and an upgraded anti-theft system.
Propulsion for the Hatch comes from the same 1.6-litre naturally aspirated and turbo engines as the sedan, with the entry-level motor hooking up to a six-speed manual gearbox, while the force-fed version is mated to a six-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission.
Performance is hardly likely to be earth-shattering, as the base engine ekes out a modest 93kW and 155Nm, while even the turbo motor only manages 115kW and 210Nm.
Qoros claims the turbo-powered 3 Hatch dispatches the 0-100km/h dash in a leisurely 9.7 seconds, while top speed is quoted at 210km/h.
It’s reasonable to expect that occupant safety will be a strong suit, as its 3 Sedan sibling was awarded the highest Euro NCAP score of 2013, with Qoros becoming the first Chinese-based brand to achieve a five-star safety rating.
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