Chery has released an upgraded J11 city-SUV complete with electronic stability control (ESC), a downsized 1.6-litre petrol engine, more equipment, updated styling and a $1000-higher starting price.
Although it’s still Australia’s cheapest SUV at $18,990 drive-away for the manual ($20,990 drive-away for the CVT auto), stocks of the superseded 2.0-litre model continue to be available with a run-out price as low at $16,990 drive-away.
Less than 2000 examples of the Chinese-made small SUV have been sold since it was launched in Australia in February 2011, including just 53 this year.
But as with the small J3 hatch (from $12,990 drive-away), the fitment of ESC now allows the J11 to be sold for the first time in Victoria, where the potentially life-saving safety technology has been mandated since 2011.
ESC is now compulsory for all new cars and SUV nationwide, forcing the J11 upgrade by Chery importer Ateco Automotive, which says the smaller 1.6-litre four-cylinder was the only engine available to it in upgraded, ESC-equipped form.
The 2014 J11 brings a more contemporary front-end design comprising new sheet metal, revised headlights including integrated LEDs, a new chromed grille and a fresh bumper with black foglight surrounds and lower grille.
There are also larger 17-inch alloy wheels, including a full-size spare, but the most significant change is under the new bonnet.
There lies a new 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with dual variable valve timing, producing 93kW of power at 6150rpm and 160Nm of torque at 3900rpm – slightly less than the older 102kW/182Nm 2.0-litre engine it replaces.
However, it’s more efficient, at 7.4L/100km (8.6L/100km for the auto), which is down from 8.9L/100km but still significantly thirstier than most rivals – and it requires at least 92 RON unleaded petrol, meaning standard 91 RON unleaded won’t do.
The J11 continues to drive only its front wheels, via five-speed manual and seven-speed CVT automatic transmission, which replaces the previous J11’s four-speed auto.
Other new standard equipment includes rear parking sensors with a distance display screen, joining leather trim, a powered driver’s seat, four-speaker audio with USB input and steering wheel audio controls, cruise control (CVT only), power windows/mirrors and automatic wipers.
Although ESC is now standard (for the upgraded 1.6-litre model), along with anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution, there are only two front airbags.
Bluetooth is a dealer-fit option and exterior paint colour choices are limited to four options – white, black and two metallic hues (blue and silver) that cost $350 extra.