McCarthy Motor Holdings has announced the launch of the Chery brand in South Africa. With the marketing slogan “More Car, more life,” McCarthy aims to vigorously promote Chery as a means of offering more affordable motoring to the local public. Establishe
“We are proud to say that the Chery models launched today are price leaders in their various segments, and has the backing and after sales support of one of the leading motor retailers in the country,” said Jolyon Nash, McCarthy’s executive director in charge of vehicle imports and distribution. “We are confident that the Chery passenger cars will be able to live up to the promise of providing very good value for money, as well as good quality in the volume segments of the South African market.”
Initially there will be three Chery models on the local market – the QQ3 minicar with a choice of 0,8- and 1,1-litre engines, as well as the J5 saloon and Tiggo compact SUV, both of which feature the Chery and AVL-List-developed 2,0-litre ACTECO engine.
Chery QQ3 range
Upon its launch, the QQ3 will be the most affordable entry-level car in the South African market.The QQ3 line-up includes four model derivatives: base level TE in both 1,1- and 0,8-litre variants, a 0,8-litre TX (Comfort) specficication and 1,1-litre TXE (Luxury) specification.
The 800 kg QQ3 develops 38 kW at 6 000 r/min from its 812 cc 3-cylinder engine, and 70 N.m of torque between 3 500 and 4 000 r/min. The 4-cylinder 1,1 derivative delivers 50kW of at 6 000 r/min and 90 N.m of torque between 3 500 and 4 000 r/min. Average fuel economy is a claimed 5,5-litres/100 km. In both models, power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
The TE models include such standard features as power steering, a high-mounted brake light, child locks and side impact beams. TX specification adds a radio cassette sound system, alloy wheels, electric windows front and rear, electric mirrors and remote central locking with immobiliser. The TXE augments the TX spec by adding a removable USB MP3 player, a manual sunroof, air con, front dual airbags and the option of ABS brakes.
Prices:
QQ3 0,8 TE R59 900
QQ3 0,8 TX R65 900
QQ3 1,1 TE R73 900
QQ3 1,1 TXE R79 900
Chery J5
The J5 is Chery’s compact saloon offering and comes in TE and TX guises. Both models are powered by the Chery-developed ATECO 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit, which delivers drive to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. This powerplant develops 95 kW at 5 500 r/min, while delivering a maximum torque of 180 N.m at 4 500 r/min.
Stylistically, the J5 sports a distinctive chrome-plated front grill flanked by diamond shaped headlights. The overall appearance is conservative yet solid.
The J5 model line-up is available in TE and TX specifications, both of which feature power steering, ABS, EBD and dual front airbags as standard.
Additional driver features include electronically adjustable headlights and reverse park distance control on the TX model; and foldable electric mirrors with demisters. Electric windows in the front and rear are standard on both J5 models, as well as central locking, and air-conditioning with ventilation outlets for passengers in the rear, a CD player (with 6 disc shuttle on the TX). Leather trim is standard on the J5 TX, while cloth does duty on J5 TE. A Park distance control system also stars among the standard features.
Prices:
Chery J5 2.0 TE R139 900
Chery J5 2.0 TX R149 900
Chery Tiggo
The Chery 2,0 Tiggo range is the company’s answer to such urban SUV contenders as the Mahindra Scorpio, Nissan Qashqai and Daihatsu Terios. Marketed as a price leader in its class, it competes with the aforementioned ri
