WHEN it comes to Chinese vehicles, more often than not we’ve been convinced that that the only stationery the manufacturer’s design team is issued with is tracing paper and a pencil. Many Chinese vehicles look like the offspring of other – usually European – manufacturers’ vehicles. In fact, we get the impression that very little happens in Chinese automobile styling studios. So when the Chery J1 hatchback was launched in South Africa late last year, it was refreshing to see something from that side of the world with its own identity.
It can’t be easy creating a stand-out design in the hatchback body style, so points have to go to Chery for the somewhat unique look of its J1. The steeply angled headlamps and bonnet give this hatchback a sharp but quite cheerful looking front appearance and, when viewed from the side and back, it’s clear that the J1 shares styling cues with Hyundai’s i10 with its stacked tail-light clusters and MPV/crossover stance, yet is not a blatant copy-and-paste.
Despite these design efforts, the fresh looks do not overshadow some spots of patchy build quality. Testers noted that some materials felt flimsy and insubstantial. The indicator repeaters on the car’s flanks, for example, easily popped out of their locations.
The perceived quality of the cabin isn’t great either, with the use of hard plastics that do not feel durable, and seem easy to get dirty or scuff. There was also a not-so-pleasant whiff that lingered about the cabin. Other than that, the layout of the interior is clean and uncluttered. The bulky steering wheel proved a bit too big for some and the oddly-shaped flat handbrake, while not being difficult to operate, needed some getting used to – it seems to be a case of something that’s different just for the sake of being different.
Controls are all within easy reach of the driver, but the air-conditioning control works back to front – left for heat, right to cool down – and the panels around it do not align and could actually come adrift with minimal effort.
Separate housings for each instrument dial give the cluster a sporty look. Markings are large and clear and the blue backlighting is at risk of seeming slightly kitsch, but it raises the dreary ambience of the greycoloured cabin.
A taller tester remarked that the seat didn’t go back quite far enough for a comfortable driving position and all testers found the seating slightly uncomfortable with little support. Rear legroom is fair.
With 128 dm3 of luggage space available, it’s clear that long camping trips with lots of equipment are out of the question, but there’s ample room for the daily shopping run, especially if the rear seatbacks are dropped to increase carrying capacity to 808 dm3.
Standard features are extensive, with air-conditioning, front foglamps, rear park distance sensors, all-round electric windows and an MP3 compatible audio system that also comes with a USB plug-in that requires an extra cable to connect it to the actual USB device. Safety features include dual front airbags and central locking.
On the performance front, we didn’t expect the J1 to be a pocket rocket. Under the bonnet lies a 1,3-litre multi-point fuel-injected engine that delivers 61 kW at 6 000 r/min and 114 N.m at 3 800.
A lot of throttle is required to really get the J1 moving and, even when the pedal is firmly in the right-hand corner, the engine tends to get louder rather than achieve stronger acceleration. It doesn’t inspire one to attempt brisk overtaking manoeuvres and needs a down shift or two when faced with a steep hill. The test unit accelerated to 100 km/h from standstill in 15,53 seconds and reached a top speed of 156 km/h.
Drive is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission that testers felt to be too notchy, and the clutch action is sticky with a sense of being either in or out – there’s no actual “feel” during depression. With a CAR fuel index of 8,8 litres/100 km, on its 43-litre tank the Chery J1 has an estimated range of 490 km. In our ten-stop 100-0 km/h braking test, this model (equipped with ABS with EBD) achieved an average stopping time of 3,10 seconds.
With a suspension set-up of MacPherson struts up front and trailing arms with coil springs at the rear, the J1 is sufficiently insulated from uneven tar surfaces, but doesn’t leave the driver feeling too “removed”.
Surprisingly, despite its shortcomings in performance, the J1 proved to be a fun car to handle. Turn-in is good and the vehicle feels light but planted enough to throw around a bit.
TEST SUMMARY
The J1 is a commendable attempt by Chery to offer a budget hatchback. However, although it may have a good standard specification and seemingly offer some peace of mind with its standard three years/75 000 km service plan, there are many unknowns in respect of the car’s long-term durability.
As it stands, the J1 signals another cautious step forward for Chinese cars, but it should be priced a bit cheaper to really stand a chance of luring buyers away from rivals or the used car market.
