This might be a whole new basket of fruit.
Chinese carmaker Chery, poised for an attack on the European market, has released a few details on a concept car that it’ll be bringing to the Frankfurt motor show this month. The concept, styled as a crossover-SUV that embodies the company’s focus on more visually-appealing, premium offerings, has also been teased a little further with additional images.
With the reveal just days away, Chery is clearly excited to build hype around what many are calling the ‘turning point’ for the brand as it prepares itself to take on the fickle European market. The crossover concept, the company claims, previews a crossover SUV that will be offered in production-form with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric EV powertrains, with the most potent combination being the plug-in hybrid.
Sounding a whole lot like Volvo with its TwinEngine setup, Chery says that its PHEV will be capable of hitting 100km/h from rest in just 6-seconds, and go on to a top speed of 200km/h. All that power will not come at a cost either, with Chery claiming that its PHEV system will be capable of achieving less than 1.5L/100km on official testing too.
While teased previously, the company has shown another image of its impending SUV that promises to lead the charge of a renewed, more focused Chery, one that will finally be able to penetrate the European market successfully. This SUV will be at the forefront of the company’s global expansion, as they evaluate key markets around the world for viability. The reintroduction of the Chery brand will come in the form of crossovers and SUVs mostly, with their foothold in Europe so confident that they’ve already set up R&D facilities in the continent.
“The world premiere of our new compact SUV marks the start of our approach to European sales, with a new model line. Launching within a few years, all models in the lineup will feature characteristic styling, user-focused technology, electrified powertrains and advanced safety features.” — Ray Bierzynski, Executive Vice President, Chery R&D Shanghai
According to the company, the new SUV is a “form that flows from Chery’s progressive ‘Life in Motion design philosophy,” which was developed by design boss James Hope. Even without their clarification, it’s clear to see that this new SUV is aimed at a youthful market, going with bold design cues and a distinctive profile. It’s said that the design incorporates natural, “hydrodynamic surfacing” that, from the sketches at least, look to provide an athletic, sophisticated design.
If the (supposed) engineering know-how is complemented by a design that is as appealing as they’re making it seem, Chery might just have the sure-fire success it needs to gain traction in Europe, followed by the rest of the world.
For more information on Chery, check out our Showroom.
