What's the news?

In just 12 months, Qoros, the Chinese-Israeli brand that virtually came out of nowhere, has launched a second model - the Qoros 3 at Geneva, which is essentially, a hatchback version of the Qoros saloon that debuted Geneva in 2013. Designed by Gert Hildebrand, ex-Volkswagen and MINI, the new car aims to follow the Qoros saloon's success in achieving the Euro NCAP crown of "safest car" of 2013. Being based on the same platform as the saloon, hopes are high that it will succeed. Prices or indeed availability in Europe are yet to be announced.

Exterior

Shown at the Geneva Show this week, the Qoros 3 surprised everyone with its attractive proportions - coming with a wheelbase of 2,690mm and width of 1,839mm. Qoros says the new hatch will be aimed at younger buyers. Standard equipment include LED daytime running lights, with the higher level Elegance model models getting adaptive cornering Xenon lights and headlamp washers. Other features aimed at attracting buyers when the Qoros 3 hits Europe are a choice of 16- up to 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Interior

When the Qoros 3 is launched in China it will come in four levels - Essence, Experience, Experience Plus and Elegance. Inside, trim will be a choice of cloth, a fabric leatherette or leather. A Qoros MMH (Multi Media Hub) system will centre on younger buyers' insistence for connectivity. This will include the company's cloud networking connection by 3G using Microsoft Windows Azure. Bluetooth and wireless music streaming are available too, all accessed by an eight-inch dashboard-mounted touchscreen. Even the entry-level hatch gets keyless go, air conditioning and a four-speaker 100-watt audio system with an anti-theft alarm system.

Mechanicals

From launch, the Qoros 3 will come with a choice of two 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, one naturally aspirated, the other a turbo. The standard engine delivers 126hp with 155Nm at 3,900rpm and 0-62mph is 11.6 seconds when fitted with the six-speed transmission. Opt for the turbocharged version and more power is available - 156hp with 0-62mph dropping to 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. A Getrag dual-clutch automatic option is also available. Fuel economy ranges from 43.4- to 46.3mpg depending on engine and transmission choices.

Anything else?

All this then from a company only formed from a Chinese-Israeli 50:50 partnership back in December, 2007. "The Euro NCAP result for the Qoros 3 Sedan demonstrates the high level of design, engineering and production quality that we are achieving", stated Volker Steinwascher, Vice Chairman of Qoros.

Mark Gallivan - 11 Mar 2014