What's the news?

You probably have never heard of Qoros, but we suspect you will do in time. The Chinese manufacturer has grand ambitions, with an eye on the European market. The former design head of MINI has been employed to style the new range and his input appears to have worked.

Exterior

Former MINI styling boss Gert Hildebrand has created an attractive saloon car that, in looks anyway, is a rival for many of the European offerings that currently occupy the market. With a long wheelbase and short overhangs there is more than a hint of the Skoda Octavia to the profile though the Qoros' roofline is more coupé-like that that of the Czech car.

And at 4,615mm long and 1,839 mm wide, the Octavia will likely be the Qoros 3's closest competitor at the top (in size terms) of the compact segment.

Interior

All Qoros models will feature an infotainment system that replaces the usual array of knobs and switches. Designed in-house, the eight-inch capacitive touchscreen features a navigation system, extensive social networking connectivity and the ability for drivers to monitor their car's health and, for example, to book dealer service appointments.

Mechanicals

Two four-cylinder petrol engines will be offered at launch with the entry level powerplant being a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre unit. Featuring variable valve timing this engine delivers 126hp and 210Nm of torque. The addition of a turbocharger boosts these figures to 156hp and 210Nm for the second model. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional six-speed dual-clutch gearbox offered for both. A stop-start system will be available from launch.

These engines will, in time, be joined by a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and an all-new four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged unit, both with GDI (gasoline direct injection). No word yet on diesel options.

Anything else?

The Qoros 3 was originally called the GQ3 and was reported on as such until Audi filed a legal challenge to the name forcing a last minute rethink. Might Audi be more scared of Qoros than it is of Infiniti, which uses a similar naming convention?

Paul Healy - 7 Mar 2013