The compact car we came to know as the QC3 from Chinese-Israeli start-up brand Qoros over the past few months will be named the 3 Sedan (no similarities with the other 3 from…Bavaria), the company announced today, while also providing real-life pictures of the production-intent 3 Cross Hybrid and 3 Estate Concepts, all of which will make their world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.
Qoros says the 3 Sedan will be manufactured in a new assembly plant in Changshu, China, with sales to begin in its home market during the second half of 2013, and in Europe towards the end of the year, and will be followed by new models at intervals of approximately six months.
“The factory has an initial annual production capacity of 150,000 units, with potential for expansion to 450,000 units,” explained Alexander Wortberg, Qoros’ Director of Production (formerly of BMW).
A number of international suppliers such as Magna Steyr, TRW, Continental, Bosch, Getrag, Benteler, Lear, Microsoft, Harman, Neusoft-Alpine and Iconmobile, participated in the development and engineering of the cars components, according to Qoros, which says its goal is to offer high quality models that “achieve top scores on both European and Chinese crash tests”.
Qoros’ first production model, the 3 Sedan, competes in the same segment as the VW Jetta and Opel / Vauxhall Astra saloons. It measures 4,615mm (181.7 inches) long and 1,839mm (72.4 inches) wide and will launch with a pair of 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engines, a naturally aspirated version producing 125hp (126PS) and 155Nm, and a turbocharged variant with 154hp (156PS) and 210Nm of torque.
A three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and an all-new four-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, both featuring GDI (gasoline direct injection) technology and developed with the support of AVL, are planned for the near future.
The other two models on show in Switzerland will be the 3 Cross Hybrid and 3 Estate Concepts.
The Cross Hybrid is a high-riding, five-door hatchback version of the series fitted with a 1.2-liter turbo’d three-cylinder petrol engine that works with an electric motor mounted above the rear axle, and a second electric motor (the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) located in between. The system offers three different driving modes, depending on the conditions, including petrol-engine front-wheel drive, electric motor rear-wheel drive, and an all-wheel drive mode.
Qoros is also showcasing a roomier Estate body style based on the sedan model that is said to feature a wide range of storage compartments and attachment fittings, as well as a rear seat bench that folds plat, to optimize functionality.
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