It looks like Qoros’ teaser photos released late last year didn’t preview a crossover model as we hypothesized, nor the estate model of the 3 Sedan. Instead, Qoros’ Geneva Motor Show premiere will be the 3 Hatch, also based on the 3 Sedan.

The carmaker has released the first photos of its new model, which borrows heavily from the sedan’s styling, except at the rear end where it features a hatchback design with smaller, rectangular taillights. Qoros says the 3 Hatch will appeal to younger customers who need “a little extra versatility provided by the hatchback body style”.

The company also says the new model features a sportier design, with subtle visual changes at the front including an extended lower front grille, redesigned front bumper and new round fog lights. On the inside, the 3 Hatch is identical with its sedan counterpart, except for the addition of new upholstery color combinations and materials.

The Qoros 3 Hatch will be fitted as standard with the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Qoros MMH (multimedia hub), which is operated via smartphone-type multi-gesture finger swipe inputs. Most models will also feature QorosQloud, which consists of a series of free-for-life services with 3G connectivity, including vehicle monitoring, social networking and enhanced navigation.

Based on the same modular platform as the sedan, the Qoros 3 Hatch has the same wheelbase, width and height, but the rear overhang and overall length are reduced by 177mm (6.97in). The 4438mm- (174.7-in) long compact hatchback promises “unusually generous interior space” for its segment, according to Qoros.

The 3 Hatch also shares with the sedan the two 1.6-liter naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines (125hp and 154hp, respectively), as well as the 6-speed manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The new model will be built alongside the 3 Sedan in Qoros’ Changshu plant in China.

By Dan Mihalascu

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