Chery is set to roll out a bunch of new models in Australia over the next few years, and one such model on the radar is the cute little QQ3 EV, unveiled in concept form at the Auto Shanghai 2025 and then in production guise at Chengdu in September.
If the nameplate sounds familiar, the QQ dates back to 2003, where it was ignominiously labelled a Daewoo Matiz clone, to the chagrin of GM at the time. Over the years, it has evolved into an electric city car, and you certainly couldn’t accuse the latest model of aping anything else.
Featuring a floating D-pillar with a crossover-ish appearance, futuristic wheel covers and a very sleek glasshouse, the latest ‘QQ 3’ measures 4.2 metres long with a 2.7m wheelbase. It is propelled by a rear-mounted 90kW motor. The interior is fresh and funky with a 15.6-inch infotainment display which features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, AI assistant and crisp graphics.
Speaking with Driving Enthusiast at the local debut of the Tiggo 9 this week, chief operating officer Lucas Harris showed a lot of enthusiasm for the little car. He said:
“If the factory said to me today: ‘Would you like to place an order for QQ?’ The answer would be yes, please send them! I think it’s a great looking little car and it’s a fresh and brand new model globally with a cool style about it. It’s obviously a segment we’re not playing at the moment.”
If it does land here, it would not be an entry-level model like the BYD Atto 1. Think more along the lines of the Nio Firefly, or even the MG4.
More importantly, a ute is firmed up for late 2026, borrowing much from the recently-revealed Rely P3X pickup (below), including its retro, adventurous facade with round LEDs, tough exterior additions and red tow hooks.
This means it would differ from the patent images filed earlier this year with the Australian IP database (below). What powertrain we get in Australia is unclear at this stage, but Harris expressed enthusiasm at the possibility of a diesel plug-in hybrid.
The P3X is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder backed up by electric motors. This differs significantly over rivals such as the BYD Shark 6 and GVM Cannon Alpha PHEV, both of which feature a petrol engine with electric motors. A turbo-diesel could provide more torque and range.
Other configurations such as IRS (independent rear suspension) options, and a very plush interior are expected to be part of the equation, stamped with a comparatively low price tag in this market.
