Chery A1 - an objective review

[Driftking]

Hi everyone,

 

With China cars becoming more and more popular here, the quality and performance has also increased. Here's a review of Chery's all new A1.

It's impressive points include:

* designed by Italian design house BERTONE, responsible for some of the most beautiful car ever made

* state of the art digital display, which includes FC readings

* the A1 is now on an introductory offer of $39999, discounted from its retail price of $42999

* options include electric sunroof and DVD entertainment system

 

Chery A1: A1 for effort

 

http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/Test%...0225-51258.html

 

WE TESTED the Chery QQ, the first Chinese car here, in July 2006, and concluded that it was possibly the worst car we've driven.

 

Now, just over 18 months later, we are in another Chery. A Hyundai Getz-sized hatch called the A1. And what an improvement it is over the QQ.

 

The fit and finish of the exterior body panels, the quality of the interior, the insulation and the ergonomics are of a standard you can live with. The A1 even drives like a car, with an acceptable level of ride comfort and passable handling.

 

If you don't already know, Chery has a joint venture with Chrysler, where the Chinese company will supply the American one with compact and subcompact models which will be badged Dodge.

 

The A1 is the first such model, and Chrysler is expected to export them first to South American markets.

 

That is an indication that Chery has arrived. Or it could be an indication that the American company is desperate. Chrysler, to be honest, is no standard bearer. And Dodge isn't exactly an aspirational brand.

 

But, to be fair, the Chinese Dodges will eventually be exported to North America and even Europe. And to enter these markets, a car does not have to be pretty or zippy. But it does have to be fairly safe and somewhat eco-friendly.

 

Which explains the spiffy digital trip computer floating in the centre of the blue-lit instrument cluster. Among other things, it keeps track of the A1's fuel consumption, which is reasonably low when you are in fifth gear, on a flat road and on an empty stomach.

 

The engine has poor low-end torque, and its fifth gear feels like it should be the seventh. In that slot, a slight headwind will slow it down.

 

Thankfully, the A1 does not object to hard revving. If you get past the transmission whine and notchy gear slots (fifth to third, for instance), the acceleration builds up expectantly.

 

For a small car with wheels set at extreme ends, the car should have great manoeuvrability and handling. But its tendency to lean, roll and pitch in corners makes you feel like you are in a panel van - with Mr Bean at the wheel.

 

At least it steers and brakes decently enough.

 

What its body shape and layout offer generously is space. The A1 has adequate room for four adults and not too shoddy a boot.

 

The cabin betrays none of the rattle and hum that often haunt bigger and better cars. One sign that Chery has paid extra attention here lies in the rubber washers on the rear parcel shelf.

 

But there are other things which Chery doesn't seem to care much about. Like how high the wipers are at rest, the colour scheme of the trim and the cabin's strong chemical smells that cling to your collar.

 

Owners, however, will appreciate the powerful air-con, factory-fitted music console (with USB port), alloy rims and parking sensors with LED guidance.

 

All in all, the A1 is phenomenally better than the crusty QQ, but it still has some way to go before it is comparable to Japanese or even Korean cars in the same segment.

 

CHERY A1

Price: $42,999 with COE

Engine: 1,297cc 16-valve inline-4

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Power: 82hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 114Nm at 3,800rpm

0-100kmh: 15 seconds (est)

Top speed: 156kmh

Fuel consumption: 10.9 litres/100km (city, est)

Agent: Vertex Automobile

[Friendstar]

spare me.................

[Friendstar]

Fuel consumption is appalling for a 1.3 manual

[Relagsingh]

you should say 'spare us'

[Relagsingh]

all china cars are apalling....

 

made even more so when the goondoo TS keeps promoting them.

[Genes]

quoted

 

'That is an indication that Chery has arrived. Or it could be an indication that the American company is desperate. Chrysler, to be honest, is no standard bearer. And Dodge isn't exactly an aspirational brand.'

 

[Driftking]

Please just don't focus on ONE line with bad comments. The rest of the review has so much praises for the A1.

[Watwheels]

American cars are known for having dodgy plastics in their interior.

[Driftking]

How could you say such baseless comments?

[Genes]

Quoted -

 

'Among other things, it keeps track of the A1's fuel consumption, which is reasonably low when you are in fifth gear, on a flat road and on an empty stomach.'

 

'The engine has poor low-end torque, and its fifth gear feels like it should be the seventh. In that slot, a slight headwind will slow it down.'

 

'But there are other things which Chery doesn't seem to care much about. Like how high the wipers are at rest, the colour scheme of the trim and the cabin's strong chemical smells that cling to your collar.'

 

'All in all, the A1 is phenomenally better than the crusty QQ, but it still has some way to go before it is comparable to Japanese or even Korean cars in the same segment.'

 

 

Take your pick

 

[Leepee]

Seem like its fifth gear is really an overdrive gear "a light head wind will slow it down".

 

The fuel consumption is lousy at 10.9L/100km for such small car! Somthing is wrong!

 

Obviously they did not get the right gear ratio correct, "poor low end torque".

 

The poor gear ratio could indirectly signal to the ECU to spray more petrol to give the cylinders more push at ALL conditions! Not to mention the driver will subconsciously push the accelerator pedal more. Meaning the engine is under excess load at all times due to the poor gear ratio, thereby causing the fuel consumption to be high.

 

There is a reason why most car manufacturer advice drivers to drive briskly to get the car up to speed ASAP. To reduce the length of time of heavy stress on the engine, especially during acceleration.

[Genes]

Should be

 

"make such baseless statements"

 

but you have strong technical english so maybe you know better!

 

[Furrynadz]

pls kill urself

[Driftking]

Your comments are well taken. Thanks!

The car still have many shortcomings. I sort off overlooked them, picking only things I wanted to read. Thanks again.

[Rtth84]

wow i can redline in every gear and still get better fuel economy

[Driftking]

10.9l/100km would translate to 9.2km/l.

Gee... That's really bad. Something is wrong here. I hope Chery takes note of these kind of reviews and improve on their products.

 

Thanks, very enlightening way of looking at how gearing affects the FC and other things!

[Silhoutte]

What made you think that this car is good?

 

The title says A1 for Effort, which means an effort is made but theres no result like the phrase: "Nice Try."

 

Which explains the spiffy digital trip computer floating in the centre of the blue-lit instrument cluster. Among other things, it keeps track of the A1's fuel consumption, which is reasonably low when you are in fifth gear, on a flat road and on an empty stomach.

 

Poor FC.

 

The engine has poor low-end torque, and its fifth gear feels like it should be the seventh. In that slot, a slight headwind will slow it down.

 

This is obvious that poorly designed transmission gear ratios caused this problem.

 

Thankfully, the A1 does not object to hard revving. If you get past the transmission whine and notchy gear slots (fifth to third, for instance), the acceleration builds up expectantly.

 

Slow pick-up speed. (11.5 secs is impossible special extractor )

 

For a small car with wheels set at extreme ends, the car should have great manoeuvrability and handling. But its tendency to lean, roll and pitch in corners makes you feel like you are in a panel van - with Mr Bean at the wheel.

 

Not very good handling capability esp in cornering eh?

 

All in all, the A1 is phenomenally better than the crusty QQ, but it still has some way to go before it is comparable to Japanese or even Korean cars in the same segment.

 

The reviewer says its better than the QQ by alot, but basically more lousy compared to korean or jap cars.

 

Price: $42,999 with COE

Too expensive

 

0-100kmh: 15 seconds (est)

SLOW

 

Top speed: 156kmh

SLOW

 

Fuel consumption: 10.9 litres/100km (city, est)

High FC

[Genes]

Suddenly you are so cordial, so subservient to everyone. Please don't post in such a manner. I would just think it's all faked and forced. Just be normal, if you know how.