Featuring a dynamic evolution of the brand’s core design DNA, the second Qoros production model went on sale six months after the first. With a distinct, more youthful character, the Hatch shared the Sedan’s excellent connectivity, class-leading interior space, generous specification, high safety standards
Qoros, the Chinese car brand with international standards of engineering and quality, opened the order books in China for its second series production car, the new Qoros 3 Hatch in June 2014. With prices starting from RMB 119,900, the Hatch was designed to appeal to trendy, active and independent individuals.
The design is inspired by contemporary European automotive styling themes, and a subtle evolution of the distinctive signature Qoros design cues result in a dynamic, youthful appearance. A long wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupé-like silhouette mean that the 4.4m long hatchback combines class-leading interior space with a large tailgate and boot for load-carrying versatility.
The Hatch is available with a choice of four trim levels (Essence, Experience, Experience Plus and Elegance) with five variants and generous equipment and features across the range that are not normally available on compact segment cars. For example, the brand’s innovative eight-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system, Qoros MMH™ (Multi Media Hub) is standard across the range, and the pioneering QorosQloud™ connected services platform is also available on all models.
Based on the same innovative modular platform as the Qoros 3 Sedan, which was the first car developed in China to receive a five star rating by Euro NCAP, the Hatch features new C-pillars, roof, rear side panels, and tailgate, plus a new rear roof cross-member for exceptional torsional rigidity. Like the Sedan, the Hatch has also been rated with five stars by Euro NCAP.
Dynamic, youthful exterior design with clear Qoros DNA
The signature Qoros design language is based on enduring elegance and simplicity, clear character lines and muscular shapes and surfaces. It draws on contemporary European automotive design themes that feature across all models in the brand’s growing line-up.
The Hatch is aimed at a distinct audience segment: trendy, active and independent individuals that are proud to stand out from the crowd and make a bold statement about their unique tastes and preferences.
Like the Sedan, the design of the Hatch was undertaken by the Qoros design teams in Munich and Shanghai under the direction of Executive Director of Design, Gert Volker Hildebrand.
For the compact class, the Qoros 3 Hatch features a comparatively long wheelbase (2,690mm) and generous width (1,839mm), but a short rear overhang (806mm). These elegant proportions and exterior styling details give the newcomer a ‘wedge-shape’ ready-to-go look – appearing to lower the nose and raise the tail.
At the front, the deep split-frame radiator grille maximises the impact of the car’s face. The lower air intakes give the face a more muscular ‘bite’ and the round fog lights are set into boldly-contoured recesses that wrap around the bumper. These stylistic details provide energy and poise.
The headlamps feature distinctive LED daytime running lights positioned as horizontal bars along the top edge. Top-of-the-range Elegance models feature Xenon headlamps with automatic height adjustment, headlamp washers, and adaptive cornering technology that provides a wider view when taking corners, greatly improving safety at road intersections and in low-light conditions. The Qoros 3 Hatch also features door mirrors with integrated LED turn indicator lamps.
At the back, the small rear lamp clusters are precision engineered to create a distinctive, high quality appearance. They exhibit clear Qoros DNA, while helping to mark out the newcomer as a compact, agile hatchback.
Symmetry is a key Qoros characteristic and 1.6-litre turbocharged Hatch models feature twin exhaust pipes while the single exhaust tailpipe of naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre models is hidden to maintain the balanced appearance of the car’s rear view.
Three dynamic alloy wheel designs are available. Unusually for the class, 16-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels are standard even for the entry-level Essence model. The ‘Hardspike’ multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels feature as standard on the Experience Plus models, while the flagship Elegance model is fitted with stunning, lightweight ‘Gemini’ 18-inch alloy wheels that boast a complex five quad-spoke design.
The Qoros 3 Hatch is available in a range of six exterior paint colours – all available without extra cost – ranging from solid Midnight Black and Crystal White to metallic Starlight Black, Shimmer Grey, Diamond Silver, and Sunrise Red finishes.
Interior: comprehensive equipment and class-leading space
Qoros is determined that its high quality products will meet the needs and expectations of modern metropolitan consumers who demand generous features and infotainment, and who also welcome a range of configuration options.
The Hatch’s cabin is dominated by a clean, horizontal design theme that emphasises the length and width of the cabin. The steering wheel, which features a flat lower edge for easier driver access, sits in front of a ‘floating’ instrument panel and centre console that maximises the feeling of interior spaciousness.
Four trim specifications – Essence, Experience, Experience Plus and Elegance – are offered with five variants and rising levels of standard equipment. Interior upholstery is available in two colours and a leather-clad steering wheel is fitted as standard on all Hatch variants.
Entry-level Essence models feature keyless go, front fog lights, air-conditioning, dual rear ventilation outlets, a four-speaker 100-watt audio system and an anti-theft alarm and immobiliser system. QorosQloud™ connectivity is among the additional options available to buyers. The Essence is powered by a highly-efficient naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engine with six-speed manual transmission.
Standard features on all versions of the Qoros 3 Hatch include the brand’s innovative Qoros MMH™ (Multi Media Hub) system (see next section), Bluetooth® for handsfree calling and wireless music streaming, all-round electric windows and electric exterior mirrors that feature turn indicator repeaters. At the centre of the instrument cluster, a high-resolution 3.5-inch colour TFT display provides crucial information to the driver, including remaining fuel range and next-turn directions from the navigation system.
The Experience specification adds dual-zone automatic air-conditioning and ‘Stylish’ fabric-leatherette blend upholstery. Heated door mirrors, a tyre pressure indicator, a leather multifunction steering wheel with cruise control, and a rear parking camera provide added safety and assistance to the driver. An upgraded 150-watt six-speaker system delivers high grade audio entertainment, and rear seat cupholders offer passengers extra convenience. Experience models also enjoy advanced QorosQloud™ 3G connected services with enhanced navigation and networking as standard.
Experience Plus models add a one-touch glass sunroof that provides an even lighter, airier cabin, and also benefit from the convenience of automatic folding door mirrors when specified with the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, which comes as standard in top-of-the-line Elegance variants.
Top-of-the-range Elegance models are equipped with leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats (with two-setting memory for the driver), seatbelt reminders for driver and front passenger, keyless entry and keyless start. The driver also benefits from the addition of ‘dusk-sensing’ auto on/off headlights and rear parking camera with dynamic guideline and distance sensors. This flagship model is also fitted with full cabin ambient lighting, creating a warm, welcoming interior.
The Qoros 3 Hatch is designed to accommodate five passengers in a remarkably generous interior space for a compact segment car with class-leading rear headroom (960mm) thanks to the Hatch’s high roofline.
A tailgate opening of 1,080mm wide (50mm wider than the Sedan’s boot lid) gives easy access to a luggage compartment with a competitive 403 litres capacity. For maximum lifestyle practicality, the standard 60:40 split rear seatbacks fold individually to optimise cargo carrying flexibility. Elegance models incorporate a ski-hatch that allows the car to accommodate long items while still carrying four occupants.
Refinement is optimised thanks to extensive NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and acoustics development, which were a high priority for Qoros’ vehicle development team. As a result, the engine note is moderated in gentler driving, yet emits a confidently powerful note during increased acceleration. Vibrations and noise from within the vehicle as well as those triggered externally, such as tyre roar and wind noise, are also successfully suppressed.
Comprehensive connected services with QorosQloud™
QorosQloud is the portal to an exclusive suite of connected services and is included as standard on Experience, Experience Plus and Elegance models in the Qoros 3 Hatch range, and is also available as an option on the Essence model.
Based on the Microsoft Windows Azure cloud platform, and delivered via China Unicom’s 3G network, QorosQloud provides more than 30 services, including several from the major Chinese content providers and social media networks, many of which are industry firsts.
Accessed in the car via the advanced eight-inch Qoros MMH™ system (see next section), QorosQloud services can also be accessed from the user’s smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac via a dedicated website at www.qorosqloud.com and QorosQloud apps for Apple iOS and Android.
The website and mobile apps enable QorosQloud to be integrated across customers’ connected devices and enhance the way they interact with and incorporate their car into their digital lives. While the majority of services are available free-of-charge for life, they can be enhanced with QorosQloud Premium Services, which include Dynamic Traffic Info, Dynamic Parking Info and Map Update features.
Furthermore, in what represents a major innovation for the Chinese motorist, Qoros has partnered with a major insurance provider, China Pacific Insurance Group, to offer the Safe Drive Plan, a range of exclusive insurance and safety-related services that helps to maximise safety and provide a worry-free ownership and driving experience.
At the end of March 2015, a new incarnation – QorosQloud 2.0 – will be made available, further enhancing the simplicity of the user experience for the driver, making it more intuitive and fun to use.
QorosQloud is accessed through the innovative Qoros MMH system that is fitted as standard to every Qoros 3 Hatch. Qoros MMH is one of the first touchscreen infotainment systems in the world to be specifically designed to maximise the opportunities and capabilities of multi-touch gestures. The innovative user-interface is based on the finger ‘swipe’ concept of modern smartphones. For example, an incoming phone call can be answered with a simple one-finger swipe anywhere on the screen towards the driver, or can be rejected and forwarded to voicemail with a swipe away. This means drivers do not need to divert their eyes from the road to locate a specific part of the screen.
Drivers who enjoy high quality music are well catered for across the entire Qoros 3 Hatch range, with a four-speaker audio system fitted to the Essence model as standard, and a six-speaker 150-watt system across the rest of the line-up.
The standard FM/AM radio is complemented by comprehensive compatibility with mobile devices, via AUX-IN and USB (iPod compatible) ports below the front sliding armrest which helps ensure music devices are protected and secure. In addition, Bluetooth allows wireless streaming of music and pairing to mobile phones allows hands-free calling via the built-in microphone.
Two powerful, efficient engines and two six-speed transmissions
Like the Sedan, the new Qoros 3 Hatch is available with two powerful, efficient 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder gasoline engines – one naturally aspirated and one turbocharged – both fitted with VVT (variable valve timing) to optimise performance and efficiency.
The naturally-aspirated unit, with VIS (variable induction system), delivers an output of 93 kW (126 bhp) and maximum torque of 155 Nm at 3,900 rpm. This engine is paired with the six-speed manual transmission in the Essence entry-level model, accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds.
Acceleration to 100 km/h is achieved in 12.6 seconds in the Experience and Experience Plus models, when the naturally-aspirated engine is paired with the six-speed DCT. This system offers the choice of both automated and manual gear selection, but because it uses an electro-mechanical control unit it is compact and highly efficient, delivering improved fuel economy compared to conventional torque converter automatics.
Compared to the naturally-aspirated unit, the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine produces more power – up 24% to 115 kW (156 bhp) – and more torque – up 35% to 210 Nm over a broad rev range between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. Available as an option for Experience Plus models and as standard in top-of-the-line Elegance models, this engine delivers its power through the six-speed DCT. This powertrain combination accelerates the Qoros 3 Hatch from zero to 100 km/h in a brisk 9.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 210 km/h.
Both highly efficient engines deliver fuel consumption amongst the very best in the compact hatchback class. Based on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) standard, the naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engine with the DCT consumes just 6.1 l/100km, and 6.3 l/100km with the manual transmission. The turbocharged 1.6-litre with the DCT achieves 6.5 l/100km.
European standards of ride and handling
The vehicle dynamics of the new Qoros 3 Hatch have been engineered to fully exploit the car’s wide track and long wheelbase, while also being tailored to deliver driving characteristics to rival those of cars developed by leading European brands.
Like the Sedan, the Hatch’s suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and an OMEGA-shaped twist beam axle at the rear to provide an ideal balance of responsive handling and a compliant ride. Electronic power assistance is provided for the rack-and-pinion steering which delivers precise direction changes.
Stopping power is provided by 305mm ventilated disc brakes at the front and 285mm solid disc brakes at the rear. Braking performance and stability are enhanced by anti-lock braking (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) systems developed in conjunction with TRW specifically for the Qoros 3 family.
Highest safety standards
The new Qoros 3 Hatch was designed and engineered to achieve high safety standards, which has been verified by its five-star rating by the independent testing organisation, Euro NCAP.
In September 2013, the Hatch’s stable mate, the Qoros 3 Sedan, secured the accolade of being the first car developed in China to achieve the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests and was ranked the ‘safest car’ of 2013. It scored highly in all four areas of the Euro NCAP tests and its overall score (88%) was the highest achieved by any vehicle tested in 2013 – placing it amongst the very safest cars ever tested by Euro NCAP.
To maintain the same strength and stiffness achieved by the Sedan, the new Qoros 3 Hatch incorporates a ‘torsion ring’ around the tailgate opening with an additional cross-member in the roof connecting the C-pillars.
The Hatch is fitted with a comprehensive suite of standard ‘passive’ safety equipment (designed to keep occupants safe during an accident) which includes dual front airbags (and front side airbags on Experience models and above, plus full length curtain airbags on Elegance models), three-point automatic seat belts on all seats and belt pre-tensioners for the driver and front passenger. The front seat head restraints are designed to reduce whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.
Additional standard safety equipment on all Qoros 3 Hatch models includes: ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake distribution), ESC (electronic stability control), ETC (electronic traction control), BA (brake assist), and CBC (cornering brake control). Automatic brake disc cleaning, a seat belt reminder for the driver (and front passenger on Elegance models), and a driver-set speed limiting device are also standard across the range, as are ISOFIX child seat mountings with top tethers on the right and left rear seats.
Prices and model line-up
The Qoros 3 Hatch model line-up in China is as follows:
| Models | Essence | Experience |
Experience Plus |
Elegance | |
| Powertrain | 1.6L MT | 1.6L DCT | 1.6L DCT | 1.6T DCT | 1.6T DCT |
| Price (RMB) | 119,900 | 139,900 | 149,900 | 157,900 | 171,900 |
Technical specifications
Body and chassis
Five-door, five-seater hatchback with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Choice of transversely-mounted four cylinder gasoline engines driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Engines
1.6 – 93 kW
Type / capacity DOHC, 16-valve, four-cylinder with VIS, VVT and multi-point injection / 1598 cc
Power / torque 93 kW (126 bhp) @ 6,150 rpm / 155 Nm @ 3,900 rpm
Compression ratio 11:1
1.6T – 115 kW
Type / capacity Turbocharged DOHC, 16-valve, four-cylinder with VVT and multi-point injection / 1598 cc
Power/torque 115 kW (156 bhp) @ 5,500 rpm / 210 Nm @ 1,750 – 5,000 rpm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Transmissions 1.6 1.6T
Manual 6-sp —–
Dual-clutch auto 6-sp 6-sp
Suspension and damping
Front Fully independent by MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar
Rear OMEGA-shaped twist beam, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.
Steering
Type Electric power steering, rack and pinion
Gearing 2.86 turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle 5.5 metres radius / 11.0 metres diameter
Brakes
Front 305 mm ventilated discs
Rear 285 mm solid discs
Assistance Single 10-inch booster
Wheels and tyres*
16 inch with 205/60 R16 tyres
17 inch with 215/50 R17 tyres
18 inch with 225/45 ZR18 tyres
*depending on model
Dimensions (mm)
Exterior
Overall length 4438
Overall width 1839 (excluding door mirrors)
2027 (including door mirrors)
Overall height 1445
Wheelbase 2690
Front overhang 942
Rear overhang 806
Front track 1579
Rear track 1585
Ground clearance 113
Aerodynamic Cd 0.32
Interior Front Rear
Headroom 982 960
Legroom 1047 901
Shoulder room 1445 1427
Hip room 1401 1356
Weights and capacities 1.6 MT / DCT 1.6T DCT
Minimum (kg) 1320 / 1360 1410
Fuel tank (litres) 55.0
Luggage (VDA) 403 litres (rear seats upright)
1105 litres (rear seats folded, loaded to roof)
Performance 1.6 MT / DCT 1.6T DCT
Top speed / km/h 193 / 193 210
0-to-100 km/h / sec 11.6 / 12.6 9.7
Economy 1.6 MT / DCT 1.6T DCT
Combined (l / 100 km) 6.3 / 6.1 6.5
