The Qoros 3 City SUV 1.6 (156 Hp) DCT represents a significant entry for the Qoros brand into the competitive compact SUV segment. Introduced in December 2014 and produced through 2019, this variant was positioned as a mainstream offering within the 3 City SUV lineup, aiming to provide a balance of fuel efficiency, modern technology, and practicality. It was primarily marketed towards consumers in China, where Qoros, a joint venture between Chery and Israel Corporation, sought to establish itself as a premium domestic automaker. The 3 City SUV, built on a modified version of the Peugeot 308 platform, aimed to challenge established European and Japanese competitors with a focus on quality and features.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Qoros |
| Model | 3 |
| Generation | 3 City SUV |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (156 Hp) DCT |
| Start of production | December, 2014 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 208 km/h (129.25 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp, 109.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 160.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 97.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 2500-4500 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 2500-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | SQRE4T16 |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, D-VVT |
| Kerb Weight | 1430 kg (3152.61 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 403 l (14.23 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1105 l (39.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4463 mm (175.71 in.) |
| Width | 1854 mm (72.99 in.) |
| Height | 1504 mm (59.21 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2705 mm (106.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1588 mm (62.52 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1577 mm (62.09 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 170 mm (6.69 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission DCT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Qoros 3 City SUV 1.6 DCT is powered by the SQRE4T16, a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with dynamic valve variable timing (D-VVT) to optimize performance and efficiency. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, boosts power output to 156 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb-ft) of torque between 2500 and 4500 rpm. This engine is a product of Qoros’s collaboration with AVL, a leading automotive engineering firm. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. The transmission is a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), offering quicker and smoother gear changes compared to a traditional automatic. This DCT was chosen for its ability to enhance both performance and fuel economy.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter DCT powertrain delivers adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 9.3 seconds, and the vehicle has a top speed of 208 km/h (129.25 mph). The DCT transmission provides responsive shifts, although some drivers have noted a slight hesitation at lower speeds. Compared to other variants of the Qoros 3 City SUV, such as those with manual transmissions, the DCT version offers greater convenience but slightly less engagement. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power during acceleration, but the engine can feel somewhat strained at higher RPMs. The overall driving experience is comfortable and refined, with a focus on ease of use rather than sporty handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Qoros 3 City SUV 1.6 DCT typically came equipped with a range of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, rear parking sensors, and leather upholstery. Safety features included ABS, electronic stability control, and airbags. The interior design was generally modern and well-appointed, with a focus on creating a comfortable and spacious cabin. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof and upgraded sound system.
Chassis & Braking
The Qoros 3 City SUV utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, although it is not particularly sporty. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The steering is electrically assisted, providing light and precise control. The vehicle’s weight of 1430 kg (3152.61 lbs) contributes to its stable handling characteristics. The tire size is 215/60 R17, mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Qoros 3 City SUV 1.6 DCT received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its modern design, build quality, and feature list, it was sometimes criticized for its engine performance and handling. Compared to other compact SUVs in the Chinese market, such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Qoros 3 offered a more affordable price point but lacked the established reputation and brand recognition of its competitors. Fuel economy was generally considered to be competitive, with a combined fuel consumption of 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg). Reliability reports have been limited, but early indications suggest that the powertrain is generally durable.
Legacy
The Qoros 3 City SUV 1.6 DCT played a crucial role in establishing Qoros as a viable automaker in China. While the brand ultimately faced challenges and underwent restructuring, the 3 City SUV demonstrated Qoros’s ability to produce a competitive and well-equipped vehicle. On the used car market, the 1.6 DCT variant is generally considered a good value, offering a comfortable and practical driving experience at an affordable price. The SQRE4T16 engine, while not known for exceptional performance, has proven to be relatively reliable, and parts availability is generally good. The DCT transmission, however, may require more careful maintenance than a traditional automatic.
