"The new era of mobility" is what we are experiencing these days with EV starting to dominate the conversation but due to some constraints, they haven't yet dominated sales. It seems Chery wants to change all that with the new Chery Q, which was launched in Mzansi at the fabulous and green KZN Midlands.
New technology has to be desired and the design is the first thing that makes people get attracted to any model. The Chery Q is unique in its interpretation of an EV design with a smiley face frontal design, rounded shapes and hyper curved surface design. There are Q shaped LED Auto headlights with the front getting the normal "EV design" closed off section between the headlights. An air intake below the number place channels air into the batteries. The Chery Q comes in varying funky colours that will suit varying owner lifestyle needs. A six-layer, high-gloss paint finish is used across the range and is supported by a 10-year anti-fade promise.
Depending on the derivative, the Q rides on 16- or 17-inch wheels, while semi-flush door handles, two-tone exterior mirrors and a floating C-pillar add detail to its profile. Black cladding on the lower side fits well with the eccentric design wheel covers. The Chery Q measures 4,195 mm long, 1,811 mm wide and 1,570 mm high. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, it has a 2,700 mm wheelbase, allowing for a comparatively spacious cabin while keeping the vehicle manageable around town. The rear also features Q shaped LED taillights.
There are two interior colour options that Chery claims create an "Exquisite, lively and personalised cabin atmosphere". There is the Textured Black (below) and Jungle green (top) interior options. Inside, the Q has a dual-tone dashboard, contrast-colour air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel. A column-mounted gear selector removes the need for a conventional shifter on the centre console, freeing additional storage space below.
The T shaped cockpit features an 8.8-inch digital instrument display paired with a 15.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. The system supports a customisable home screen and gesture controls. Ambient lighting, wireless charging with air cooling to avoid phone over heating when charging, electric seats and climate control ensure a joyous experience for owners especially at night.
Boot capacity starts at 375 litres and expands to 1,450 litres when additional space is required by folding the rear seats. Below the rear seats, there is storage space for bulky items beneath the rear seats.
A 70-litre front trunk provides further storage, supported by several smaller compartments throughout the cabin. The front storage space can also accommodate liquids or can be used as a cooler box as it has an opening at the bottom which can be used to clear water out of it.
The Q is powered by a 90 kW electric motor paired with a 42.7 kWh battery, providing a claimed range of up to 400 km on the NEDC cycle. Maximum torque is rated at 115Nm whilst 0-100km/h is claimed at 13.5 seconds with the top speed pegged at 135km/h.
Safety is handled by the latest Autonomous Driving Tech whilst multi airbags also feature for occupant safety. 540 Panoramic view parking cameras aid parking whilst front and rear radar aid driving safety. Chery introduced a pre-order package for the Q that includes a seven-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, a home-charging wallbox and portable charging equipment. There is also a 5 year/100 000km service plan, 10 year/20 000km battery warranty with 5 year roadside assistance.
Pricing Lineup
- Chery Q Comfort: R349,900
- Chery Q Elite: R389,900