Guangzhou show: Qoros outs 3 City SUV

CHINESE-ISRAELI startup car-maker Qoros has pulled the covers off its first crossover vehicle at the Guangzhou motor show, taking the fledgling company's line-up to three models with the 3 City SUV.

Based on the Qoros 3 platform, the new mild SUV shares the same underpinnings of the already launched small sedan and hatchback models, but adds 67mm to the ride height and more durable body moldings for a tougher look.

The Qoros 3 City SUV is due to go on sale in it country of origin, China, later this year but reports suggest the newest model may also be eyeballing the lucrative European crossover market, too.

Four variants will be offered with all versions sharing the higher performance 1.6-litre 115kW/210Nm turbocharged four-cylinder engine of the Qoros 3 cars, with an entry-level six-speed manual kicking off the range.

Bluetooth connectivity with Qoros’ MMH information and entertainment system is standard across the range, as is keyless starting.

Higher specification versions get a six-speed double-clutch automatic transmission with reverse camera, cruise control, navigation, leather seats, a sunroof and Qoros’ Qloud multimedia system, which allows access to web-based applications and services through an eight-inch touchscreen.

Top-of-the-range variants of the Qoros 3 City SUV add 18-inch wheels (an inch bigger than lesser variants), xenon headlights, keyless entry.

Performance is mild with 0-100km/h coming up in 10.8 seconds for automatic versions or 10.1 seconds for the self-serve variant, but fuel consumption is a respectable 6.9 litres per 100km and 6.8L/100km for the auto.

A four-wheel drive version will not be offered with only the front wheels driven on all variants, confining the new model to urban driving as its name suggests.

Overall the new addition to the Qoros range has grown over its car sibling, sitting taller, wider and longer and uses a tweaked version of the same suspension system with MacPherson struts up front and a space-saving torsion-beam set-up at the rear.

The company, which was started in 2007 says its first crossover is a rival to the forthcoming Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan and will take advantage of China’s blossoming crossover market with a starting price of ¥140,000 ($A26,300).

For reference, Volkswagen’s Tiguan costs from just under ¥200,000 in China – the equivalent of about $A37,500.

Reports of the model’s launch in other global markets have yet to be confirmed and expressions of interest from Australian importer Ateco are also yet to escalate.