Compact SUV

The T1X-series Chery J11 compact SUV – known as the Tiggo in China –was the cheapest SUV on the Australian market, coming ina t $19,990 drive-away.

For that money you got ESC, ABS (with four-wheel discs), twin airbags, power windows/mirrors and remote central locking.

For the startlingly low on-road price, which was at least $6000 less expensive than the lowest-priced small 2WD SUVs from mainstream brands, the J11 came fully equipped with leather seat trim, air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a four-speaker CD/MP3 sound system, 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights and remote central locking.

The J11 was powered by a 100kw 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, matched with both five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions.

The compact five-door/five-seat SUV had a base kerb weight of 1450kg and an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg (925kg braked).

It measured 4285mm long, 1765mm wide, 1716mm high and rode on a 2510mm wheelbase. Ground clearance was 168mm and standard wheels were 16x7.0-inch with 215/65 R16 tyres, with the option of wider 235/60 tyres.