Dynamic design, excellent connectivity, class-leading interior space, generous specification, high safety standards
1 – OVERVIEW
Following its global debut almost exactly one year ago in Geneva, new international car brand, Qoros, presents the world premiere of its second series production car, the new Qoros 3 Hatch, at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show. Destined for China market launch in the middle of 2014, the Qoros 3 Hatch will appeal to trendy, active and independent individuals.
The design of the Hatch 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 means that the new 4.4-metre long hatchback combines class-leading interior space with a large tailgate and boot for load-carrying versatility.
The Hatch offers four trim specifications at launch – Essence, Experience, Experience Plus and Elegance – with generous equipment levels 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), and its pioneering QorosQloud™ connected services platform are both included as standard on all variants.
Developed by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young automotive talent from China, the Qoros 3 Hatch exhibits the top quality engineering and safety standards with which Qoros is making a truly global impression.
Based on the same innovative modular platform as the Qoros 3 Sedan, the Hatch features new C-pillars, roof, rear side panels, and tailgate, plus a new rear roof cross-member for exceptional torsional rigidity. It is built using the same high-strength steels and structural design that resulted in the Sedan being ranked by Euro NCAP as the ‘safest car’ of 2013.
The Hatch also shares with the Sedan its highly-efficient four-cylinder 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines combined with either six-speed manual or six-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic) transmissions.
The Qoros 3 Hatch will be manufactured in the brand’s all-new, highly-efficient and environmentally-sustainable assembly plant in Changshu, 80km north-west of Shanghai, on the same production line as the Qoros 3 Sedan.
Prices and on-sale dates for the Qoros 3 Hatch will be announced closer to the launch date.
2 – EXTERIOR DESIGN
Dynamic, youthful 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 and will 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.
“Hatchback buyers and sedan buyers are very different consumer groups, both remarkably loyal to their preferred body style,” comments Gert Hildebrand. “So we focused on creating a bold, compact and dynamic form for the Hatch, incorporating many visual cues which younger consumers regard as synonymous with trendy, sporty vehicles.”
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) and exterior styling gives 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 – which features the signature Qoros mesh – maximises the impact of the car’s face. The lower air intakes rise at an accentuated angle to the flanks, giving 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 wing mirrors with integrated LED turn indicator lamps.
The athletic look of the Hatch’s profile is accomplished by the subtly flared wheel arches, chrome belt-line trim beneath the side windows, and two-part, two-colour roof spoiler. The body-colour section of the roof spoiler aligns with the door shut lines and rear bumper shut line, while the extended black section delivers drag-reduction benefits to the new model’s aerodynamics.
The rear passenger door windows of the Hatch feature a ‘hockey-stick’ trailing line that extends into the C-pillar to allow easier access for occupants into the rear seats.
At the back, the small rear lamp clusters are precision engineered with light guides that wrap around the rear corners of the car creating a distinctive, high quality appearance. They exhibit clear Qoros DNA, while helping to mark out the newcomer as a compact, agile hatchback. The lamp clusters are positioned high up on the rear flanks, as is the horizontal chrome trim bar across the tailgate, which contributes to the eager, forward-leaning wedge profile.
Other exterior features that highlight the overall quality and attention-to-detail that run throughout the Hatch include the twin reversing and rear fog lamps within the lower secondary light strips and the fitting of twin exhaust pipes on 1.6-litre turbocharged models. Such symmetry is a key Qoros characteristic. This is achieved even with the single exhaust tailpipe of naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre models, as it is hidden to maintain the balanced appearance of the car’s rear view.
Three dynamic alloy wheel designs will be available for the Qoros 3 Hatch from launch. Unusually for the class, 16-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels are standard for the entry-level Essence model. Experience Plus models are fitted with upgraded ‘Hardspike’ multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. The Elegance flagship features stunning, lightweight ‘Gemini’ 18-inch alloy wheels that boast a complex five quad-spoke design.
The Qoros 3 Hatch will be 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.
3 – 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 options to individually configure their vehicle.
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.
When launched in China in the middle of 2014, the Qoros 3 Hatch will offer four trim specifications – Essence, Experience, Experience Plus and Elegance – with rising levels of standard equipment. Interior upholstery will be available in two colours – Lava Black and Sand Beige – in either high-grade ‘Classic’ cloth fabric, ‘Stylish’ fabric-leatherette blend, or leather – each featuring patterns and piping trim combinations that are all-new for the Hatch.
Standard features on all versions of the Qoros 3 Hatch will include the brand’s innovative Qoros MMH™ (Multi Media Hub) system (see next section), advanced QorosQloud™ 3G connected services with enhanced navigation and networking (see next section), Bluetooth® for handsfree calling and wireless music streaming, all-round electric windows and electric exterior mirrors. At the centre of the instrument cluster, a high-resolution 3.5-inch TFT colour display provides crucial information to the driver, including remaining fuel range and next-turn directions from the navigation system.
Entry-level Essence models will also feature keyless go, air-conditioning, dual rear ventilation outlets, a four-speaker 100-watt audio system and an anti-theft alarm and immobiliser system.
Moving up the range, the Experience specification adds two-zone automatic air-conditioning – allowing the driver and front passenger to select their own preferred temperature settings – and ‘Stylish’ fabric-leatherette blend upholstery. ‘Dusk-sensing’ headlights, heated door mirrors, and rear parking camera and sensors provide added safety and assistance to the driver. A 150-watt six-speaker system delivers high grade audio entertainment, and rear seat cupholders offer rear passengers extra convenience. Experience Plus models also feature one-touch glass sunroof to provide an even lighter, airier cabin.
Top-of-the-range Elegance models will be equipped with cruise control, heated and powered front seats with two-setting memory, keyless entry and keyless go, automatic folding wing mirrors and ultrasonic anti-theft protection.
The flagship is also fitted with full cabin ambient lighting, aiding the realisation of Qoros’ strategy to deliver a level of quality and specification more often associated with cars positioned well above the compact class. The combination of thin red LED light strips along each edge of the central console and discreet red LED lighting in the door handles creates a warm, welcoming interior ambience.
The new Qoros 3 Hatch is designed to accommodate five passengers in a remarkably generous interior space for a compact segment car and its long wheelbase (2,690mm) and substantial width (1,839mm) means that overall cabin space is among the best in class. Front occupants enjoy plentiful head (982mm), leg (1,047mm) and shoulder (1,445mm) room, while rear occupants are assured of a comfortable experience with class-leading headroom (960mm) thanks to the Hatch’s high roofline.
At the rear, the Qoros 3 Hatch’s tailgate opening is 1,080mm wide (50mm wider than the Sedan’s boot lid) and gives easy access to a luggage compartment with a class-competitive capacity of 403 litres with the rear seats upright.
As befits a model designed to deliver optimal lifestyle practicality to active customers, the standard 60:40 split rear seatbacks fold individually to optimise cargo carrying flexibility. Folding both seatbacks down increases cargo capacity to 1,105 litres when loaded to the roof. Elegance models incorporate a ski-hatch that allows the car to accommodate long items while still carrying four occupants.
In addition to the 2.8-litre glovebox (air-conditioned on Elegance models), there are nine further storage compartments, including in the front centre console, front arm rest, as well as wide door pockets in all four doors and front seatback pockets. There are bottle holders in the front door pockets, two large cupholders in the front centre console and – for Experience models and above – two cupholders in the folding rear centre armrest.
Refinement in the interior 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. The development team succeeded in controlling and suppressing vibrations and noise from within the vehicle – engine, transmission and other components – as well as those triggered externally, such as tyre roar.
Wind noise, too, is impressively minimised, a feat facilitated by the Hatch’s low aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.32 Cd.
4 – QOROSQLOUD™ CONNECTIVITY AND TOUCHSCREEN INFOTAINMENT
Comprehensive connected services on all models with QorosQloud™
QorosQloud – pioneered on the Qoros 3 Sedan – is the portal to an exclusive suite of connected services and, from launch in China, will be included as standard across the Qoros 3 Hatch range.
Based on the Microsoft Windows Azure cloud platform, and delivered via China Unicom’s 3G network, QorosQloud is part of Qoros’ strategic objective to be innovative and creative in meeting the lifestyle needs of the modern, metropolitan consumer. QorosQloud provides more than 30 services at launch, including several from the major Chinese content providers and social media networks, and 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 new dedicated website at www.QorosQloud.com and a QorosQloud app (currently for Apple iOS, with apps for other operating systems following shortly, including 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. This creates a closer connection than ever between the driver, the vehicle, the dealer and the digital world. It enables motorists to remain ‘always-connected’ to navigation and traffic information, their social networks, and the car’s condition, maintenance and service requirements.
QorosQloud’s Eco-drive monitoring service assesses driving inputs and behaviour to help drivers drive more efficiently and with reduced impact on the environment.
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 provide a worry-free ownership and driving experience. These include Emergency Services and Roadside Assistance, an industry-first in China. Should the car be involved in an accident, QorosQloud notifies the emergency centre. Operators then attempt to contact the driver by telephone and will dispatch emergency and recovery services if assistance is necessary, or if there is no reply from the driver, at no extra cost.
The Safe Drive Plan also includes real-time monitoring and display of driving behaviour. QorosQloud uses this data to warn drivers about poor or dangerous driving habits. It encourages safer and more considerate driving by generating tips displayed on the Qoros MMH touchscreen and through the personalised QorosQloud website and smartphone apps.
Qoros Vice-Chairman, Volker Steinwascher, commented: “We engineer cars to be far more than merely a mode of transportation, including innovations that enable them to fit seamlessly into the modern metropolitan consumer’s lifestyle. QorosQloud perfectly embodies this approach, with its advanced connected services providing a constant link between the driver and the car.”
Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard
In the car, QorosQloud is accessed through the innovative Qoros MMH system that is fitted as standard to every Qoros 3 Hatch, just as it is standard across the Sedan line-up. The eight-inch capacitive touchscreen boasts a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.
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 advanced user interface, software and graphics of the Qoros MMH were designed and developed in-house to safely manage information displays for minimal driver distraction and to optimise ease-of-use while on the move. 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.
Those who enjoy high quality music to enhance their journey 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 six-speaker 150-watt system for the rest of the line-up.
As standard, the 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.
5 – POWERTRAIN
Two powerful, efficient engines and two six-speed transmissions
The new Qoros 3 Hatch will be available from launch with two powerful, efficient four-cylinder gasoline engines which it shares with the Sedan. Developed by Qoros engineers in collaboration with leading powertrain engineering specialist, AVL, these DOHC (dual overhead camshaft) 1.6-litre 16-valve power units are 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 mated to the six-speed DCT.
The DCT is a dry dual-clutch transmission system that performs smooth gear changes with very short response times by pre-selecting the next gear with its second clutch. Not only does this transmission offer the driver the choice of both automated gear selection and a manual shift mode, 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. Supplied by renowned leader in DCT technology, Getrag, the 6DCT250 unit is a highly-regarded and exceptionally reliable transmission.
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.
The pair of 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.
6 – VEHICLE DYNAMICS
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 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 while also providing direct feedback to the driver from the road.
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.
The 16-inch alloy wheels (standard fit on Essence and Experience models) are wrapped in 205/60 tyres, and the 17-inch alloy wheels on Experience Plus models will be fitted with 215/50 tyres. The 18-inch diameter alloy wheels of the Elegance model will be fitted with 225/45 tyres.
Qoros’ second production model has undergone an extensive development and testing regime under the direction of Klaus Schmidt, Executive Director of Vehicle Engineering.
“Our aim was to present customers with a driving experience defined by predictable, clear responses to their inputs,” says Schmidt. “Our all-new compact-segment vehicle platform provides the ideal basis for excellent reactions and control during spirited driving, while also being comfortable and hassle-free in the city. I’m confident that we have achieved the right balance between ride comfort and performance in the Qoros 3 Hatch.”
7 – SAFETY
Five-star safety standards
The new Qoros 3 Hatch incorporates the same Qoros Crash Management System philosophy as the Qoros 3 Sedan. As a result, it promises to be one of the safest cars in its class as it incorporates all the structural, passive and active safety features first introduced on its sibling, which was ranked the ‘safest car’ of 2013 by Euro NCAP, the toughest new car assessment programme in the world.
In September 2013, the Qoros 3 Hatch’s stablematesecured the accolade of being the first car developed in China to achieve the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. 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.
Qoros’ debut production car scored the best result for Adult Occupant protection (95%) and maximum points for Child Occupant protection (87%) in the front and side crash tests, while proving compatible with all the Euro NCAP approved child seats. It also achieved an impressive result in Pedestrian protection (77%) – thanks to Qoros’ expert safety team developing one of the best pedestrian protection systems ever assessed by Euro NCAP – and recorded an excellent result (81%) for its Safety Assistance Systems.
Volker Steinwascher, Vice Chairman of Qoros, said: “The Euro NCAP result for the Qoros 3 Sedan demonstrates the high level of design, engineering and production quality that we are achieving. Sharing the same platform and employing the same set of technologies, the Qoros 3 Hatch also delivers exceptional safety standards.”
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 crossmember in the roof connecting the C-pillars.
From launch, the Hatch will be fitted with a comprehensive suite of standard ‘passive’ safety equipment (designed to keep occupants safe during an accident) which includes front driver and passenger airbags, side and full length curtain airbags (depending on model), three-point automatic seat belts on all seats and dual belt 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 will include: ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake distribution), a seat belt reminder for the driver (and front and rear passengers on Elegance models), and a driver-set speed limiting device. All models also benefit from ISOFIX child seat mountings with top tethers on the right and left rear seats.
In China from launch, Experience models and above will also benefit from ESC (electronic stability control), ETC (electronic traction control), BA (brake assist), CBC (cornering brake control), Hill Assist, which minimises roll-back when setting off on steep inclines or declines, and automatic brake disc cleaning. Experience Plus models and above will also be fitted with TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system).
