LIKE BUT NOT TWINS
In appearance, there are few differences from the “Uzbek”: at QQ the taillights are lowered to the bumper, the front end looks a little different, the arches are enlarged, allowing the wheels to be wider than those of the “Matiz”. Otherwise, everything is similar, but the external and internal dimensions differ by millimeters.
Inside, a large steering wheel immediately catches your eye. There is no power steering in this configuration. The rear sofa is more comfortable than the Daewoo. There is no more space on it, but the pillow and back can be folded in a ratio of 40:60 or completely.
But the main differences are in the power units. Both Korean, Uzbek, and Chinese engines came from the 1980s Suzuki three-cylinder six-valve carburetor engine. The company "Daewoo" increased the working volume, installed a distributed injection.
We went further to Chery: we increased the volume even further to 0.81 liters and used the original cylinder head with two camshafts and twelve valves. Gearboxes differ in gear ratios and the main pair - QQ has it shorter.
FLYING, A CUCKLE?
Of course, on the go you compare the car with the Matiz. The similarity is far from complete: mediocre dynamics, a certain roll in corners and a tendency to skid the rear axle. An unexpectedly heavy, tight steering wheel is added to these features.
The Chery-QQ pendant is stiffer than the Matiz. Is it plus or minus? On the one hand, energy consumption has increased, on the other - the car has become less comfortable on small irregularities. Impacts from the wheels are more noticeable than those of the Daewoo, they come to the steering wheel and body. In combination with rigid tires, this also contributed to an increase in noise. But the sound of the motor, which in the Matiz plays the first buzzing violin, became, as it seemed, quieter and more noble.
The torque of the QQ engine is higher and its maximum at lower revs. This is an absolute plus: for a dynamic ride, you do not need to turn the motor “to the bell”, and gears can be switched less often.
TRIMS TO THE TABLE
Of course, one can consider Chery-QQ not a copy, but a variation on the theme of Matiz. Although this variation is so close to the original that … it looks like a copy. The trump card of the car can, of course, be the price. An important role, obviously, will be played by the speed of development of dealer and service networks. Will a cuckoo from Celestial Empire push the older brother "Matiz" out of the nest? The outcome of the Uzbek-Chinese party will be shown in the near future.
SUMMARY
Chery QQ - a city car with all the advantages and disadvantages arising from this.
+ High-torque motor, convertible rear sofa, air conditioning as standard, low price promised.
- Heavy steering, stiffer suspension, inconvenient outdoor lighting control, lack of a rear wiper.
CHERY QQ
Produced in the People's Republic of China by Chery Automobile Co. Ltd since 2003.
Engines: gasoline 0.8 l (52 hp) and 1.1 l (53 hp).
Transmissions: mechanical 5-speed or automatic 4-speed.
