By Malusi Msomi

Chery is expanding its electric vehicle line-up in South Africa with the introduction of the new Chery Q, a compact electric hatchback that’s expected to arrive towards the end of August before officially going on sale in early September.

With pricing expected to range between R350,000 and R400,000, the Chery Q has been developed with urban motorists in mind, combining compact dimensions with a practical cabin and a driving range that should comfortably cover daily commuting.

Power comes from a single electric motor producing 90kW, paired with a 42.7kWh battery pack. Chery claims the Q can travel up to 400km on the NEDC testing cycle before needing to recharge, placing it among the more accessible electric vehicles expected to launch locally this year.

Although the Q is relatively compact, measuring 4,195mm in length, it rides on a generous 2,700mm wheelbase. That translates into a surprisingly spacious cabin, while practicality has also been a key focus.

The rear boot offers 375 litres of luggage space, expanding to 1,450 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s also a 70-litre front trunk, commonly known as a frunk, providing extra storage for charging cables or smaller items.

Designed for city life

The Chery Q has been designed primarily for urban environments. Its compact footprint and 5.2-metre turning circle should make it easy to manoeuvre through busy city streets and tight parking spaces.

Higher-specification Elite models will also feature automatic parking assistance and a range of driver assistance systems designed to make everyday driving less stressful.

Visually, the Q adopts a distinctive design that Chery describes as “Square-Round Harmony”. The closed-off front fascia reflects its electric powertrain, while the signature Q-shaped LED headlights give the hatchback its own identity. Semi-flush door handles, a floating C-pillar and available 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels complete the modern exterior.

The design has already received international recognition, earning a Red Dot Product Design Award.

A technology-focused cabin

Inside, the cabin follows a clean, minimalist layout with a dual-tone dashboard and a column-mounted gear selector that frees up additional storage space between the front seats.

The dashboard is dominated by an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. The infotainment system supports gesture controls and a customisable home screen, while the expansive windscreen has been designed to improve outward visibility in traffic.

Pre-order incentives

Customers who place an early order for the Chery Q will receive a package that includes a seven-year/150,000km warranty, a home charging wallbox and portable charging equipment.

Chery is also offering buyers the choice of either a charging card to the value of their holding deposit or a discount on the purchase price. A complimentary electric tailgate upgrade also forms part of the launch offer.

Final specifications and the complete model line-up will be announced closer to the Chery Q’s official South African launch in early September, but with a starting price of R350,000, it could become one of the country’s most attainable electric vehicles.