Chinese Automaker Chery and Its Visionary North American Retail Division to Debut New Models at Auto Shanghai 2005

Power comes not from Chery's lineup of engines, but rather from a Mitsubishi-derived 2.4-litre unit which generates

Visionary Vehicles Founder and CEO Malcolm Bricklin standing in front of the new Chery crossover vehicle he hopes will win over North American market. (Photo: Visionary Vehicles)

130-horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, routed through a five-speed manual gearbox. While Chery hasn't released any specifics pertaining to the type of drivetrain, what is known is that the Tiggo will include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake force distribution, dual front airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, a split-fold rear seat, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Chery will also be showing off its new S16, an egg-shaped city car. With details being kept closely under wraps until the show's start, this amorphous-looking blob is set to become Chery's new entry-level car. Circular headlamps, an arched, Beetle-like roof and tiny front and rear overhangs give the S16 a particularly friendly look which should be popular with its prime target audience, young domestic market buyers, and those who are purchasing their first vehicle. A wave-like centre belt, LED tail lamps

Inside Chery's state-of-the-art factory in Wuhu, China. (Photo: Visionary Vehicles)

and simple metal-look accents on the front and rear bumpers and sides add a bit of detail to the design.

As for its underpinnings and drivetrain, Chery has not confirmed what will be used, but it probably won't come from within the company. Chery's automobiles are usually mechanically linked to other vehicles, as it has partnerships with Seat automotive and others. Without looking too hard, it's possible to see a bit of Fiat's groundbreaking Trepiuno concept in the S16's body, but it lacks the distinction and heritage of the Italian minicar concept. It will most likely replace the QQ city car, a vehicle which GM claims is a direct copy of its Chevy Spark (otherwise known as the Daewoo/Chevrolet Matiz).