Skip advert
Advertisement

Qoros 3 review

Verdict on Chinese hatch that's coming to Europe to take on Golf and Focus

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Qoros Qoros 3 hatchback
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Qoros 3 hatch is the most convincing Chinese car we’ve driven to date. There is a high-quality European feel to the interior and the more practical hatchback layout is far more appealing than that of the saloon. Technology and equipment are 
a strength, but its looks are too understated. Expect a full range of diesel and petrol powertrains for the European launch, when the Qoros should be a good-value rival for the likes of the VW Golf and Ford Focus.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Chinese car companies haven’t made much headway in Western markets, but start-up brand Qoros has a better chance than most. Targeting the largest global segments, its first three cars are a small saloon, small SUV and the Ford Focus-rivalling family hatch we’ve driven here. Although it’s currently on sale in Slovakia, Qoros is waiting until it has a bigger range for the full European launch – likely to be in 2016.

Externally the hatchback is more attractive than the boring saloon, but still doesn’t really stand out. Changes include a slightly redesigned nose with new lower grille incorporating sportier elliptical foglights, plus wheels on all models are an inch larger than on the four-door and the alloys are different. Equipment is also more generous than on the saloon, with the top-spec Elegance getting xenon headlights.

There is white piping and stitching on the black leather seats – a feature unique to the hatchback – plus an iPad-like touchscreen infotainment system dominates the dash. This promises seamless smartphone integration, so you can pre-plan a route via an app and load it into the car’s system. It also works with social media, letting you tell your friends where you are, while all functions are controlled by familiar swipes.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

3008

2020 Peugeot

3008

19,289 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £16,999
View 3008
Formentor

2024 Cupra

Formentor

28,427 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £21,999
View Formentor
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

28,137 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £27,099
View XC40
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

22,709 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £26,799
View XC40

Best hatchbacks on the market

The 2,690mm wheelbase means rear legroom is good, and this is matched with adequate headroom. The back seats split and fold, plus there’s a ski hatch. With the seats in place, boot capacity is class-leading at 403 litres – 87 litres more than in a Focus – partly thanks to a very high parcel shelf.

Unlike many Chinese cars, the interior is finished to a high standard. There is plenty of soft plastic and good-quality leather. The only negative is the centre console armrest; it’s easy to catch a finger on the stiff push/pull mechanism.

While Qoros is developing a range of new engines with stop-start, the only option for now is a 1.6-litre petrol, which is available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged guises. The Elegance model is only offered with the latter, as well as a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Acceleration is brisk but hardly class-leading given the engine’s size, although Qoros claims the drivetrain is tuned for economy rather than raw performance. The gearbox doesn’t have a sports mode, and when you use the manual mode, a dash prompt tells you when to shift to maximise efficiency. But it makes more sense to leave it in auto mode.

Damping has been tightened to give the hatch a sportier feel. Yet this is let down by the lightness of the steering – something likely to be corrected for the main European launch. Handling is good and it’s very competent at soaking up bumps on uneven surfaces. Thanks to good soundproofing, the cabin is quiet. 

With six airbags, the Qoros 3 was rated as the safest small car of 2013 by Euro NCAP, which awarded it five stars. 

So the hatch is already competitive, and when the new powertrains arrive, it will be an appealing package, even if it doesn’t stand out visually. It has a quality feel, with solid-closing doors, premium materials for the interior and logos on light clusters. Essentially it’s a German car created in China.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £11,890
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,697
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £34,716
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025