2008 Beijing Auto Show Preview: Chery QQ2

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BEJIJING, China — Chery Automobile plans to roll out an extensive arsenal of new models at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, but perhaps the most significant launch will be that of its all-new QQ2.

The successor to the original QQ baby car carries considerable baggage. The first QQ, you may recall, was almost a direct rip-off of the Chevrolet Spark, née Daewoo Matiz. That didn't stop Chery from dramatically undercutting the Spark's price to propel the QQ into China's best-seller ranks.

The new model, like its predecessor, is a tiny hatchback with lots of personality. The difference in this case is that the styling appears to be far more distinctive and unique, and not just another Chinese clone.

The little urban cruiser is likely to be priced from less than $4,000, since Chery hopes to consolidate its dominance at the low end of the market. That means the basic model will be no-frills, powered by an 800cc engine. Options will include larger power plants (up to 1.3 liters), a CD player and a few other goodies that younger Chinese buyers are starting to demand even in entry-level cars. Chery will offer both three- and five-door variants.

According to China Car Times, the QQ2 — which was developed under the internal code name S18 — was styled in Italy by Torino Design, which also created the Chery Tiggo crossover.

What this means to you: Chery is reportedly working on an even smaller, cheaper model that is said to be much closer to the Tata Nano in size and price. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent