At the recent Chery Night event in China, automaker Chery has presented a production-ready new SUV that it called the TJ-1. The car has never been previewed before. CarNewsChina believes it will go on sale with a petrol and a hybrid drivetrain to choose between.
The Chery TJ-1 sports a laconic profile with a graphically highlighted c-pillar and concealed door handles, as well as a nearly rectangular front end sporting multi-tier headlights, a light bar running under the hood rim, and an unusual radiator grille with the brand name spelled out on it.
The dimensions are given as 4,515 x 1,865 x 1,680 millimeters with 2,675 mm of wheelbase. Inside, the display in the middle is vertical and 14.8 inches large, and the hardware buttons are barely present. The base trim level includes a wireless charger pad, massage seats, a Sony audio system and a Level 2+ driving assist package.
In its starting spec, the SUV will use a 1.6-liter turbo engine of unknown parameters along with a seven-speed DCT. The more expensive spec will utilize a 1.5-liter engine rated at 156 PS (154 hp / 115 kW) in tandem with an electric motor. The manufacturer promises a fuel economy of 1 liter per 100 km (235 MPG) and over 100 km (62 miles) of all-electric range. With the tank and the battery maxed out, the manufacturer-claimed range is 1,400 kilometers (870 miles). All versions of the car will also get optional AWD.
The full reveal will take place at the upcoming Auto Shanghai show. The sales in China are set to begin in July and August, before which the model may get a different, more market-friendly name.
