Chery Q small EV confirmed for New Zealand arrival in 2027

Chery Q will join the brand’s growing New Zealand lineup in 2027, with the Chinese carmaker confirming its smallest and most affordable electric vehicle is on the way.

Known in its home market as the QQ3, the compact electric hatch will be renamed for local showrooms, reviving a badge that dates back more than two decades.

Chery first launched the original ‘QQ’ in 2003 as a budget-friendly city car aimed at first-time buyers. It quickly became a sales success in China, with the updated QQ3 regularly exceeding 10,000 monthly sales at its peak. Within 10 years, cumulative sales had surpassed one million units, cementing its reputation as a low-cost ‘people’s car’.

Fast forward to 2027, and the modern Chery Q is a very different proposition.

The new model has grown significantly compared to its predecessor, measuring 4195mm long with a 2700mm wheelbase – up from just 3350mm in the original 2003 car. That puts it closer in size to a Toyota Corolla than the tiny hatch it replaces.

Despite its compact footprint, Chery claims the Q offers an interior “room ratio” of more than 80 per cent, with a focus on maximising usable cabin space. A 15.6-inch central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, while a 540-degree panoramic camera system aims to boost usability.

The brand is also pitching the Q as more than just a city commuter. Features such as ‘Nap’, ‘Pet’, and ‘Camping’ modes are designed to broaden its appeal. The new Q features a 375-litre boot and 70-litre front trunk.

Visually, the Q retains the “cute” design language that made earlier QQ models popular, though it has been modernised with sharper detailing. Chery says its lighting design draws on “urban light and shadow” themes, while the overall shape blends rounded and squared-off elements for a more mature look.

Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor producing 90kW and 115Nm, paired with a 42kWh battery. Chery claims a driving range of more than 400km based on the NEDC test cycle.

DC fast charging is rated at up to 85kW, enabling a 30 to 80 per cent recharge in around 16 minutes under ideal conditions.

A Chery spokesperson confirmed they expect to launch the small hatch in New Zealand sometime in 2027.

When it does hit the local market, it is set to compete with the BYD Atto 1 and Dongfeng Box, as competition intensifies in the entry-level electric segment.