Chery J3 2013 Review

Chery J3

What we liked:
>> Direct steering
>> Spacious interior
>> Willing transmission

The Chinese-built Chery J3 faces some fierce competition in the Small-car segment. But new-car buyers with the tightest of budgets may be enticed by its razor-sharp pricing.

Currently, the J3 retails at just $14,990 drive-away, no more to pay. When you consider the similar-sized Nissan Pulsar starts at $18,990 plus on-road costs, it’s apparent the J3 is something of a bargain.

But do the on-road credentials of the J3 see it gain points beyond price alone?

At first view the J3 five-door hatch shows some mature styling cues. It is nicely proportioned and its chrome highlights add visual interest to the exterior. Moreover, concealed rear door handles create a nice flow to the sheetmetal.

And on paper, the J3 stacks up well for its price. Equipment levels are of a reasonable standard and include cruise control, climate control, a leather multi-function steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system with CD, MP3 and USB connectivity. Bluetooth, however, is not offered as standard.

Like the exterior the interior of the J3 looks good at first, though it is let down abruptly by cheap plastics and a poor blend of materials. A well considered centre console layout is spoilt by an ill-conceived design aesthetic. In short, there’s no obvious cohesiveness to the J3’s decor.

The Chinese manufacturer’s fit, finish and overall quality also comes into question here. The centre dash-top storage compartment lid is flimsy, the instrument dials look cheap and the wiper/indicator stalks feel budget at best.

We also note that the cargo compartment shows an ill-fitting floor that reveals gaps and joins that were never meant to be seen.

Ergonomically, however, the J3 is near on par with many of its rivals. Comfortable seats, a clear and accessible centre console and instrumentation panel, and the sensible placement of storage compartments are J3 highpoints.

There are no annoying quirks to getting comfortable in the J3 -- although the lack of reach adjustment on the steering column is an ergonomic oversight. But on the plus side, the pedal box feels responsive and the brakes are both fast to bite and surprisingly sharp.

Powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with variable valve timing, the J3 delivers a maximum output figure of 93kW and 160Nm. The mill is mated to a choice of five-speed manual or, for the first time, optional continuously variable transmission (or CVT), as fitted to our test car.

The J3’s CVT was of typical character, with a distinctly busy engine sound, but it is fairly unobtrusive in the scheme of things, and manages to deliver a linear spread of accessible power, is decisive of action, and helps provide adequate motivation for the car’s intended application.

Chery says the J3 will consume 8.7L/100km on the combined cycle, which is hardly competitive in this class. Take for example the Pulsar, again, which manages 7.2L/100km with similar engine technology.

But the good news is that the J3’s steering has a nice weight to it, which promotes a sense of confidence on the road. It’s a shame, then, that its MacPherson strut / multi-link rear suspension set-up feels quite ordinary in diffusing general road harshness, and unexpected lumps and bumps.

It’s an impression that is true throughout the J3’s driving experience which it has to be said lacks any sense of engagement. It feels very much like a typical A-to-B car with none of the bells and whistles.

The J3 is yet to be tested by the Australasia New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), and historically, Chery vehicles have not rated highly when subjected to such tests.

With electronic stability control now standard, the J3 now clears mandatory national safety hurdles -- a previous sales barrier in the state of Victoria.

Safety features for the J3 include reverse parking sensors, front, side and curtain airbags, stability control, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, three-point seatbelts for all passengers and front seatbelt pretensioners. The second-row centre seat omits a head rest.

There are also three top-tether and ISOFIX child-seat anchor points as standard across the rear bench.

Considering it is around $4000 cheaper than its nearest competitor the J3 is a good option for new-car buyers who shop on price alone. But considering its dubious safety credentials and questionable build quality we question the J3’s potential in a market as mature ours.

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