Review: Chery M1X J3 (2011-14)

Overview

Released in September 2011, the Chery M1X J3 was a small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Wuhu, China, the front-wheel drive J3 was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was initially mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. In August 2013, an updated engine was introduced which had variable valve timing and a seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) replaced the five-speed manual unit.

Compared to the light J1 hatchback which it sold alongside, the J3 was 567 mm longer (at 4280 mm), 214 mm wider (1792 mm), 108 mm lower (1467 mm) and had a 160 mm longer wheelbase (2550 mm). Furthermore, the J3 had MacPherson strut front suspension and semi-independent trailing arms rear suspension with a track bar.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the J3 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners.

In August 2013, safety equipment was extended to include traction control and electronic stability. Prior to this date, the J3 was not available for sale in Victoria because of the omission of electronic stability control.

Features

Standard features for the J3 included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with MP3-compatibility, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, 60/40 split rear seats, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.

From August 2013, the J3 was further equipped with a CD player, a USB input and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Brochure

• Brochure: Chery M1X J3 (September 2011)

Related links

• Chery Australia: Chery J3
• Wikipedia.org: Chery J3