Chery Auto to launch S16 mini sedan by May

Shanghai, December 29 (Gasgoo.com) Chery Auto is seeking a formal name from the public for its Chery S16 sedan model, a new member of the Chinese automaker's well-known QQ mini-car series. This new mini sedan is expected to go on sale in Aril or May 2009, said The Beijing News today, citing a Chery insider.

The Chery S16 was first unveiled as a concept car known as the Chery Wow at the 2005 Shanghai Auto Show, and since then it has been shown to the world under the name of Chery QQ5 and Chery QQ Sport.

The new Chery mini model features the exterior look and styling elements of concept cars. The C-pillar looks like the D-pillar area of the Chevy Equinox while the lights front and rear are reminiscent of the VW Beetle. The front and rear of the model are symmetrically designed.

Measuring 3,747mm x 1,597mm x 1,514mm, the S16 is Chery's first two-door four-seater mini model, a bit longer and wider than the Chery QQ, but its 2,315mm wheelbase is shorter than that of the Chery QQ3.