New Chinese car manufacturer Qoros will showcase two new concept cars at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The concepts will be revealed alongside the firm's first production model, the GQ3 saloon.
The two concepts, named Cross Hybrid Concept and Estate Concept, are based on the same platform as the GQ3 and were designed by Gert Volker Hildebrand, former Chief Designer at MINI.
The Cross Hybrid Concept is a petrol-electric hybrid which uses a traditional combustion engine to drive the front wheels and an electric motor to power the rears. The system can work in both front-wheel drive (petrol) and rear-wheel drive (electric) modes, as well as an all-wheel drive mode which utilises both power sources.
The Estate Concept, on the other hand, is less innovative. Essentially, it's a more practical version of the GQ3 featuring a 'high number of alternative seating and luggage storage options'.
The GQ3 is due to go on sale in China in mid-2013, with the first European deliveries expected later in the year.
Qoros is adamant that the GQ3 will prove a realistic contender to the established European competition thanks to its 'modern, German-influenced design' and high quality production standards. The firm also claims that the GQ3 will achieve top marks in the Euro NCAP safety tests, an area in which Chinese cars have traditionally performed badly.
The GQ3, as well as all future Qoros models, will be produced at the company's factory in Changshu, China.
