Chery J1 2011 Video Review

The price is right on the Chery J1. The first Chinese passenger car to hit the road in Australia always had to be cheap to make an impact, and the bottom line is just $11,990 - on the road. The value is unquestionable, the J1 is the new Australian price leader, and the deal includes 24-7 roadside assistance for the length of the three-year, 100,000-kilometre warranty.

But the J1 is playing catch-up, and not just because Chery of China came to carmaking later than the Japanese and Korean brands that now dominate in Australia. The quality on the car is well below the accepted standard in local showrooms and the J1 also needs some engine room tweaking before the performance is up to par.

Chery is China's largest independent vehicle manufacturer with five assembly lines, two engine factories, a transmission plant and total production last year of 680,000 vehicles. It has ambitious export plans and Australia is its first big target, and a useful test case.

Read the full Chery J1 2011 Review.