The Chery QQ was once sold in Malaysia. Will it be a huge success in this new guise?
The Chery QQ, once the butt of automotive jokes in Malaysia, is making a spectacular comeback with its 2025 concept model. This transformation represents not just a vehicle redesign but mirrors Chery’s impressive brand revival in the Malaysian market. It makes us wonder if this little hatchback could make a successful return to our shores.
In the 2000s, the original QQ was Chery’s bestselling model and earned the title of “a legend in the Chinese history of the automobile.” When it entered the Malaysian market in 2006, it arrived with modest specifications – a 0.8L (812cc) engine producing 52hp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 75.5Nm between 3,500-4,000rpm. Despite its popularity in China, the QQ series was eventually discontinued in 2014 due to declining sales.
Fast forward to 2025, and the new QQ concept car bears little resemblance to its predecessor. Unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, the re-imagined QQ features a sophisticated black and white exterior with a modern, rounded body. The closed grille, geometric headlights, and new “Qq” logo create a contemporary aesthetic that aligns with current automotive design trends.
The revolutionary features don’t stop there. The concept showcases digital side mirrors, seamless doors without traditional handles, and distinctive “+” shaped rims that complement the two-tone body. Special touches like the ‘Qq’ logo behind the C-pillar and ‘Chery Design’ label on the side skirt demonstrate the brand’s attention to detail.
Perfect Timing for Malaysian Market Re-entry?
With Chery Malaysia’s successful reintroduction to the market with refreshed products, the timing couldn’t be better for the QQ’s comeback. The brand has established a stronger foothold, earning consumer trust through its quality offerings. In 2026, it’ll be locally-assembled electric vehicles that benefit from excise duty breaks, though the government hasn’t fully revealed what the mechanisms will be. This new Qq could be the perfect car to give the upcoming electric Perodua some competition.
