New Chery Arrizo 7 looks more Audi than many cars from the German brand

Chery released the first official images of the new generation of the Arrizo 7, a fastback sedan that debuts this Friday (21) at the Chengdu Auto Show in China. The model returns to the line eight years after being retired — the first generation was sold between 2013 and 2018 — and arrives with a design that makes no effort to disguise where the inspiration came from: Audi.

Face of Ingolstadt, emblem of Wuhu

A quick glance is enough to identify the references. The front features a softened version of Audi’s Singleframe grille, flanked by air intakes in the bumper that refer to the models of the RS line. The LED headlights have a sharp cutout similar to that of the new Audi A6, although the internal design of the lights brings the set closer to the Volkswagen T-Roc.

The profile confirms the coupe sedan format, with front-wheel drive proportions, smooth trim from roof to rear, five-spoke wheels and clean surfaces. The door handles are conventional and the fastback rear receives horizontal taillights. The set is close to the electric Chery Fulwin A9, but without the apparent driving assistance sensors, the mirrors fixed to the body and the built-in door handles of that model.

Chery promises to unite “oriental wisdom and global aesthetics”. The result, in practice, is a Chinese sedan with the face of Ingolstadt and the emblem of Wuhu, the city where the automaker is headquartered.

Technical sheet still confidential

The automaker did not reveal the specifications of the Arrizo 7, which should come out during the show. According to the Chinese press, the sedan will only have gasoline engines, without any electrification — a decision that contrasts with the advance of hybrids and electrics in the local market.

The model joins the brand’s family of combustion sedans, alongside the Arrizo 8 and the recently launched Arrizo 8 Pro. The latter is offered with 1.5 and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines and costs from 113,900 to 145,900 yuan in China, equivalent to between R$ 88 thousand and R$ 112 thousand at this Friday’s exchange rate.

The offensive of Audi-inspired sedans does not stop there. In April, at the Beijing Motor Show, Chery presented the Arrizo S concept, which copied the front end of the RS6, the profile of the A5 and the light signature of the A7. The production version is expected later this year, with a 2.0 turbo engine with 261 hp and 40,8 kgfm, above all other sedans of the brand in China.