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Chery is one brand that has its fair share of critics and fans. Most criticism comes from narrow-minded motorists who think they're god's gift to motoring knowledge, while its fans are the sort who truly understands the concept of "no-frills" and "you get what you pay for".

The T11 is Chery's first foray into the SUV segment here. It's quite timely too, considering the fact that money-conscious motorists these days are lapping it up on anything related to cost-saving in running their cars. Well, if you're looking for a generously-sized car priced at generous figures, we reckon you should consider this T11.

It doesn't come with a glamorous badge, but look past that point, and you should be able to appreciate what else the T11 can offer.

Exterior & Interior

Undeniably, there are cues of the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Vitara. And with the "Panther Black" exterior, it looks a tad like the Toyota RAV 4 from certain angles. Another case of plagiarism, you say? Or another case of "cut and paste", you reckon? We beg to differ.

What Chery has tried with the T11 is to keep up with the current trend in SUV design, and it's a noteworthy effort on their part. Take a close look and you will notice how the exterior is well-proportioned, with no cue of cost-cutting measures around it. There's a certain sporty good look to it, hence it won't look out of place even off the beaten path. Roof-rails, 16" alloys and that rear spare tyre compartment further compliments the T11's exterior, shouting "SUV!" loud and clear.

Interior wise, the first thing that won't go unnoticed is just how plastic-rich the T11 is. But then again for that asking price, there's nothing much to complain either as the plastics used are in fact, of decent quality. The use of faux aluminium panels show that attention to detail is an issue Chery is trying to achieve in the ever demanding market of today - again, it's a decent effort.

It's very basic what you'll see around the driver's compartment ? a factory fitted audio head unit that's so easy to use, and controls that are reachable by the driver.

For the asking price, what's outstanding is the T11's equipment list. Sunroof, ABS with EBD, driver and passenger airbag, driver and passenger seat warmer and a commendable audio set-up somehow gives it an extra edge, marketing wise. Its leather-clad seats are comfortable and generous and the cabin should be able to seat three average-sized adults without complains. Abundance of storage space ensures every knick-knack can be hidden within the T11.

Driving it

On paper, 130bhp @ 5,750rpm doesn't sound much from the ACTECO 1,971cc engine. But despite being a SOHC unit, the engine is an eager worker, undaunted when stretched in every gear. Mated to a slick shifting 5-speed manual, the engine will eagerly climb all the way up to 5,000rpm before it starts getting all raucous...followed by a strange rattling sound coming from somewhere within the cabin.

The T11 offers a driving height that's almost similar to the rest of the mid-sized SUV segment - commanding and clear. Around town, the T11 does command the sort of respect other SUVs gets. What's surprising is that it's easy to drive in traffic, and manoeuvring it is a cinch - thanks to the fact that it is 40mm shorter, 30mm narrower and 25mm lower than the Tucson.

It's a pleasant car to drive on the expressway. Driven fast, the T11 showcases a surprising level of pliancy and comfort...until it's faced with uneven road surfaces and metal strips - it gets busy and a tad bouncy. And the cabin will start welcoming all sorts of road noises. Blame it on the fuss-free independent MacPherson struts front and trailing arm rear suspension set-up - we reckon a more dynamic set-up like the Tucson's independent MacPherson struts front and independent multi-link rears will do the trick. Oh, additional sound insulation around the cabin will be nice too.

You shouldn't be looking at an SUV (or even an MPV for that matter) if you intend to attack each corners and bends like how you would do in a sedan. By SUV standards, the T11 is a decent handler to begin with. Body-roll won't set in rudely and it understeers predictably. But a little extra feedback to the steering wheel should be able to tidy up the T11?s overall handling capability.

What the T11 also needs are better brakes. Under emergency situations, the brake pedal seems to lack feel, and needs to be stomped harder to make it come to a complete halt.

On another note, the T11 does have other pleasing traits. A b-pillar that doesn't hide blind-spots, generously-sized wing mirrors and best of all ? an air conditioning system that works great in our weather.

Sum up

Simple and fuss-free motoring - that is what the T11 will conveniently provide. Well, if you've always aspire to own an SUV but been put off by its pricing, the T11 is one SUV that's good enough to begin with. Overlook the badge and the bare interior, what you have here is a value-for-money proposition. It undercuts the Korean by a significant margin, has a basket full of equipment, and offers the space of an SUV with a saloon's price tag.

Technical Specification

Engine: 1,971cc, 4-cylinders in-line, 16 Valves
Power: 130bhp @ 5,750rpm
Torque: 180Nm @ 4,200rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
0-100km/h: 15 seconds

Length / Width / Height: 4,285 / 1,765 / 1,705 mm
Wheelbase: 2,510 mm

Latest price with COE: $53,999

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