Chery Arrizo GX

Model Overview

The Chery Arrizo GX is a C-segment compact sedan introduced by Chery Auto in October 2018, positioned in the "A+ segment" as an all-new generation model within the Arrizo lineup. In its nameplate, "G" stands for "Go-ahead" (progressive and pioneering), while "X" signifies artificial intelligence and infinite possibilities, targeted at a youthful, forward-thinking demographic. At launch, official recommended retail prices ranged from RM74,900 to RM113,900, with later derivative variants such as the Champion Edition priced between RM75,900 and RM91,900. Serving as Chery’s strategic model for 2018, the Arrizo GX was tasked with elevating the brand in intelligent tech and design, debuting alongside the Arrizo EX to form a dual-model product offensive.

Design Language

The Arrizo GX adopts Chery’s signature "Life in Motion" design language, featuring an aggressive wide-body "X"-shaped front fascia, an inward-curved dot-matrix grille, and a full-width chrome trim strip integrating the brand emblem to accentuate its wide visual stance. It is flanked by sleek headlamps with standard full-LED tail lamps across the range, while the side profile exhibits a forward-raked stance with a sharp shoulder line stretching from the front wing through to the rear, coupled with a fastback silhouette that lowers the drag coefficient to 0.28 Cd. Dimensionally, the car measures 4,710 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, and 1,490 mm tall, riding on a 2,670 mm wheelbase that puts it at the upper echelon of the compact sedan class. Inside, the cabin showcases an asymmetrical "Future Wing" floating dashboard heavily trimmed in soft-touch surfaces and leather upholstery, matched with full-width air-con vents to deliver a high-tech, upmarket ambiance.

Powertrain & Performance

The Arrizo GX offers two engine options: a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit and a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated mill. The 1.5T engine (SQRE4T15B) generates a maximum power of 108 kW (147 PS) and a peak torque of 210 Nm with a thermal efficiency of 37.1%, providing notable fuel economy advantages. The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine produces 85 kW (116 PS) and 143 Nm of torque, tailored for economical daily usability. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and a CVT capable of simulating 9 virtual ratios on 1.5T variants, delivering an impressive transmission efficiency of up to 92.5%. Official figures state a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of around 9 seconds, 0–60 km/h in just 4 seconds, a combined fuel consumption of 6.4 L/100 km (MIIT), and a top speed of 210 km/h.

Chassis & Handling

Built on a monocoque chassis with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, the Arrizo GX features MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam non-independent setup at the rear. Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, paired with a standard Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). For steering assist, manual variants employ hydraulic power steering, whereas automatic variants are equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS). The chassis setup leans towards a sporty tune with a relatively firm damping rate, offering clear road feedback and strong body roll suppression through corners, though ride comfort is compromised over speed bumps and rough patches, where slight rear-end rebound is noticeable.

Cabin & Equipment

Dubbed the "Three-Screen Surrounding Digital Smart Cockpit", the interior incorporates a 7-inch multi-info LCD instrument cluster, an 8-inch digital climate control touch panel, and a 9-inch HD capacitive central touchscreen angled towards the driver in a unified three-screen layout. It runs Chery’s "Lion Cloud" intelligent connectivity suite, supporting online real-time navigation updates, AI-powered natural voice recognition (capable of recognising 46 dialects, with near-100% Mandarin accuracy), 4G in-car Wi-Fi, and remote vehicle telematics via a dedicated mobile app. Audio is delivered via an M1X platform sound module, whilst extensive eco-friendly NVH acoustic measures keep in-cabin noise levels below 38 dB at cruising speeds.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Standard safety kit across the Arrizo GX lineup includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Brake Assist, Auto Hold, and Hill-Start Assist Control. Higher-spec variants add active driver assistance systems such as Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Assist, Driver Fatigue Monitoring, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The range-topping flagship is further equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection (AEB-P), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC), Integrated Cruise Control (ICC with full-speed ACC and Traffic Jam Assist), and an automated E-Call emergency rescue system. In terms of passive safety, high-strength steel accounts for 60% of the body shell, reinforced by Benteler ultra-high-strength hot-stamped steel on the A-pillars, B-pillars, and side door impact beams to maximise collision protection.

Market Performance & Verdict

The Arrizo GX enjoyed positive momentum early on, registering cumulative sales of around 38,000 units in the first eight months of 2019, averaging roughly 4,750 units per month. However, faced with fiercer rivalry from segment competitors (such as strong pushes from the Geely Emgrand, Changan Eado PLUS, and Roewe i5), along with Chery’s delays in model lifecycle updates and marketing execution, showroom interest gradually cooled. In its latter market phase, monthly figures plummeted to around 118 units, resulting in a subdued market presence. Among owners, its powertrain and chassis tuning were broadly applauded as a solid, no-nonsense "engineer's car", though road noise insulation and firm rear suspension comfort remained noted drawbacks. Overall, with its sporty styling, triple-screen digital cockpit, and generous safety suite, the Arrizo GX showcased Chery’s technical prowess and design maturity in the compact sedan arena, even if brand perception and intense competition ultimately hindered it from achieving its full market potential.