Chery Xuanjie

Model Overview

The Kaiyi Xuanjie is a compact SUV unveiled by Kaiyi Auto in Chengdu on 22 June 2020. It also marks the brand's first brand-new strategic model launched following its westward relocation to Yibin, Sichuan, positioned as a "youthful, trendy, and dynamic smart compact SUV". In terms of corporate ownership, Kaiyi Auto was originally founded with investment from Chery Holding, before its controlling stake was transferred to a state-owned enterprise under the Yibin Municipal Government in 2018. Chery retains a 49% stake and continues to provide core technical support, including powertrains, R&D platforms, and supply chain resources. For this reason, the vehicle was frequently marketed under the "Chery Xuanjie" moniker in its early promotional campaigns.

At launch, the entire range was powered by a Chery-sourced 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, with prices spanning between RM58,900 and RM84,900. The line-up subsequently expanded with performance-oriented "Pro" variants and all-electric models, establishing a comprehensive product matrix: the Xuanjie Pro debuted in July 2021 powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine; the Xuanjie Pro Beyond Edition was introduced in October 2025 with upgraded safety and comfort kit; while in the new energy vehicle (NEV) segment, the Xuanjie Pro BEV (all-electric version) became a core electric model for the brand. By the end of 2025, cumulative annual sales for the Xuanjie series stood at approximately 5,488 units, playing an essential role in Kaiyi's overall model portfolio. Lu Lihua, Deputy General Manager of Kaiyi Automobile Co., Ltd., previously highlighted that the Xuanjie was strategically developed to appeal to millennial and Gen-Z buyers.

Design Language

Penned under the direction of Design Director Pier Luigi Ferrari, formerly of a renowned Italian design house, the Xuanjie series blends Eastern aesthetics with contemporary styling cues. On the exterior, the 2020 launch model offered two front grille designs – "Wing Span" and "Starry Sky" – complemented by a floating roof and sculpted body character lines for a sportier stance. The line-up offered five solid body colours and four dual-tone sporty schemes to cater to the personalised preferences of younger buyers. In terms of dimensions, early versions measured 4,335 × 1,796 × 1,665 mm (L × W × H) with a 2,530 mm wheelbase; the subsequent Pro series grew to 4,400 × 1,831 × 1,653 mm (reaching 4,450 × 1,831 × 1,670 mm on the flagship spec), with the wheelbase stretched to 2,632 mm, repositioning it as a "spacious, value-packed RM50,000-bracket SUV".

Inside, the cabin continues the youthful aesthetic. Early variants were equipped with a 7-inch colour instrument display and a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, whilst higher-spec trims upgraded both to dual 10.25-inch screens. The Xuanjie Pro launched in July 2021 introduced a dual 10.25-inch floating twin-screen setup (digital instrument cluster + central touchscreen) integrated with AutoNavi Maps and QQ Music, standing out in tech appeal within its price segment. The 2025 Xuanjie Pro adopted a striking black-and-orange dual-tone interior theme with extensive soft-touch panelling, faux leather upholstery, and a microfibre leather steering wheel as standard across all variants, noticeably lifting overall cabin refinement.

Powertrain & Performance

The Xuanjie line-up offers two powertrain options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit. Sourced from Chery, the 1.5L NA engine (model SQRE4G15C) develops 85 kW (116 PS) and 143 Nm of torque, utilising multi-point injection (MPI) tuned for smooth low-to-mid-range power delivery and fuel efficiency. This engine is shared with the Chery Arrizo 5, featuring identical output figures. Transmission duties are handled by either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox supplied by Wanliyang. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.7 L/100 km under the NEDC cycle (7.3 L/100 km under WLTC), running on standard RON 92 petrol. The 1.5T variant features Chery's Kunpeng Power 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine (model SQRE4T15C), bumping output to 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, with a high thermal efficiency of 37.1%. Paired with a CVT capable of simulating 9 virtual ratios, fuel consumption remains at 6.7 L/100 km, balancing responsive performance with everyday running economy.

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the early Xuanjie employs a conventional suspension setup featuring front MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and a rear torsion beam, typical of budget-oriented SUVs in this segment. Real-world test drives indicate that while the suspension delivers decent ride comfort on paved urban roads, body roll and vertical pitch become apparent over undulating tarmac at high speeds; the firmer damping on the rear torsion beam also transmits gravel vibrations and road harshness directly to rear occupants. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, which feels light and effortless for parking at low speeds and builds progressive weight at cruising speeds for high-speed stability. All variants adopt a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, paired with ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear discs for balanced braking performance. Motoring reviews highlight that the Xuanjie Pro demonstrates marked improvements in chassis composure: across a 200 km multi-terrain test drive (including desert sections), the chassis remained taut and composed over potholes without feeling loose, with ride calibration on par with mainstream joint-venture B-segment SUVs.

Cabin & Equipment

The Xuanjie series places equal emphasis on digital tech and daily convenience. Early iterations featured a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, with selected high-spec variants upgraded to dual 10.25-inch displays; the infotainment unit supports Bluetooth audio, AutoNavi GPS navigation, smartphone screen mirroring, and a reverse camera. The 2025 Xuanjie Pro comes standard across the board with cruise control, keyless entry with push-start button, and Auto Brake Hold (AUTOHOLD), while the Beyond Edition adds rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps, and LED daytime running lights (DRLs), providing full coverage of essential smart features. The seat upholstery is upgraded to full faux leather, with 6-way adjustment for the driver's seat. Boot space accommodates two 28-inch suitcases and one 20-inch carry-on bag in standard form, while the 60:40 split-folding rear seats allow flexible cargo expansion for daily errands and long-distance road trips alike.

Safety & Smart Driving

In terms of safety, the Xuanjie incorporates an integrated cage body structure featuring longitudinal and lateral multi-ring load paths, designed to disperse impact energy effectively during frontal collisions to preserve passenger cell integrity. The entire range comes fitted with Bosch's ESP 9.3 electronic stability programme (incorporating ABS, EBD, traction control, and brake assist). The Xuanjie Pro Beyond Edition steps up safety further with rear parking sensors and a front passenger airbag, addressing the passive safety shortcomings of earlier base trims. For driver assistance, the range is not equipped with Level 2 or higher advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS); high-spec variants provide essential driving aids such as cruise control, a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Market Performance & Reviews

The Xuanjie's market trajectory has seen a full cycle of an early surge, subsequent downturn, and strategic realignment. Entering the entry-level compact SUV segment in 2020 with an attractive starting price of RM53,900, it drew strong interest from price-sensitive buyers. Full-year sales reached approximately 20,300 units in 2021 and rose to 52,000 units in 2023. However, heading into 2025, surging EV adoption and the contraction of the traditional ICE compact SUV segment caused sales of the petrol-powered Xuanjie to slide significantly: recording just 234 units in April, down 11.69% month-on-month and 61.19% year-on-year. Meanwhile, the Xuanjie Pro BEV took over as the primary sales driver: registering 8,431 units in September 2025 alone and 23,405 units year-to-date, becoming an integral sales pillar in Kaiyi's electric vehicle offensive.

In owner reviews, drivers have praised the Xuanjie Pro's 1.5T engine (notably its punchy mid-range reserves), modern twin-screen setup, and composed chassis tuning. However, several criticisms have been noted: the early 1.5L NA engine feels underpowered under full load or high-speed overtakes; base variants offer sparse airbag coverage; the rear torsion beam compromises rear passenger ride comfort over uneven surfaces; and the limited 3S/4S dealership network creates servicing and maintenance inconveniences, which remain key considerations for prospective car buyers.