You’ve seen some photos of the car, now here’s an even closer look at the Chery EQ1’s interior and what are the features available in the electric vehicle (EV). Chery displayed the EV at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2022 as part of its preview of what’s to come from the brand’s return to the archipelago.

To recap, the Chery EQ1 is one of five models that the company is planning to launch as part of its return. Other models include the Cherry Tiggo 8 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, Skytour, and the Omoda 5. Chery estimates that order books for the EQ1 will start as soon as next year (2023).

To be accurate, the model on display at the IIMS is a China-market unit. The car’s presence at IIMS is Chery’s way of testing the market and gauging the reaction from Indonesians towards the EQ1.

Measuring 3,200 x 1,670 x 1,550 mm in length, width, and height with a wheelbase of 2,150 mm, our Indonesian colleagues at Autofun noted that the EV is taller than the Toyota Agya, better known as the Perodua Axia to us.

Also read: 7-seater 2022 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro facelift, aimed at Geely Haoyue / Proton X90

In terms of specifications, the EQ1 in China comes with two battery options. One relies on a 30.6 kW battery that is good for a range of 301 km while another draws power from a 55 kW battery that is good for 408 km. You can drive the EQ1 to Penang from Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) with one charge.

However, the EQ1 only dispenses a total power output of 40 PS while the torque figure is rated at 120 Nm. The max torque figure is higher than an Axia (91 Nm) though not yet comparable with a Perodua Myvi (137 Nm).

Minimalistic yet classy interior

If you can look pass the explosion of pink within the interior, you will find that the EQ1’s interior is rather well-appointed for an affordable EV.

The China-market model on display features a shift-by-wire gear shift dial, wireless charging, and a panoramic roof. However, the item that takes centre stage is the vertical touch screen panel that hosts the car’s infotainment system.

Also read: 2022 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro to be the first CKD model in Indonesia, launching in June

In China, the EQ1 comes with Baidu Carlife connectivity, something similar to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It will be interesting to see if Chery Indonesia will make both connections available when they launch the EV in the country.

Though the exterior looks like the EQ1 can only fit two, there is actually a rear bench that would be a squeeze for adults but perfectly comfortable for children. The rear seats can also be folded away if you need more boot space.

In China, prices for the EQ1 starts from CNY 73,900 (~RM 49,000) and tops off at CNY 94,000 (~RM 62,000), but this is after Chinese subsidies for EVs. Without subsidies, the model will probably costs twice at least 50 percent more.

Also read: Cuteness overload! Chery EQ1 previewed for Indonesia, up to 408 km range