The best spy shots so far of the upcoming Chery E1 hatchback, based on the Chery E2 sedan. Interestingly, some Chinese sources say the Chery E1 and Chery E2 will be manufactured by a brand new car maker currently called ‘Jiangbei Project’.

The new car maker is founded by a group of ex-Chery employees, is based in the same city as Chery, and has very close ties with Chery. The venture will apparently use Chery engines. This all sounds very much like a new sub-brand of some sorts, focusing on the cheap end of the market.

This particular Chery E2 clearly has Chery badges on the bonnet and the back.

The Chery E2 and E1 will be powered by 1.3 and 1.5 liter four-cylinder gasoline engines, mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Price for the E1 hatchback will start around 40.000 yuan and end around 60.000 yuan, positioning the E1 right above the new Chery QQ.

Size: 3972mm/1726mm/1510mm, wheelbase is 2510mm.