Here we have the new Guangzhou Auto Trumpchi GS4, a new compact SUV for China. The Trumpchi GS4 debuted as a semi-concept on the Detroit Auto Show in January. This final-production version will have its public debut on the Shanghai Auto Show next month, and will launch on the Chinese auto market soon thereafter.

Design is very attractive for a local Chinese brand. Sharp lines, forward-moving, great work around the C-pillar. Sadly the wheels let it all down again, they are far too small swimming in their arches. Designers at Guangzhou Auto tried to make it a little less bad by adding a black strip on the inside of the arch, but that isn’t enough for a fix. Just fit bigger wheels! Many Chinese automakers use small wheels as a cheap trick to bring down fuel consumption, no matter what that means for looks and safety. May the times change soon…

Interior is very good as well. Steering wheel somewhat oval-shaped, sporty dials and a large LCD screen. Materials look expensive and t all seems well-put together.

Bench looks comfortable and seats three.

Roof rails slope down with the roof and won’t be very useful for ferrying stuff. Rear window very small but that wiper is even smaller. Exhaust pipe tips on the far sides of the bumper are fake, the pipe…

… ends there, on the left side under the skid pad.

Grille is really cool with a lot of bling. Lights are looking good, complemented by fog and LED-lights in the bumper.

The Trumpchi GS4 SUV is based on the same platform as the Guangzhou Auto Trumpchi GA3 sedan. There will be two four-cylinder petrol engines available: a 1.3 turbo (‘200T’) (pictured) and a 1.5 turbo (‘300T’), both mated to a seven-speed DCT or a seven-speed automatic. The GS4 will be positioned below the Trumpchi GS5 SUV. Price will start around 80.000 yuan and end around 120.000 yuan ($13.000 – 19.360). Size: 4510/1852/1677, wheelbase is 2650.

That wiper can wipe less than a quarter of that window. Let it not rain.