WE TESTED the Chery QQ, the first Chinese car here, in July 2006, and concluded that it was possibly the worst car we've driven.

Now, just over 18 months later, we are in another Chery. A Hyundai Getz-sized hatch called the A1. And what an improvement it is over the QQ.

The fit and finish of the exterior body panels, the quality of the interior, the insulation and the ergonomics are of a standard you can live with. The A1 even drives like a car, with an acceptable level of ride comfort and passable handling.

If you don't already know, Chery has a joint venture with Chrysler, where the Chinese company will supply the American one with compact and subcompact models which will be badged Dodge.

The A1 is the first such model, and Chrysler is expected to export them first to South American markets.

That is an indication that Chery has arrived. Or it could be an indication that the American company is desperate. Chrysler, to be honest, is no standard bearer. And Dodge isn't exactly an aspirational brand.

But, to be fair, the Chinese Dodges will eventually be exported to North America and even Europe. And to enter these markets, a car does not have to be pretty or zippy. But it does have to be fairly safe and somewhat eco-friendly.

Which explains the spiffy digital trip computer floating in the centre of the blue-lit instrument cluster. Among other things, it keeps track of the A1's fuel consumption, which is reasonably low when you are in fifth gear, on a flat road and on an empty stomach.

The engine has poor low-end torque, and its fifth gear feels like it should be the seventh. In that slot, a slight headwind will slow it down.

Thankfully, the A1 does not object to hard revving. If you get past the transmission whine and notchy gear slots (fifth to third, for instance), the acceleration builds up expectantly.

For a small car with wheels set at extreme ends, the car should have great manoeuvrability and handling. But its tendency to lean, roll and pitch in corners makes you feel like you are in a panel van - with Mr Bean at the wheel.

At least it steers and brakes decently enough.

What its body shape and layout offer generously is space. The A1 has adequate room for four adults and not too shoddy a boot.

The cabin betrays none of the rattle and hum that often haunt bigger and better cars. One sign that Chery has paid extra attention here lies in the rubber washers on the rear parcel shelf.

But there are other things which Chery doesn't seem to care much about. Like how high the wipers are at rest, the colour scheme of the trim and the cabin's strong chemical smells that cling to your collar.

Owners, however, will appreciate the powerful air-con, factory-fitted music console (with USB port), alloy rims and parking sensors with LED guidance.

All in all, the A1 is phenomenally better than the crusty QQ, but it still has some way to go before it is comparable to Japanese or even Korean cars in the same segment.

CHERY A1
Price: $42,999 with COE
Engine: 1,297cc 16-valve inline-4
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Power: 82hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 114Nm at 3,800rpm
0-100kmh: 15 seconds (est)
Top speed: 156kmh
Fuel consumption: 10.9 litres/100km (city, est)
Agent: Vertex Automobile

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Feb 23 2008.