English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Chery A3 (M11): sedan and hatchback — engines and buying
Chery A3 — a compact class car produced from 2008–2015, known in export markets as the Chery M11. We look at its bodies, engines, and what to check when buying a used A3 in Lithuania.
A3 in brief
The A3 was one of the first Chery models to feature a unique, non-copycat design: its styling was crafted by Italian studio Pininfarina. In 2008, it scored five stars in the China NCAP safety test, becoming the first Chinese car to achieve such a result.
The model was offered in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback bodies. It went by different names in various markets: Chery M11 in Russia and Ukraine, Tengo in Serbia, Cielo in Brazil, and J3 in Australia.
Bodies and purpose
The sedan boasts a larger boot and is ideal for those who prioritise practicality, while the hatchback is more versatile and easier to manoeuvre in the city. Both versions offer a similarly spacious interior.
The A3 was primarily aimed at families seeking an affordable car. Thanks to its simple technology, it's popular among those who value a low price and hassle-free maintenance.
Engines and gearboxes
The A3 came with four petrol engines, ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 litres, all four-cylinder with DOHC mechanism. The exact power output and engine code are best checked on the specific car.
Gearboxes are either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, depending on the engine. The car is front-wheel drive.
What to check when buying a used A3
First up — the body: check for corrosion, especially in the lower sections, sills, and arches, and the overall condition of the paint. Also, check if the car hasn't been heavily damaged.
Inspect the engine (oil and coolant leaks, cooling system), gearbox, and electrical installation. Spare parts and specialists in Lithuania might be scarce, so assess repair possibilities in advance.
Body styles and names
Trim names vary by market, so we provide body types and export names.
Sedanas
2008–2015Four-door body with a separate boot.
- More space for luggage
- Often — simpler interior trim
- Pininfarina design
Hečbekas
Later yearsFive-door body with a more versatile boot.
- Five doors
- More practical boot
- Pininfarina design
Chery M11
2008–2015Export name in Russia and Ukraine.
- The same tech in sedan and hatchback forms
- Often tailored to other markets' requirements
- The same Pininfarina design
A3 comparison
| Sedanas | Hečbekas | M11 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For practical use | For city driving | For export markets |
| Wheels (usually) | Compact | Compact | Compact |
| Interior | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| Engine | 1.6–2.0-litre petrol | 1.6–2.0-litre petrol | 1.6–2.0-litre petrol |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | € |
A3 — an affordable and straightforward car. The key is a well-maintained body and a documented service history.
Pros
- Distinctive Pininfarina design
- Simple technology
- Low price
- Well-rated in safety tests (China's NCAP)
Cons
- Few parts and services available in Lithuania
- Risk of corrosion due to age
- Lower resale value
Frequently asked questions
What sets the Chery A3 apart from the M11?
It's the same car — A3 is the name in China, M11 is the export version, used in Russia and Ukraine.
Who designed the A3?
The car's design was created by the Italian studio Pininfarina.
What engines does the A3 have?
Four four-cylinder petrol engines, with capacities ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 litres.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
