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Chery Cowin C3: a compact sedan, the C3R hatchback and what to know before buying
Cowin C3 — a compact sedan from the Chinese manufacturer Kaiyi (a subsidiary of Chery) that hit the market in 2014. We look at the sedan and hatchback C3R versions, the electric variant and what you need to know if you come across one for sale.
Cowin C3 at a glance
Cowin C3 — a compact front-wheel-drive sedan designed for everyday city driving. Prototypes with the C3 and C3R names were shown at the 2014 Chengdu show, with the production sedan unveiled at the Guangzhou show the same year.
The primary market is China. The model is not officially sold in Lithuania, so there are hardly any used cars available.
Versions — what's the difference
The first to arrive was the C3 sedan (November 2014). In April 2015, it was joined by the C3R hatchback.
Later, electric versions were introduced: Cowin C3R EV (from October 2016) and Chery eQ2 — a rebadged electric C3 version.
Engines and gearboxes
The petrol C3 has a small-displacement (around 1.5-litre) four-cylinder engine. Exact power figures depend on the market and year, so check them in the vehicle's logbook before buying.
The electric C3R EV has a 57hp motor and, according to the manufacturer, can travel around 200km on a single charge, with a top speed of around 100km/h. These versions are only suitable for short distances.
What to check when buying a Cowin C3
Inspect the body for signs of accidents and rust, check the quality of the paintwork and panels. Ask for the service history.
In the electric version, request a battery condition check and verify if the charging connector is suitable, as the Chinese standard may differ from European ones.
There is no official representative in Lithuania, so finding parts and mechanics may take time. Before buying, check if the required parts are available.
Trim levels
Trim names vary by market, so we describe the versions by transmission and body style.
C3 sedanas
from 2014The base model.
- A four-door sedan
- Petrol engine
- Basic, non-luxury interior
C3R hečbekas
from 2015Hatchback body, more convenient in the city.
- Five-door hatchback
- The same core components
- More practical boot than the sedan
C3R EV
from 2016Hatchback electric version.
- 57 kW electric motor
- Around 200 km range (manufacturer's data)
- Ideal for short trips
Chery eQ2
Later versionA souped-up electric Cowin C3 version.
- 57 kW electric motor
- More range than the C3R EV
- Often used as training or fleet versions
Comparing the versions
| C3 sedanas | C3R hečbekas | C3R EV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Budget-friendly sedan | Perfect for city driving | Short trips |
| Body | Sedan | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Gearbox | Petrol engine | Petrol engine | Electric, 57 kW |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | € |
This is a simple and affordable car. If you're considering it, opt for a well-maintained petrol engine, and the electric version only with a checked battery.
Pros
- Compact size, ideal for city driving
- Basic technology
- Sedan and hatchback body styles
- There is also an electric version
Cons
- There is no official representative in Lithuania
- Harder to find parts and mechanics
- Electric versions have limited mileage
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cowin C3 sold in Lithuania?
Officially, no. The used market is minimal and usually consists of individually imported cars.
What's the difference between the Cowin C3 and C3R?
The C3 is a sedan, while the C3R is a hatchback with the same core components.
Is there an electric Cowin C3?
Yes. The Cowin C3R EV is offered with a 57 kW engine and around 200 km of range, as well as the more premium Chery eQ2 variant.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
