Archive first published
Chery Fora: the Compact Saloon Sold as A5, Elara and Others
The Chery Fora is a compact four-door saloon made by the Chinese carmaker Chery from 2006 to 2010, known in China as the Chery A5. It was sold under several names, among them Elara in Ukraine. Its Acteco petrol engines of 1.6 to 2.0 litres, developed with the Austrian firm AVL, produce 87.5 to 102 kW (119 to 139 PS).
Key takeaways
- Built 2006–2010 in Wuhu, China; the facelifted version was sold as the Chery Cowin 3 until 2013.
- Engines: Acteco 1.6 (87.5 kW, 119 PS), 1.8 (97 kW, 132 PS) and 2.0 (102 kW, 139 PS), with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
- 4,552 mm long on a 2,600 mm wheelbase, kerb weight about 1,290 kg.
- Strengths: quiet 2.0 engine, good brakes, cheap parts; weaknesses: soft suspension and high seating.
Chery Fora at a glance
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Maker | Chery Automobile, Wuhu, China |
| Production | 2006–2010 (facelift as Cowin 3 to 2013) |
| Body and layout | 4-door saloon, front-wheel drive |
| Successor | Chery E5 |
The company's background is told in Chery's history.
One car, many names
Names depended on the market and on the local assembler.
| Name | Market |
|---|---|
| Chery A5 | China |
| Fora | Several export markets |
| Elara | Ukraine (assembled by ZAZ in Zaporizhzhia) |
| Alia | Turkey |
| Speranza A516 | Egypt (assembled in Cairo) |
| MVM 530 | Iran (assembled in Bam) |
| Cowin 3 | China, facelift of 2010–2013 |
| Vortex Estina | Rebadged facelift for one export market |
Acteco engines and performance
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Top speed | Consumption at 90 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 SQR477F | 1,597 cc | 87.5 kW (119 PS) | 147 Nm | 180 km/h | 6.6 l/100 km |
| 1.8 SQR481FC | 1,845 cc | 97 kW (132 PS) | 170 Nm | 185 km/h | 6.8 l/100 km |
| 2.0 SQR484F | 1,971 cc | 102 kW (139 PS) | 182 Nm | up to 230 km/h claimed (manual), 180 km/h (automatic) | 7.2 l/100 km |
The old 1cars text gives about 11 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h for the 2.0. By our calculation, a 2.0 with a kerb weight of 1,290 kg carries 12.6 kg per kW, against 14.7 kg per kW for the 1.6. A hybrid version, the A5 ISG (or BSG), was also developed.
Size and safety
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,552 mm |
| Width | 1,750 mm |
| Height | 1,483 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,290 kg |
Safety equipment included ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and, on some versions, stability control (ESP).
Design and interior
The design is conservative, with wide chrome strips on the grille; the old 1cars text finds the long bonnet and short boot awkward. It resembles the unrelated Nissan Altima.
The cabin is roomy for the class, and higher trims came with cream-coloured leather. The driver's seat adjusts in eight directions but sits high even at its lowest, so tall drivers can touch the roof lining on bumps. A trip computer shows fuel consumption.
Verdict: strengths and weaknesses
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Quiet Acteco 2.0 engine | Soft suspension |
| Good brakes | High seating position, limited headroom for tall drivers |
| Low-cost service parts | Awkward proportions |
| Roomy cabin | Basic safety equipment by modern standards |
As a used car, the Fora suits buyers who want a cheap, roomy saloon with low parts costs, ideally with the 2.0 engine; tall drivers should test the seat first. For a newer Chery, the brand's SUVs such as the Tiggo 2, 4 and 7 and the Tiggo 8 are the current alternatives. More sedans and Chinese cars are listed on 1cars, boot sizes are ranked in the biggest-boot sedans, and any two can be compared in the comparison tool.
FAQ
Is the Chery Fora the same car as the Chery A5 and Elara?
Yes. Fora, A5 and Elara are names of the same Chery saloon of 2006–2010. It was also sold as the Alia in Turkey, the Speranza A516 in Egypt and the MVM 530 in Iran.
What engines does the Chery Fora have?
Acteco petrol engines developed with AVL: a 1.6 with 87.5 kW (119 PS), a 1.8 with 97 kW (132 PS) and a 2.0 with 102 kW (139 PS), with manual or automatic gearboxes.
How big is the Chery Fora?
The saloon is 4,552 mm long, 1,750 mm wide and 1,483 mm high, with a 2,600 mm wheelbase and a kerb weight of about 1,290 kg.
What replaced the Chery Fora?
In China a facelifted version continued as the Chery Cowin 3 until 2013, and the Chery E5 became its successor. The brand's best-known models today are its Tiggo SUVs.
