The world premiere comes a year after the Qoros 3 Sedan – recently named in Euro NCAP’s “best of class” honours due to its high five-star rating – was introduced and sees the same platform used for the new model. However, the Hatch also features new C-pillars, roof, rear side panels, and tailgate, plus a new rear roof cross-member to maintain the car's torsional rigidity.

The hatchback also has the same wheelbase, width and height, but the rear overhang and overall length are reduced by 177mm.

The carmaker adds that the long wheelbase means the new hatchback will deliver unusually generous interior space for a vehicle in the compact segment.

The latest Qoros model also gains a specific front grille, bumper and fog lights as well as rear lamp clusters and tailgate, intended to create a ‘more compact, dynamic, sporty appearance that will appeal to a new, more lifestyle-oriented group of customers’.

Inside the new model shares many features with the saloon but gains new colour combinations and materials.

Each Qoros 3 hatchback will be fitted as standard with the brand's eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system – Qoros MMH (multimedia hub) – which is operated via smartphone-type multi-gesture finger swipe inputs for minimal driver distraction.

The majority of the line-up will feature QorosQloud, which delivers a comprehensive suite of free-for-life services with 3G connectivity, including vehicle monitoring, social networking and enhanced navigation.

The engine line-up will use the same 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines and six-speed manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

The Qoros 3 Hatch will be manufactured in the brand's plant in Changshu, China, on the same production line as the Qoros 3 Sedan.