We're forever being told that China is the world's fastest growing hyperpower and that, eventually, everything we own will have been built in the People's Republic.
We're also told that China is the world's largest producer of cars; however, you'd never tell this by looking at your average supermarket car park. China has yet to make an impression on the UK car market, and the vast majority of cars on British roads remain either European, Japanese or, increasingly, Korean.
But that's all about to change, as a new Chinese manufacturer, Qoros, is hoping to make a dent in the European market with its new Qoros 3 saloon, which goes on display at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
It's not the most interesting car in the world but, truth be told, it doesn't really need to be. It's the same size as a VW Jetta, it comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and it should cost from around £17,000.
Slightly more interestingly, the Qoros was designed by Gert Hildebrand, the man responsible for the original MINI and the MkIII Golf, no less. He's done a good job too; the 3 saloon might be a little bland but, on the whole, it's a handsome enough car.
It's unclear whether Qoros intends on producing a right-hand-drive version of the 3 for the UK market. The company knows that the famously conservative UK market will be a tough nut to crack. And although companies like Kia and Hyundai have shaken off their budget stigma and become more respected over the years, it remains to be seen whether Qoros can pull off the same trick.
