A Taiwan-assembled Chery A3 scored the highest five-star evaluation in an impact test conducted recently in Taiwan, prior to the entry of Chinese automobiles into the island.

In the test, conducted at the Automotive Research and Testing Centre (ARTC), located in Changhua Coastal Industrial Zone, the Chery A3 even scored 16 points, the top grade, in the critical side-impact test. In front-impact testing, it scored 14.76 points. The outcome surprises many local industry insiders, as some locally made cars obtain less than 10 points in the impact test.

The local agent of Chery declined to confirm the testing result, saying it will publicise it at proper time. The testing outcome, if confirmed, will greatly boost the image of the company's cars in the local market, paving the way for its local debut, scheduled in September at the earliest.

The Geely Panda will also undertake an impact test at ARTC soon and will hit the local market in September, too.

Chery's 2.0-litre A3 is expected to bear a price tag of NT$ 450,000-500,000 (US$ 13,900-15,500), comparable to the popular Toyota Vios, which has a 1.5-litre engine.

Only 220,000 vehicles were sold in Taiwan last year, one-fiftieth of China's 10 million. However, due to its intense competition, the successful penetration of the local market can help Chinese automakers enhance their image in the global market.