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Brilliance M1 Zhonghua 2.4 (136 Hp)
Overall Rating
Brilliance M1:
The Brilliance BS6, in China sold as Zhonghua Zunchi , and later as the Brilliance M1 is a full-size car produced by Brilliance Auto in China. It was originally developed by Italdesign Giugiaro and launched as the Brilliance Zhonghua in December 2000.
A few cars were imported to Belgium for a short period during 2006, but deliveries were suspended after a Euro NCAP crash test arranged by the ADAC. The car only managed to achieve one of the possible five stars, a result described as "catastrophic" and "disastrous". A second star was denied because on a side impact test, biometric limits were exceeded. Due to the severe deformation of the car, the likelihood of occupants surviving the crash was low. However, according to a wire report carried by Forbes. com, a heavily strengthened version of BS6 has been tested in Spain....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Zhonghua Overview:
Brilliance M1 (Zhonghua). With 173 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1420 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.5 s). The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Brilliance M1 (also known as BS6) received a catastrophic 0-star Euro NCAP rating in 2007, highlighting severe structural integrity issues and inadequate occupant protection in crash tests.
2.4 (136 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a marginal improvement in acceleration over the 2.0L, making it slightly more capable for highway driving, but still far from sporty or engaging.
Fuel Economy
Likely to have similar or slightly worse fuel efficiency than the 2.0L due to larger displacement, without significant power gains to offset the increased consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable purchase price
- • Spacious interior for its class
- • Simple, proven Mitsubishi-derived engine technology
- • Large fuel tank capacity (74L)
Cons:
- • Catastrophic Euro NCAP safety rating (0 stars)
- • Sluggish performance across all engine options
- • Questionable build quality and material finish
- • Lack of modern features and refinement
- • Poor resale value
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Brilliance |
| Model: | M1 |
| Generation: | Zhonghua |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.4 (136 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 136 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Torque: | 173 Nm |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.4 kg/Hp, 95.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.2 kg/Nm, 121.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1420 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 550 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 74 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4880 mm |
| Width: | 1800 mm |
| Height: | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2540 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Brilliance M1!