SMA C51 1.5 (95 Hp)
Overall Rating
SMA C51:
Shanghai Maple Guorun Automobile Co. , Ltd. was a Chinese automobile manufacturing company based in Fengjing, Shanghai, and a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
Originally Shanghai Maple , the brand was established in 2000, producing Huapu branded vehicles. It was founded by Li Shufu's younger brother, Li Shutong. The vehicles are listed under the Langfeng brand while being sold as Huapu products. Geely acquired a strategic holding in Shanghai Maple in 2002, and in 2008, Shanghai Maple was fully consolidated into Geely as their budget brand before phasing it out in 2010....(Read more on Wikipedia)
C51 Overview:
SMA C51 (C51). With 128 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1160 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 160 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 SMA C51 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. Safety features are basic, typical for an entry-level vehicle of its era and origin, focusing on fundamental passive safety.
1.5 (95 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.5-liter engine provides adequate power for city driving and light highway use, but acceleration is modest, reflecting its economical design.
Fuel Economy
With an extra-urban consumption of 6.5 l/100 km, this engine offers reasonable fuel economy for its class, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuting.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

5 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 1 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable purchase price and running costs
- • Reasonable fuel economy for its class
- • Spacious trunk capacity (520 l)
- • Simple, proven engine design (JL479QA)
Cons:
- • Modest performance, especially on highways
- • Basic safety features and no Euro NCAP rating
- • Potentially limited refinement and interior quality
- • Dated design and technology compared to rivals
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | SMA |
| Model: | C51 |
| Generation: | C51 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5 (95 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2005 |
| End of production: | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 95 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 63.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 128 Nm @ 3400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | JL479QA |
| Engine displacement: | 1498 |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Maximum speed: | 160 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.2 kg/Hp, 81.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.1 kg/Nm, 110.3 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1160 |
| Max. weight: | 1540 |
| Max load: | 380 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 520 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 51 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4435 mm mm |
| Width: | 1710 mm mm |
| Height: | 1430 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2540 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1423 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1424 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 m |
| 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 | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent suspension, longitudinal arms with transverse torsion shafts |












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