SMA C51 1.5 (95 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion 5.0 / 5

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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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:

Rating 3 stars

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.

Best Use Case: City / Suburban Commuting

reddit Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 100% Neutral: 0% Issues: 0%
rating
5 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 1 discussions

Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
The transmission is not known to be the best, but my 2006 has over 340000km and still drives good. The transmission does get regular fluid changes. If maintained they are reliable.


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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/65 R14
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionSemi-independent suspension, longitudinal arms with transverse torsion shafts

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