The Great Wall Cool Bear 1.5 (105 Hp) was a compact minivan produced by the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors from 2009 to 2012. Positioned as an affordable and practical family vehicle, the Cool Bear aimed to capture a segment of the market seeking a spacious and economical mode of transportation. It represented Great Wall’s early efforts to establish a presence beyond the Chinese domestic market, though export numbers remained limited. The 1.5-liter engine variant occupied the entry-level position in the Cool Bear lineup, offering a balance between cost and usability.
| Brand | Great Wall |
| Model | Cool Bear |
| Generation | Cool Bear |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 (105 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12 kg/Hp, 83.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.1 kg/Nm, 109.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 138 Nm @ 4200 rpm (101.78 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine displacement | 1497 cm3 (91.35 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Kerb Weight | 1260 kg (2777.82 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 600 l (21.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3951 mm (155.55 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1634 mm (64.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2499 mm (98.39 in.) |
| Front track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 134 mm (5.28 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-dependent beam with stabilizer lateral stability |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Cool Bear 1.5 was powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated internally by Great Wall as a variant within their broader engine family. This engine produced 105 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 138 Nm (101.78 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine utilized a multi-port fuel injection system, a common technology for its time, providing adequate fuel atomization for efficient combustion. The engine was naturally aspirated, meaning it did not employ a turbocharger or supercharger. This resulted in a relatively linear power delivery, prioritizing usability over outright performance. The engine was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the sole transmission option for this variant. The transmission was chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, aligning with the Cool Bear’s overall value proposition.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5-liter engine in the Cool Bear provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration was modest, and the vehicle was best suited for urban and suburban driving. The 5-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to maintain optimal engine speed for fuel efficiency or to extract the most available power when needed. Compared to potential future turbocharged variants (which were not offered during the Cool Bear’s production run), the 1.5-liter engine lacked the low-end torque and responsiveness of forced induction. However, it offered a smoother and more predictable driving experience. The gear ratios were tuned for economy, with a relatively tall fifth gear designed to reduce engine speed at highway cruising speeds. This contributed to reasonable fuel economy, but could also result in the need to downshift when encountering hills or overtaking other vehicles.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cool Bear 1.5 was generally equipped with basic amenities, reflecting its position as an entry-level vehicle. Standard features typically included power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat spartan, design. Optional extras were limited, but could include power windows and upgraded audio systems. The trim level for the 1.5-liter variant was typically the base model, focusing on providing essential transportation at an affordable price point. Safety features were also basic, typically including front airbags and seatbelts, but lacking the advanced safety systems found in more expensive vehicles.
Chassis & Braking
The Cool Bear 1.5 utilized a front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension consisted of an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort and handling. The rear suspension employed a semi-dependent beam axle with a stabilizer bar, a cost-effective solution that offered adequate stability. The braking system featured ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. This configuration was typical for vehicles in its class and price range. The braking performance was adequate for normal driving conditions, but lacked the stopping power of vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Great Wall Cool Bear 1.5 received mixed reviews. Critics generally praised its affordability and spacious interior, but noted its lack of refinement and relatively basic features. Compared to other compact minivans available in the Chinese market, the Cool Bear offered a competitive price point, but lagged behind in terms of build quality and overall driving experience. Fuel economy was considered reasonable for its class, and the 1.5-liter engine proved to be relatively reliable. However, the lack of a more powerful engine option limited its appeal to buyers seeking more performance. The Cool Bear primarily targeted budget-conscious families and first-time car buyers.
Legacy
The Great Wall Cool Bear 1.5, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a role in establishing Great Wall Motors as a significant player in the Chinese automotive market. The 1.5-liter engine proved to be reasonably durable, and many examples remain on the road today. In the used car market, the Cool Bear 1.5 is valued for its affordability and practicality. However, potential buyers should be aware of its basic features and limited refinement. The Cool Bear paved the way for Great Wall’s subsequent models, which have demonstrated improved build quality and technology. It represents an early step in the company’s journey towards becoming a globally recognized automotive brand.
