The Hafei Simbo 1.3i, producing 78 horsepower, was a subcompact hatchback manufactured by the Chinese automaker Hafei Motor between 2006 and 2008. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, the Simbo aimed to provide affordable transportation within the rapidly expanding Chinese automotive market. While largely unknown outside of its domestic market, the Simbo represented a significant step for Hafei as they sought to establish themselves as a mainstream vehicle manufacturer. The 1.3i variant served as the base model, offering a balance of economy and practicality for budget-conscious buyers.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hafei |
| Model | Simbo |
| Generation | Simbo |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3i (78 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 145 km/h (90.1 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.1 kg/Hp, 66.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.9 kg/Nm, 91.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 78 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60 Hp/l |
| Torque | 108 Nm (79.66 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Mitsubishi DA471Q |
| Engine displacement | 1299 cm3 (79.27 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Kerb Weight | 1180 kg (2601.45 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1460 kg (3218.75 lbs.) |
| Max load | 280 kg (617.29 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 3885 mm (152.95 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Front track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Hafei Simbo 1.3i was powered by the Mitsubishi-sourced DA471Q engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, while not a particularly advanced design, was known for its reliability and simplicity. It featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a multi-point fuel injection system, contributing to reasonable fuel efficiency for the time. The engine produced 78 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 108 Nm (79.66 lb-ft) of torque. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration were typical for vehicles in this class. The Simbo 1.3i was exclusively offered with a four-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, while providing ease of use, was not known for its responsiveness or fuel efficiency compared to a manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The driving experience in the Hafei Simbo 1.3i with the automatic transmission was geared towards practicality and ease of use rather than performance. Acceleration was modest, with the 78 horsepower engine and four-speed automatic resulting in a 0-60 mph time estimated to be around 14-16 seconds. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy, resulting in a somewhat sluggish response during overtaking maneuvers. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a relatively smooth ride on typical urban roads, but it lacked the sophistication to offer engaging handling. Compared to a hypothetical manual transmission version, the automatic Simbo would have felt noticeably slower and less engaging, but it catered to drivers prioritizing convenience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Hafei Simbo 1.3i, as the base model, was equipped with a relatively basic set of features. Standard equipment typically included power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, functional design. Optional extras were limited, but could include power windows and upgraded audio systems. The overall interior ambiance was functional and utilitarian, reflecting the vehicle’s affordable price point. Safety features were also basic, typically including front airbags and seatbelts, but lacking more advanced safety systems like ABS or electronic stability control.
Chassis & Braking
The Hafei Simbo 1.3i utilized a relatively conventional chassis design. The front suspension consisted of MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension employed a torsion beam setup. This configuration provided a reasonable balance of ride comfort and handling for a vehicle in its class. The braking system featured disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. This combination was typical for vehicles in this price range, but offered limited stopping power compared to all-disc brake setups. The 14-inch wheels were fitted with 175/65 R14 tires, providing adequate grip for everyday driving conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hafei Simbo 1.3i received limited attention from automotive critics, primarily due to its limited availability outside of China. Reviews generally focused on its affordability and practicality, but also highlighted its lack of refinement and performance. Compared to other entry-level hatchbacks available in the Chinese market, the Simbo offered a competitive price point, but lacked the brand recognition and perceived quality of established manufacturers. Fuel economy was a strong point, but the automatic transmission detracted from overall efficiency compared to manual transmission alternatives. Reliability was generally considered to be acceptable, but long-term durability data was limited.
Legacy
The Hafei Simbo 1.3i, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a role in the development of the Chinese automotive industry. It provided affordable transportation to a growing segment of the population and helped Hafei establish a foothold in the market. Today, the Simbo is a relatively rare sight, even in China. Its simple mechanical design and readily available parts contribute to reasonable long-term reliability, but its age and limited features make it less desirable than more modern vehicles. In the used car market, the Simbo 1.3i is typically valued as a very inexpensive and basic form of transportation, appealing to buyers with limited budgets.
