The DR 4 1.6 (114/106 hp) LPG is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by the Italian manufacturer DR Automobiles between 2016 and 2020. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the DR 4 lineup, this variant combined a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with the flexibility of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) capability, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The DR 4, itself a rebadged Chery Tiggo 5, represented DR Automobile’s initial foray into the SUV market, aiming to provide affordable transportation with a focus on practicality and fuel efficiency, particularly within the Italian market where LPG conversions are common.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | DR |
| Model | 4 |
| Generation | 4 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (114/106 Hp) LPG |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (LPG) | 12 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (LPG) | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (LPG) | 9.2 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 174 g/km |
| CO2 emissions (LPG) | 150 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / LPG |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Power | 114 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.7 Hp/l |
| Power (LPG) | 106 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Power per litre (LPG) | 66.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4000 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1590 cm3 (97.03 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Max. weight | 1635 kg (3604.56 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 600 l (21.19 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1200 l (42.38 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Fuel tank capacity (LPG) | 56 l |
| Length | 4345 mm (171.06 in.) |
| Width | 1765 mm (69.49 in.) |
| Height | 1640 mm (64.57 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2560 mm (100.79 in.) |
| Front track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm (58.07 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 | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The DR 4 1.6 LPG utilizes a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder petrol engine. While the exact engine code isn’t widely publicized by DR Automobiles, it’s based on the Chery ACTECO series engine. This engine features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and multi-point fuel injection. The LPG system is a factory-installed conversion, allowing the driver to switch between petrol and LPG fuel sources. When running on LPG, power output is slightly reduced to 106 hp, reflecting the lower energy density of LPG compared to petrol. The six-speed manual transmission was the sole gearbox option for this variant, providing a relatively direct connection between the engine and the front wheels. This transmission choice aimed to maximize fuel efficiency and provide a more engaging driving experience compared to an automatic.
Driving Characteristics
The 114 hp output of the 1.6-liter engine, coupled with the six-speed manual transmission, resulted in adequate, but not particularly brisk, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 10.5 seconds. The engine delivered its peak torque of 155 Nm (114 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm, meaning drivers needed to rev the engine to access its full potential. The manual transmission allowed for precise control over gear selection, enabling drivers to optimize performance or fuel economy. Compared to potential higher-output versions (had DR offered them), this variant prioritized fuel efficiency and affordability over outright speed. The LPG system provided a cost-effective alternative fuel source, particularly in regions with favorable LPG pricing.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The DR 4 1.6 LPG typically came equipped with a basic level of standard features. These generally included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and dual front airbags. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Optional extras could include alloy wheels, a rear parking sensor, and an upgraded audio system. The trim level was generally considered the base trim, focusing on providing essential features at an accessible price point.
Chassis & Braking
The DR 4 utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. Front brakes were ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while rear brakes were solid discs. The suspension setup was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, prioritizing a smooth ride over sharp cornering. The electric power steering provided light and easy steering, making it suitable for urban driving. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering, but the overall handling characteristics were geared towards practicality and ease of use.
Market Reception & Comparison
The DR 4 1.6 LPG was primarily marketed towards budget-conscious buyers in Italy and other European markets where LPG was a popular fuel choice. Critics generally acknowledged its affordability and practicality, but noted its relatively modest performance and basic interior. Compared to other compact SUVs in its class, the DR 4 offered a competitive price point, but lacked the refinement and features of more established brands. The LPG capability was a significant selling point, offering potential fuel savings for drivers who frequently traveled long distances. Fuel economy figures of 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) on a combined cycle were respectable for its class, and the LPG option further reduced running costs.
Legacy
The DR 4 1.6 LPG, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, served as an important entry point for DR Automobiles into the European SUV market. The powertrain, based on proven Chery technology, proved to be reasonably reliable, although long-term durability data is limited due to the relatively short production run. On the used car market, these models are typically offered at very affordable prices, making them attractive to buyers seeking a low-cost SUV. The LPG system, if properly maintained, can provide significant cost savings over the vehicle’s lifespan. However, potential buyers should be aware of the need for regular LPG system servicing and the potential for higher maintenance costs associated with a converted fuel system.
