The DR F35 1.5 ACTECO Turbo (155 Hp) DCT is a compact SUV produced by the Italian manufacturer DR Automobiles from June 2020 onwards. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the F35 lineup, this variant aimed to provide a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and modern technology. The F35 itself is based on the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, reflecting DR’s strategy of rebadging and adapting existing vehicle platforms for the European market. This particular configuration, featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), was intended to appeal to buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience than the base models while remaining accessible in price.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | DR |
| Model | F35 |
| Generation | F35 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 ACTECO Turbo (155 Hp) DCT |
| Start of production | June, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Combined fuel consumption (US mpg) | 31.8 US mpg |
| Combined fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 38.2 UK mpg |
| Combined fuel consumption (km/l) | 13.5 km/l |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 171 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6D ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp, 104.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 103.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 210 Nm @ 3600 rpm (154.89 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System, Particulate filter |
| Kerb Weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1815 kg (4001.39 lbs.) |
| Max load | 330 kg (727.53 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 414 l (14.62 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1100 l (38.85 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 57 l (15.06 US gal | 12.54 UK gal) |
| Length | 4432 mm (174.49 in.) |
| Width | 1837 mm (72.32 in.) |
| Height | 1670 mm (65.75 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2670 mm (105.12 in.) |
| Front track | 1550 mm (61.02 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, automatic transmission DCT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/55 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the DR F35 1.5 ACTECO Turbo DCT is a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a single scroll turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. While the exact fuel injection system details are not widely publicized, it is understood to employ direct injection technology for improved efficiency and responsiveness. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for increased performance. The ‘ACTECO’ designation signifies DR’s branding of this engine, which is derived from a Chery design. The engine is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). DCTs offer faster and smoother gear changes compared to traditional automatic transmissions, contributing to a more dynamic driving experience. The DCT in the F35 is tuned for a balance between fuel economy and performance, with quick shifts during acceleration and smooth transitions during cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 155 horsepower and 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 1.5 ACTECO Turbo engine provide adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration is reasonably brisk, with the DCT enabling quick gear changes. Compared to lower-powered versions of the F35, this variant offers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness, particularly when overtaking or merging onto highways. However, it doesn’t deliver the outright performance of larger displacement engines found in some competitors. The DCT transmission contributes to a more engaging driving experience than a traditional automatic, but some drivers may find the shift logic slightly hesitant at low speeds. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but it can exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The DR F35 1.5 ACTECO Turbo DCT typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, and basic safety features like ABS and airbags. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, rear parking sensors, and a more advanced infotainment system with navigation. The interior design is functional and reasonably well-appointed, although material quality is generally average for its price point. The focus is on providing a comfortable and practical cabin for passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The F35 utilizes a McPherson strut suspension setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. This configuration provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and irregularities in the road surface, providing a comfortable ride for passengers. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering is a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The DR F35 1.5 ACTECO Turbo DCT was generally well-received as a value-oriented SUV. Critics praised its competitive pricing and decent level of equipment. However, some reviewers noted that the interior materials and overall refinement were not on par with more established brands. Compared to other trims in the F35 lineup, the 1.5 Turbo DCT offered a significant performance upgrade over the base engine options, making it a popular choice for drivers who prioritized a more engaging driving experience. Fuel economy was respectable, averaging around 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg), but not class-leading.
Legacy
The DR F35 1.5 ACTECO Turbo DCT represents a significant step for DR Automobiles in establishing itself as a player in the European SUV market. While long-term reliability data is still emerging, the underlying Chery-derived powertrain has proven to be reasonably durable in other applications. On the used car market, these models offer an affordable entry point into the compact SUV segment. Potential buyers should be aware of the brand’s relatively limited service network compared to more established manufacturers. Overall, the F35 1.5 Turbo DCT provides a practical and reasonably well-equipped SUV for buyers seeking value and a more engaging driving experience.
