The Chevrolet Metro Sedan (MR226) 1.3 LSi with a 79 horsepower engine and automatic transmission was a subcompact car produced by Chevrolet from 1998 to 2007. It represented a key offering in Chevrolet’s economy car segment, primarily aimed at budget-conscious buyers. The MR226 designation refers to the sedan body style within the Metro range. This particular variant, the 1.3 LSi automatic, occupied the middle ground of the Metro lineup, offering a balance between affordability and convenience, slotting above the base models and below any potential special editions. It was built in partnership with Suzuki, sharing many components with the Suzuki Cultus/Celerio.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Metro |
| Generation | Metro Sedan (MR226) |
| Type | 1.3 LSi (79 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 79 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 102 Nm @ 3000 rpm (75.23 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1299 cm3 (79.27 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74 mm (2.91 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.5 mm (2.97 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.3 l (3.49 US qt | 2.9 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 900 kg (1984.16 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (min) | 240 l (8.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (max) | 635 l (22.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 39 l (10.3 US gal | 8.58 UK gal) |
| Length | 4170 mm (164.17 in.) |
| Width | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Height | 1410 mm (55.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2360 mm (92.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Rear track | 1360 mm (53.54 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 155/80 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 1.3 LSi was a 1.3-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. Internally, it featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The engine utilized a multi-port fuel injection system, which improved fuel atomization and efficiency compared to earlier carburetor designs. The engine’s 79 horsepower output at 6000 rpm and 75.23 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm were modest, but adequate for city driving and highway cruising when not heavily loaded. The engine was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. This transmission was chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, prioritizing ease of use over outright performance. The automatic transmission featured typical torque converter technology, providing smooth, if not particularly quick, shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3 LSi automatic offered a comfortable, albeit uninspiring, driving experience. Acceleration was leisurely, and the three-speed automatic transmission meant that the engine often operated at higher RPMs during highway driving. Compared to the five-speed manual transmission available on other Metro trims, the automatic version felt noticeably slower. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy rather than performance. The suspension, tuned for comfort, provided a reasonably smooth ride on most road surfaces, but handling was not particularly sharp. The hydraulic power steering offered light and easy steering effort, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.3 LSi trim level included several standard features. These typically included air conditioning, power steering, and an AM/FM radio. Interior upholstery was usually cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, functional design. Optional extras could include upgraded audio systems, and sometimes, power windows and door locks, though these were less common on the base LSi model. The interior plastics were durable but basic, reflecting the car’s budget-oriented positioning.
Chassis & Braking
The Metro Sedan utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with a relatively simple chassis design. The front suspension consisted of coil springs, while the rear suspension also employed coil springs. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was included as a standard safety feature, improving braking performance and stability, particularly on slippery surfaces. The relatively light curb weight of around 1984 lbs helped to offset the modest braking power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Chevrolet Metro, and specifically the 1.3 LSi automatic, was generally well-received as an affordable and reliable transportation option. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and low purchase price. However, the car was often criticized for its lack of power and its somewhat basic interior. Compared to other trims, such as those with the manual transmission, the automatic version sacrificed some performance for convenience. Against competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Metro offered a lower price point but lacked the refinement and driving dynamics of those more established models. Fuel economy was a strong point, consistently achieving around 38 mpg in city driving and 43 mpg on the highway.
Legacy
The Chevrolet Metro, while not a performance icon, established a reputation for reliability and affordability. The 1.3-liter engine and three-speed automatic transmission proved to be durable and relatively maintenance-free. In the used car market, Metros are often sought after by those needing inexpensive and dependable transportation. While parts availability may be diminishing, the simplicity of the design makes them relatively easy to repair. The Metro represents a significant chapter in Chevrolet’s history, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to providing accessible transportation to a wide range of consumers.
