The Doninvest Kondor (V100) 2.0i 16V Automatic, produced between 1998 and 2002, represented a mid-range offering within the Kondor lineup. The Kondor, manufactured by Doninvest, was primarily aimed at the domestic market, offering a relatively affordable and spacious sedan option. This particular variant, equipped with a 2.0-liter 16-valve engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, sought to balance performance with ease of use, appealing to buyers prioritizing comfort and convenience over outright sportiness. It was positioned above the base models with smaller engines and manual transmissions, but below any potential higher-performance or luxury-trimmed Kondor versions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Doninvest |
| Model | Kondor |
| Generation | Kondor (V100) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i 16V (133 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.5 l/100 km (17.4 US mpg, 20.9 UK mpg, 7.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 192 km/h (119.3 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp, 100.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm, 139.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 133 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 185 Nm @ 4600 rpm (136.45 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1325 kg (2921.12 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 400 l (14.13 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 970 l (34.26 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4671 mm (183.9 in.) |
| Width | 1779 mm (70.04 in.) |
| Height | 1437 mm (56.57 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2670 mm (105.12 in.) |
| Front track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1507 mm (59.33 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 | 4 gears, 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 Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Kondor 2.0i Automatic was a 1998cc inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, while not a particularly advanced design, was known for its relative durability and ease of maintenance. It featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain operating four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and a broader powerband compared to older, simpler engines. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, providing precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine’s 9.6:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and the quality of fuel available in its primary market. Paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic transmission. While not offering the smoothness or efficiency of more modern automatic gearboxes, it provided convenient shift operation for everyday driving. The transmission was designed to prioritize reliability and cost-effectiveness over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 133 horsepower and 185 Nm (136 lb-ft) of torque produced by the 2.0i engine, when channeled through the four-speed automatic, resulted in adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 12.5 seconds, and top speed was around 192 km/h (119 mph). The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for comfortable cruising and reasonable acceleration in typical urban and highway driving conditions. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the Kondor 2.0i, the automatic offered less direct control and slightly slower acceleration. However, it provided a more relaxed driving experience, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. The automatic also lagged behind any potential higher-output versions of the Kondor, which may have been offered with larger engines or performance enhancements.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0i Automatic trim typically included features such as power steering, central locking, and an AM/FM radio. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for upgraded materials available. Dashboard design was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over aesthetic flair. Optional extras could include air conditioning, power windows, and alloy wheels. The level of standard equipment was competitive within its price segment, aiming to provide a good balance of comfort and convenience for the target buyer.
Chassis & Braking
The Kondor V100 utilized a relatively conventional chassis design, featuring coil spring suspension at all four corners. The front suspension employed a MacPherson strut setup, while the rear utilized a twist beam axle. 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 standard equipment, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The suspension tuning was geared towards providing a comfortable ride, rather than sharp handling. Stabilizer bars were present, but were relatively modest in size, reflecting the car’s focus on everyday usability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Doninvest Kondor 2.0i Automatic was generally well-received in its domestic market as a practical and affordable family sedan. Critics noted its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reasonable fuel economy. However, the automatic transmission was sometimes criticized for its lack of responsiveness and the engine’s performance was considered adequate but not exciting. Compared to other trims in the Kondor lineup, the 2.0i Automatic offered a good compromise between performance and fuel efficiency. The smaller-engined models were more economical but lacked power, while the potential higher-performance versions came at a premium price. Reliability was generally considered good, with the engine and transmission proving to be durable over the long term.
Legacy
The Doninvest Kondor 2.0i Automatic, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, remains a relatively common sight on the roads today. The powertrain, while aging, has proven to be reasonably reliable, and parts availability is generally good. In the used car market, these Kondors are often sought after by buyers looking for an affordable and dependable transportation option. The combination of a 2.0-liter engine and an automatic transmission makes them particularly appealing to drivers who prioritize ease of use and comfort over sporty performance. The Kondor’s legacy lies in its role as a practical and accessible family sedan that provided reliable transportation for a generation of drivers.
