The Great Wall Florid 1.5, producing 105 horsepower, was a subcompact hatchback manufactured by the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors from 2009 to 2013. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, it represented Great Wall’s attempt to capture a segment of the growing Chinese automotive market seeking affordable and practical transportation. The Florid was based on the Toyota Yaris platform (licensed technology) and aimed to provide a budget-friendly alternative to established Japanese and European competitors. This specific 1.5-liter variant was a mainstay of the Florid lineup during its production run, offering a balance between fuel economy and acceptable performance for urban driving.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Great Wall |
| Model | Florid |
| Generation | Florid |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 (105 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp, 87.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.7 kg/Nm, 115.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 138 Nm @ 4200 rpm (101.78 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1497 cm3 (91.35 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Kerb Weight | 1195 kg (2634.52 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 330 l (11.65 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3907 mm (153.82 in.) |
| Width | 1694 mm (66.69 in.) |
| Height | 1521 mm (59.88 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2368 mm (93.23 in.) |
| Front track | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1430 mm (56.3 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 | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-dependent beam with stabilizer lateral stability |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Florid 1.5 was powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, internally designated with various codes depending on the specific production year, was a naturally aspirated unit utilizing a multi-point fuel injection system. The engine’s design prioritized fuel efficiency and reliability over outright performance. The valvetrain employed a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) configuration, contributing to its simplicity and lower manufacturing costs. The engine’s 105 horsepower output at 6000 rpm and 138 Nm (101.78 lb-ft) of torque at 4200 rpm were considered adequate for navigating urban environments and lighter highway driving. The engine was transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. The Florid 1.5 exclusively came with a 5-speed manual transmission, offering a direct and engaging driving experience, though lacking the convenience of an automatic option.
Driving Characteristics
The driving experience in the Florid 1.5 was characterized by its light steering and relatively soft suspension. The 5-speed manual transmission provided reasonable control over the engine’s power band. Acceleration was modest, with the vehicle taking approximately 12-13 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 km/h). The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy, meaning that frequent downshifts were often required when overtaking or climbing hills. Compared to potential higher-output variants (which were not offered in the Florid lineup), the 1.5-liter engine provided a more economical and accessible driving experience, albeit at the expense of performance. The suspension, while comfortable on smooth roads, could become unsettled on rough surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Great Wall Florid 1.5 was typically offered in a single, fairly basic trim level. Standard equipment generally included power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system with AM/FM radio and CD player. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, functional design. Optional extras were limited, often consisting of alloy wheels and upgraded audio systems. Safety features were also basic, typically including dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS) on later models. The Florid’s interior prioritized practicality and durability over luxury or advanced features.
Chassis & Braking
The Florid 1.5 utilized a McPherson strut independent suspension system at the front, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort and handling. The rear suspension employed a semi-independent beam axle, which was a cost-effective solution but offered less sophisticated handling characteristics. The braking system consisted of ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. While adequate for normal driving conditions, the braking performance was not particularly strong. The vehicle’s relatively light weight (1195 kg / 2634.52 lbs) helped to mitigate the limitations of the braking system.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Great Wall Florid 1.5 was primarily targeted at the Chinese domestic market, where it competed with other budget-friendly subcompact hatchbacks. Critics generally praised the Florid for its affordability and practicality, but noted its lack of refinement and relatively basic features. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the vehicle achieving around 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) in combined driving conditions. Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Florid offered a competitive price point but lacked the brand recognition and established reputation of Japanese and European competitors. The absence of an automatic transmission option was also a drawback for some buyers.
Legacy
The Great Wall Florid 1.5, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a significant role in establishing Great Wall Motors as a major player in the Chinese automotive industry. The 1.5-liter engine proved to be relatively reliable, and many examples remain on the road today. In the used car market, the Florid 1.5 is valued for its affordability and low running costs. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle’s basic features and limited safety equipment. The Florid’s legacy lies in its contribution to the democratization of car ownership in China, providing a practical and affordable transportation solution for a growing segment of the population.
