The Great Wall Peri 1.3i, producing 88 horsepower, was a subcompact hatchback manufactured by the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors from 2008 to 2010. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, the Peri aimed to provide affordable transportation in both the Chinese domestic market and select export markets. It represented Great Wall’s early ambitions to establish a presence beyond China, offering a budget-friendly alternative to established brands. The Peri was based on a relatively simple, conventional platform, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over advanced features. It was a five-door hatchback with seating for four passengers.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Great Wall |
| Model | Peri |
| Generation | Peri |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3i (88 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 88 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 115 Nm @ 3200 rpm (84.82 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | GW413EF |
| Engine displacement | 1342 cm3 (81.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 981 kg (2162.73 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 3548 mm (139.69 in.) |
| Width | 1580 mm (62.2 in.) |
| Height | 1544 mm (60.79 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 165/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Great Wall Peri 1.3i was powered by the GW413EF engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and multi-point fuel injection. The engine produced 88 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 115 Nm (84.82 lb-ft) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine was a relatively simple design, prioritizing reliability and affordability over outright performance. The engine’s architecture was typical of small displacement engines of the era, focusing on fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance. The Peri utilized a four-speed automatic transmission, which was a relatively uncommon feature in this price segment at the time. The transmission was designed to provide smooth, if not particularly quick, shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3i engine paired with the four-speed automatic transmission resulted in modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 16.2 seconds, and the top speed was limited to 99.42 mph. The automatic transmission, while offering convenience, did detract from the engine’s limited power, resulting in a somewhat sluggish driving experience. Gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy rather than spirited acceleration. Compared to a potential manual transmission version (which wasn’t widely available), the automatic Peri felt noticeably slower. The power delivery was linear, but lacked the punch found in larger displacement engines. The vehicle was best suited for urban driving and shorter commutes.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Great Wall Peri 1.3i was generally sparsely equipped, reflecting its position as an entry-level vehicle. Standard features typically included power steering, air conditioning, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a basic design with minimal ornamentation. Optional extras were limited, but could include power windows and a basic audio system. The trim level was generally a single, base specification, with few opportunities for customization. The focus was on providing a functional and affordable vehicle rather than luxury or advanced features.
Chassis & Braking
The Peri utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension in the rear. The front brakes were disc brakes, while the rear brakes were drum brakes. This configuration was typical for vehicles in this price range and weight class. The suspension was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling. The steering was a rack and pinion system with hydraulic power assistance. Tire size was 165/70 R14, mounted on 14-inch steel wheels. The chassis was designed to be robust and durable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over sophisticated engineering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Great Wall Peri 1.3i received mixed reviews. Critics generally praised its affordability and basic functionality, but criticized its lack of refinement and modest performance. Fuel economy was considered reasonable, with combined fuel consumption of 36.2 US mpg. Compared to other vehicles in its class, such as the Chevrolet Spark or Kia Picanto, the Peri offered a lower price point but lacked the same level of build quality and features. Reliability was generally considered acceptable, but long-term durability data was limited due to the vehicle’s short production run. The Peri’s main appeal was its low cost of entry, making it attractive to budget-conscious buyers.
Legacy
The Great Wall Peri 1.3i, while not a long-lived model, represented an important step in Great Wall Motors’ expansion beyond the Chinese market. It demonstrated the company’s ability to produce a basic, affordable vehicle that could compete on price with established brands. The GW413EF engine proved to be relatively reliable, and parts availability remains reasonable in some markets. Today, the Peri is a relatively rare sight, but it holds a niche appeal among collectors of early Chinese automobiles. The vehicle’s simple design and robust construction mean that well-maintained examples can still provide reliable transportation, although finding parts may become increasingly challenging over time. The Peri paved the way for Great Wall’s subsequent, more successful models and helped establish the brand as a significant player in the global automotive market.
