The Great Wall Voleex C20R 1.5, producing 97 horsepower, was a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors from 2010 to 2013. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Voleex lineup, the C20R aimed to provide affordable transportation with a degree of practicality and modern styling. It represented Great Wall’s attempt to gain a foothold in the increasingly popular crossover segment, primarily targeting emerging markets where value for money was a key purchasing factor. The C20R was based on a modified platform shared with other Great Wall models, and was intended to compete with similarly priced vehicles from domestic Chinese manufacturers and, to a lesser extent, established international brands.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Great Wall |
| Model | Voleex |
| Generation | Voleex C20R |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 (97 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 32.2 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 38.7 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 13.7 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 97 Hp |
| Power per litre | 64.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 138 Nm (101.78 lb.-ft.) |
| 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 |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 330 l (11.65 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1100 l (38.85 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Length | 3890 mm (153.15 in.) |
| Width | 1705 mm (67.13 in.) |
| Height | 1727 mm (67.99 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2460 mm (96.85 in.) |
| Front track | 1457 mm (57.36 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.2 m (33.46 ft.) |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Voleex C20R 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 run, was a relatively simple design featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The engine utilized a multi-point fuel injection system, providing adequate fuel delivery for its modest power output. The 97 horsepower and 138 Nm (101.78 lb.-ft) of torque were considered sufficient for urban driving and light highway use, but performance was noticeably limited when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. The engine was paired exclusively with a four-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, while providing convenience, was known for its relatively slow shift speeds and limited number of gears, impacting both fuel efficiency and overall responsiveness. The drivetrain was front-wheel drive, a common configuration for vehicles in this class.
Driving Characteristics
The driving experience in the Voleex C20R 1.5 Automatic was characterized by its smooth, albeit unhurried, acceleration. The four-speed automatic transmission contributed to a relaxed driving style, but also meant the engine often operated at higher RPMs during highway cruising, resulting in increased noise and reduced fuel economy compared to vehicles with more modern transmissions. The 0-60 mph time of around 10.5 seconds was typical for a vehicle in this segment with similar power output. Steering was light and easy, making it maneuverable in city traffic, but lacked the precision and feedback desired by more enthusiastic drivers. The suspension was tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well, but at the expense of handling sharpness.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Voleex C20R 1.5 was generally offered with a basic level of standard equipment. This typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system with AM/FM radio and CD player. Higher trim levels, if available in specific markets, might have added features such as alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system, and upgraded interior trim. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple and functional dashboard layout. Safety features were relatively limited, generally including dual front airbags and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Chassis & Braking
The C20R utilized a conventional front-wheel-drive chassis with MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam axle in the rear. The rear brakes were typically drum brakes, while the front brakes were disc brakes. This configuration was common for vehicles in this price range, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over ultimate stopping performance. The steering system employed a rack and pinion setup, providing reasonable steering feel. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering, but the overall handling characteristics were geared towards comfort rather than sporty dynamics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Great Wall Voleex C20R 1.5 received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its affordability and spacious interior for its size, it was often criticized for its lack of refinement, dated technology, and underwhelming performance. Compared to other trims in the Voleex lineup, the 1.5-liter automatic version was the entry-level option, offering the lowest price but also the least amount of power and the least sophisticated transmission. Fuel economy was average for the class, and reliability reports were limited due to the vehicle’s relatively short production run and limited presence in established automotive markets.
Legacy
The Great Wall Voleex C20R 1.5, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represents an important step in Great Wall Motors’ development as a global automotive manufacturer. The powertrain, while not particularly advanced, proved to be reasonably durable in many applications. On the used car market, the C20R 1.5 is typically found at very low prices, appealing to budget-conscious buyers seeking basic transportation. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle’s limited features, dated technology, and potential maintenance challenges due to the limited availability of spare parts in some regions. Its legacy lies more in its role as a stepping stone for Great Wall Motors than as a particularly memorable or desirable vehicle in its own right.
