Chery IndiS (S18D)

Chery IndiS (S18D): Which Version to Buy and Why

The Chery IndiS (S18D) offers a straightforward choice between two versions: 1.3 DSG and 1.3 MT. Both belong to the same generation, use the same 1,297 cc Gasoline engine, produce 83 hp and 122 Nm, and have FWD. Their acceleration, top speed, ground clearance, and fuel-tank capacity are also identical.

The Chery IndiS (S18D) offers a straightforward choice between two versions: 1.3 DSG and 1.3 MT. Both belong to the same generation, use the same 1,297 cc Gasoline engine, produce 83 hp and 122 Nm, and have FWD. Their acceleration, top speed, ground clearance, and fuel-tank capacity are also identical. The practical decision therefore comes down to gearbox preference, kerb weight, and small differences in fuel consumption. The 1.3 DSG is the more economical option overall, while the 1.3 MT is 8 kg lighter and uses a Manual gearbox.

Chery IndiS (S18D) generations and version choice

There is one Chery IndiS (S18D) generation in the catalogue. The 1 generation was produced from May 2011 through November 2016 as a Mini 5-doors and includes two versions: 1.3 DSG and 1.3 MT. Because both versions cover the same production period and belong to the same body and generation, there is no newer generation or restyling here that changes the buying decision. Searches for a Chery IndiS (S18D) from 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014 all refer to cars within this single generation; the supplied data does not identify year-specific technical changes.

Chery IndiS (S18D) engine and gearbox specs

The two versions share the same naturally aspirated engine specification. Each has a front, transverse 1,297 cc Gasoline engine with 4 Inline cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, no boost, and distributed injection (multi-point). Output is 83 hp, or 62 kW, at 5,750 rpm, while maximum torque is 122 Nm at 3,800 rpm. The compression ratio is 10.8, the bore and stroke are 73 × 77.5, and the specified fuel is 92.

Engine output works out to approximately 64.0 hp per litre for both versions. Since displacement, power, and torque are identical, neither gearbox option buys a stronger engine or a better power-to-displacement figure.

Despite its exact database name, 1.3 DSG is listed with the English gearbox label Robotic. The 1.3 MT is listed as Manual. Both have 5 gears, so the gearbox type—not the number of ratios—is the main mechanical distinction.

Performance, mpg, and fuel economy

Performance is identical on paper. Both 1.3 DSG and 1.3 MT accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 17 seconds and have a maximum speed of 150 km/h. Neither version offers a measurable acceleration or top-speed advantage in the supplied figures.

The 1.3 DSG consumes 8.5 L/100 km in the city, 6.2 L/100 km on the highway, and 7.1 L/100 km combined. The 1.3 MT consumes 9.0 L/100 km in the city, 6.1 L/100 km on the highway, and 7.2 L/100 km combined.

That produces a clear but narrow split:

• In city driving, 1.3 DSG uses 0.5 L/100 km less.
• On the highway, 1.3 MT uses 0.1 L/100 km less.
• In combined driving, 1.3 DSG uses 0.1 L/100 km less.

Choose 1.3 DSG if city or mixed-cycle consumption matters most. Choose 1.3 MT if the lowest stated highway figure is the priority. CO₂ output is not measured for both versions, and the ecological class is not measured for both versions.

Weight, ground clearance, tank, and wheel sizes

The 1.3 DSG has a kerb weight of 1,183 kg, whereas the 1.3 MT weighs 1,175 kg. The Manual version is therefore 8 kg lighter. Gross weight is 1,575 kg for each.

Based on kerb weight and the shared 83 hp output, the 1.3 DSG carries approximately 14.25 kg per horsepower, while the 1.3 MT carries approximately 14.16 kg per horsepower. The Manual version consequently has a marginally better weight-to-power ratio, but the catalogue still gives both versions the same 17-second 0–100 km/h time and 150 km/h maximum speed.

Both versions have 180 mm of ground clearance and a 45-litre fuel tank. Wheel sizes are not measured for 1.3 DSG and not measured for 1.3 MT.

The chassis specifications are also shared. Both use Independent, spring front suspension and Dependent, spring rear suspension. Front brakes are Ventilated disc, and rear brakes are Disc. These items do not provide a reason to prefer one version over the other.

Chery IndiS (S18D) problems, reliability, and parts

Problems, reliability records, repair frequency, and parts availability are not measured in the supplied data. It is therefore not possible to claim that either 1.3 DSG or 1.3 MT is more reliable, cheaper to repair, or easier to source parts for. Owner-review searches for the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Chery IndiS (S18D) cannot be converted into factual reliability conclusions without supporting records.

The technical comparison only establishes that the versions have different gearbox types, an 8 kg kerb-weight difference, and slightly different fuel-consumption figures. It does not establish a reliability advantage for either transmission.

Which Chery IndiS (S18D) version should you buy?

For predominantly urban use, 1.3 DSG is the stronger numerical choice. Its city consumption is 8.5 L/100 km versus 9.0 L/100 km for 1.3 MT, and its combined figure is also lower at 7.1 rather than 7.2 L/100 km. It provides this economy with the same 83 hp, 122 Nm, 17-second acceleration time, and 150 km/h top speed.

For buyers who specifically want a Manual gearbox, 1.3 MT is the appropriate version. It is 8 kg lighter, has the slightly better weight-per-horsepower result, and records the lower highway consumption figure: 6.1 L/100 km compared with 6.2 L/100 km for 1.3 DSG.

The extra money required for either version is not measured, so a price-premium calculation cannot be made. On specifications alone, 1.3 DSG is the better city and combined-economy choice; 1.3 MT is the better fit for Manual-gearbox preference, slightly lower kerb weight, and marginally lower highway consumption. Neither version is faster or more powerful, and there is no later generation in the supplied catalogue that supersedes them.