Chery Kimo (A1): Which Version Should You Buy?
The Chery Kimo (A1) has two versions to compare: 1.3 MT and 1.3 DSG. Both belong to the model’s only generation, built from June 2008 to January 2015 as a Mini 5-doors. They share the same 1,297 cm³ Gasoline engine, 83 hp, 114 Nm, FWD, performance, weights, ground clearance and fuel-tank capacity.
The Chery Kimo (A1) has two versions to compare: 1.3 MT and 1.3 DSG. Both belong to the model’s only generation, built from June 2008 to January 2015 as a Mini 5-doors. They share the same 1,297 cm³ Gasoline engine, 83 hp, 114 Nm, FWD, performance, weights, ground clearance and fuel-tank capacity. The main buying decision is therefore between the 5-speed Manual gearbox and the 5-speed Robotic gearbox. The 1.3 MT is the better choice when measured fuel-consumption figures and compatibility with 92 fuel matter; the 1.3 DSG is the alternative for buyers who specifically prefer a Robotic transmission and want the listed Euro 4 classification.
Chery Kimo A1 generations and version choice
The Chery Kimo (A1) has 1 generation, so there is no newer or older generation to compare and no generation-to-generation change supported by the supplied data. The 1 generation ran from June 2008 through January 2015 and used a Mini 5-doors body. It contains 2 versions, 1.3 MT and 1.3 DSG, both offered across the same production period.
Because both versions have identical dates and core output figures, model year alone does not identify a mechanical advantage in this catalogue data. A Chery Kimo A1 from 2008 and one from 2009 remain within the same generation; the decisive catalogue distinction is the version and gearbox rather than a documented generational revision.
Chery Kimo A1 engine and specs
Both versions use a naturally aspirated 1,297 cm³ Gasoline engine with 4 cylinders in an Inline layout and 4 valves per cylinder. The engine is mounted Front, transverse and uses Distributed injection (multi-point). Compression ratio is 10, while bore and stroke are 73 × 77.5. Both engines produce 83 hp, or 61 kW, which works out to approximately 64.0 hp per litre.
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 MT | 83 hp (61 kW) at 6000 rpm | 114 Nm at 4500 rpm | 1,297 cm³ | Gasoline, 92 | 4 | Inline | No | Manual, 5 gears | FWD |
| 1.3 DSG | 83 hp (61 kW) at 5750 rpm | 114 Nm at 3800 rpm | 1,297 cm³ | Gasoline, 95 | 4 | Inline | No | Robotic, 5 gears | FWD |
The differences are found in engine-speed ratings and fuel grade. The 1.3 DSG reaches its listed 83 hp at 5750 rpm, 250 rpm earlier than the 1.3 MT, which reaches the same output at 6000 rpm. Its 114 Nm torque rating is listed at 3800 rpm, 700 rpm earlier than the 1.3 MT rating at 4500 rpm. These figures show where the catalogue records peak output; they do not provide acceleration or economy differences between the transmissions.
Fuel requirements also differ. The 1.3 MT is listed for 92 fuel, whereas the 1.3 DSG is listed for 95 fuel. The data includes a Euro 4 classification for the 1.3 DSG; the environmental class of the 1.3 MT is not measured. CO₂ emissions are not measured for either version.
Chery Kimo A1 performance, mpg and fuel economy
The two versions have identical measured performance. Both accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 16 seconds and have a top speed of 156 km/h. Choosing the Robotic gearbox therefore brings no measured acceleration or maximum-speed benefit in the supplied figures.
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 MT | 16 seconds | 156 km/h | 8.2 L/100 km | 5.3 L/100 km | 6.5 L/100 km |
| 1.3 DSG | 16 seconds | 156 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The 1.3 MT is the only version for which economy can be compared against published catalogue measurements: 8.2 L/100 km in the city, 5.3 L/100 km on the highway and 6.5 L/100 km combined. Its city figure is 2.9 L/100 km higher than its highway figure, while its combined result is 1.2 L/100 km above the highway measurement and 1.7 L/100 km below the city measurement.
Fuel consumption for the 1.3 DSG is not measured in all three cycles. That absence should not be interpreted as either better or worse economy than the 1.3 MT.
Chery Kimo A1 dimensions, weight and clearance
Both the 1.3 MT and 1.3 DSG have a kerb weight of 1,040 kg and a gross weight of 1,415 kg, leaving a 375 kg difference between the two listed weights. With 83 hp moving 1,040 kg, each version has approximately 12.5 kg of kerb weight per horsepower, or about 79.8 hp per tonne.
Ground clearance is 175 mm for both versions, and each has a 43-litre fuel tank. Wheel sizes are not measured for the 1.3 MT and not measured for the 1.3 DSG.
The chassis specifications are also identical. Both use Independent, spring front suspension and Dependent, spring rear suspension, with Disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes. Consequently, the catalogue provides no weight, clearance, suspension or braking reason to select one transmission over the other.
Chery Kimo A1 problems, reliability and ownership evidence
Problems, repair frequency and reliability are not measured for either the 1.3 MT or 1.3 DSG. The data therefore cannot support claims that the Manual version is more reliable, that the Robotic version is less durable, or that either costs more to maintain.
The same limitation applies to used-car pricing and equipment: prices, trim features and vehicles offered for sale are not included. A buying decision based on those factors requires information beyond this catalogue record.
Which Chery Kimo A1 version should you buy?
Choose the 1.3 MT if you want the version with complete measured fuel-consumption data. It records 8.2 L/100 km in the city, 5.3 L/100 km on the highway and 6.5 L/100 km combined. It also uses 92 fuel and pairs the 83 hp engine with a 5-speed Manual gearbox. Its environmental class is not measured.
Choose the 1.3 DSG if the 5-speed Robotic gearbox is the priority. It delivers the same 83 hp and 114 Nm, the same 16-second 0–100 km/h result and the same 156 km/h maximum speed as the 1.3 MT. Its peak power and torque are listed at engine speeds that are respectively 250 rpm and 700 rpm lower, and it carries the Euro 4 classification. It uses 95 fuel, while city, highway and combined consumption are not measured.
On the available numbers, the 1.3 MT is the more evidence-backed all-round recommendation because its fuel economy is actually measured and it accepts 92 fuel. The 1.3 DSG does not buy extra power, faster acceleration, a higher top speed, reduced weight or additional clearance; what distinguishes it is the Robotic gearbox, earlier listed peak-output engine speeds, 95 fuel requirement and Euro 4 classification.