DongFeng A30: Which Version Should You Buy?
The DongFeng A30 was offered in two versions: 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT. Both belong to the model’s only generation, use the same 1,497 cc Gasoline engine, and produce 115 hp and 145 Nm. The real choice is therefore between the transmissions. The 1.5 MT has a 5-speed Manual gearbox, weighs 1,175 kg, and reaches 188 km/h; the 1.5 AT has a 4-speed Automatic gearbox, weighs 1,186 kg, and reaches 180 km/h.
The DongFeng A30 was offered in two versions: 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT. Both belong to the model’s only generation, use the same 1,497 cc Gasoline engine, and produce 115 hp and 145 Nm. The real choice is therefore between the transmissions. The 1.5 MT has a 5-speed Manual gearbox, weighs 1,175 kg, and reaches 188 km/h; the 1.5 AT has a 4-speed Automatic gearbox, weighs 1,186 kg, and reaches 180 km/h. Choose the 1.5 MT for the lower kerb weight and higher top speed, or the 1.5 AT if an Automatic gearbox is the deciding requirement.
DongFeng A30 generation and versions
The DongFeng A30 has one generation in the supplied catalogue data. The 1 generation ran from August 2014 through December 2019 and was available as a Sedan. It contains two versions, 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT. There are no additional generations or body types to compare, so buying decisions come down to the differences between these two powertrain configurations.
Both versions have the same output, torque, engine construction, drive layout, ground clearance, fuel-tank capacity, suspension arrangement, and brake types. No restyling is listed in the data.
DongFeng A30 engine and specs comparison
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 MT | 115 hp (85 kW) at 6000 rpm | 145 Nm at 4200 rpm | 1,497 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1.5 AT | 115 hp (85 kW) at 6000 rpm | 145 Nm at 4200 rpm | 1,497 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
The engine is identical on paper in both versions: a front, transverse 1,497 cc Gasoline unit with 4 Inline cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, no boost, and distributed injection (multi-point). Each version delivers approximately 76.8 hp per litre and 96.9 Nm per litre.
The transmission is the central distinction. The 1.5 MT provides a 5-speed Manual gearbox, while the 1.5 AT uses a 4-speed Automatic gearbox. Both are FWD, so neither version offers a different drive configuration.
Performance, top speed, and mpg
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 MT | not measured | 188 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 1.5 AT | not measured | 180 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The 1.5 MT has an 8 km/h higher listed top speed than the 1.5 AT, despite both producing 115 hp and 145 Nm. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for either version, so the data does not establish which one accelerates faster.
City, highway, and combined fuel consumption are not measured for either version. An mpg comparison therefore cannot be calculated from the available figures. CO₂ emissions and ecological class are also not measured. The matching 50-litre tanks do not provide a basis for comparing driving range because consumption is unavailable.
Dimensions, weight, and ground clearance
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 MT | 1,175 kg | not measured | 160 mm | 50 litres | not measured |
| 1.5 AT | 1,186 kg | not measured | 160 mm | 50 litres | not measured |
The 1.5 MT is 11 kg lighter than the 1.5 AT. Its weight-to-power figure is approximately 10.22 kg per hp, compared with approximately 10.31 kg per hp for the 1.5 AT. The difference is small, but it favors the Manual version because engine output is identical.
Gross weight is not measured for either version, and wheel sizes are not measured. Both versions provide 160 mm of ground clearance and a 50-litre fuel tank, so those specifications do not influence the choice.
The chassis hardware is also shared. Both versions have an Independent, spring front suspension and a Semi-independent, spring rear suspension. Braking equipment consists of Ventilated disc front brakes and Disc rear brakes in both cases.
DongFeng A30 reliability and problems
Reliability records and reported problems are not included in the supplied data. It is therefore not possible to rank the 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT by failure rate, maintenance costs, gearbox durability, or long-term engine life. A buyer should not interpret the shared engine specifications as proof that ownership outcomes are identical, because no reliability measurements are provided.
Which DongFeng A30 version should you buy?
The 1.5 MT is the stronger specification-led choice. It matches the 1.5 AT for engine capacity, power, torque, fuel type, drive, tank capacity, and ground clearance, while weighing 11 kg less and offering an extra transmission ratio. Its listed top speed is also 8 km/h higher. With approximately 10.22 kg per hp rather than 10.31 kg per hp, it has the slightly better weight-to-power result.
Choose the 1.5 AT when the Automatic gearbox itself matters more than the measurable advantages of the Manual version. Its 4-speed Automatic transmission is what distinguishes it; the engine still supplies the same 115 hp at 6000 rpm and 145 Nm at 4200 rpm. It carries an 11 kg weight increase and has a listed top speed of 180 km/h rather than 188 km/h.
No price data is available, so the extra money associated with either version cannot be assessed. There is also no measured fuel-consumption or acceleration result that could justify paying more for one on economy or 0–100 km/h performance. Based strictly on the supplied numbers, the 1.5 MT offers the better performance-and-weight specification, while the 1.5 AT is the version to buy specifically for its Automatic gearbox.