Geely LC (Panda) Cross

Geely LC (Panda) Cross: Which Version Should You Buy?

The Geely LC (Panda) Cross offers three versions within its only generation: 1.3 MT, 1.5 MT, and 1.5 AT. All are front-wheel-drive Mini 5-doors models with naturally aspirated Gasoline engines.

The Geely LC (Panda) Cross offers three versions within its only generation: 1.3 MT, 1.5 MT, and 1.5 AT. All are front-wheel-drive Mini 5-doors models with naturally aspirated Gasoline engines. The choice is straightforward: the 1.3 MT is the only version with measured acceleration, top-speed, and weight figures; the 1.5 MT provides the highest torque and the strongest output per litre; and the 1.5 AT exchanges the manual gearbox for a 4-speed Automatic while producing less torque than the manual 1.5.

Generations and versions compared

The LC (Panda) Cross has one generation in the supplied catalogue data. The 1 generation was produced from March 2012 through December 2016 with a Mini 5-doors body and three versions. Because there is no second generation or restyling in the data, buyers are comparing engines and gearboxes rather than changes between generations.

The 1.3 MT, 1.5 MT, and 1.5 AT share FWD, a front transverse engine position, multi-point distributed injection, 160 mm of ground clearance, and a 35-litre fuel tank. Each also uses independent spring front suspension, semi-independent spring rear suspension, ventilated disc front brakes, and drum rear brakes.

Engine specs

Moving from 1.3 MT to 1.5 MT adds 156 cc, 10 hp, and 26 Nm. That is an increase of about 11.9% in power and 23.6% in torque. Their approximate specific outputs are close: the 1.3 MT produces 62.6 hp per litre, while the 1.5 MT produces 62.8 hp per litre. The larger manual engine therefore offers more total output without a meaningful change in power per litre.

The two 1.5 versions have identical displacement and power, but their torque specifications differ. The 1.5 MT develops 136 Nm at 5200 rpm, whereas the 1.5 AT develops 128 Nm at 3400 rpm. The manual has 8 Nm more peak torque, while the automatic reaches its stated peak 1800 rpm earlier. Their approximate torque outputs are 90.8 Nm per litre for the 1.5 MT and 85.4 Nm per litre for the 1.5 AT.

Compression ratio is 9.3 in the 1.3 MT and 9.8 in both 1.5 versions. The 1.3 MT is specified with 4 valves per cylinder; valve count for the 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT is not measured.

Performance, mpg, and economy

The 1.3 MT is the only version that can be assessed from measured performance figures: it reaches 100 km/h in 14 seconds and has a top speed of 155 km/h. Equivalent figures for the 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT are not measured, so the extra power and torque cannot responsibly be converted into claims about quicker acceleration or a higher maximum speed.

MPG cannot be calculated for any version because city, highway, and combined fuel-consumption figures are not measured. CO₂ output and environmental class are also not measured. The shared 35-litre tank states capacity only; it does not establish fuel range or economy.

Dimensions, weight, and ground clearance

For the 1.3 MT, the difference between gross and kerb weight is 315 kg. Its kerb-weight-to-power ratio is approximately 11.7 kg per horsepower, or 15.9 kg per kilowatt. Comparable ratios for the two 1.5 versions cannot be calculated because their kerb weights are not measured.

Ground clearance does not separate the choices: every version has 160 mm. Tank capacity is likewise identical at 35 litres. Wheel sizes are not measured for the 1.3 MT, 1.5 MT, or 1.5 AT.

Which Geely LC (Panda) Cross version should you choose?

Choose the 1.3 MT when documented performance and weight matter most. It is the only version with a measured 14-second 0–100 km/h time, 155 km/h top speed, 985 kg kerb weight, and 1300 kg gross weight. It also has the same 5-speed Manual gearbox, FWD system, 160 mm ground clearance, and 35-litre tank as the 1.5 MT. Its trade-off is output: it has 10 hp and 26 Nm less than the 1.5 MT.

Choose the 1.5 MT for the strongest engine specification in the range. Its 94 hp matches the 1.5 AT and exceeds the 1.3 MT by 10 hp. Its 136 Nm is 26 Nm above the 1.3 MT and 8 Nm above the 1.5 AT. It also retains the 5-speed Manual gearbox. The missing acceleration, top-speed, economy, and weight measurements mean that its numerical advantage should be described as an engine-output advantage, not proof of superior real-world performance or efficiency.

Choose the 1.5 AT if an Automatic gearbox is the deciding requirement. It is the sole Automatic option and uses 4 speeds rather than the 5 speeds supplied with both manual versions. It matches the 1.5 MT at 1498 cc and 94 hp, but its 128 Nm peak is 8 Nm lower. Its peak torque is specified at 3400 rpm, compared with 5200 rpm for both manual versions. Performance, consumption, and weight are not measured, so the data cannot establish what the automatic transmission costs in acceleration or fuel use.

No purchase-price data is supplied, so the extra money required for either 1.5 version—and whether that premium represents good value—cannot be measured. On specifications alone, the 1.5 MT is the output-focused choice, the 1.5 AT is the transmission-focused choice, and the 1.3 MT is the evidence-focused choice because it has the most complete set of measured performance and weight figures.

Problems and reliability data

Reliability, common problems, repair frequency, and maintenance costs are not measured for any version. The catalogue data therefore provides no factual basis for declaring the 1.3 MT, 1.5 MT, or 1.5 AT more reliable. A decision between them should rest on their documented engine and gearbox differences unless separate service-history evidence is available for the individual car.