Lifan Solano: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Lifan Solano range offers a clear choice between lighter, lower-output first-generation cars and more powerful second-generation versions. For the strongest power-to-weight ratio in the catalogue data, choose the second-generation 1.8 MT: its 133 hp and 1,280 kg kerb weight equal about 9.6 kg per hp.
The Lifan Solano range offers a clear choice between lighter, lower-output first-generation cars and more powerful second-generation versions. For the strongest power-to-weight ratio in the catalogue data, choose the second-generation 1.8 MT: its 133 hp and 1,280 kg kerb weight equal about 9.6 kg per hp. The second-generation 1.5 MT is the lighter alternative at 1,155 kg, but its 100 hp gives 11.6 kg per hp. Among earlier cars, the restyled first-generation 1.8 MT with 133 hp and a 1,180 kg kerb weight is especially competitive at about 8.9 kg per hp. Buyers who prefer a CVT can choose 1.6 CVT, 1.5 CVT, or the later 1.8 CVT, depending on generation.
Lifan Solano generations and versions
The model data covers one generation, its restyling, and a second generation, all with a Sedan body.
The first-generation Lifan Solano ran from March 2010 to August 2015 and included three versions: 1.6 MT, 1.8 MT, and 1.6 CVT. Its engine outputs range from 106 hp to 125 hp, while every listed version has FWD.
The first-generation restyling ran from September 2014 to October 2016 and expanded the choice to seven entries. These include two distinct 1.5 MT versions producing 103 hp and 74 hp, plus 1.5 CVT, 1.6 MT, 1.6 CVT, and two distinct 1.8 MT versions producing 125 hp and 133 hp. This phase supplies the widest selection of engine outputs and includes both Manual and Variable gearboxes.
The second-generation Lifan Solano started in September 2016. Its three versions are 1.5 MT, 1.8 MT, and 1.8 CVT. Compared with the original generation, it raises maximum listed output from 125 hp to 133 hp and ground clearance from 150 mm to 165 mm.
Lifan Solano engine specs
All listed engines are naturally aspirated Gasoline units with 4 Inline cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, and distributed multi-point injection. The drive layout is FWD throughout.
| Generation | Exact version | Output | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | 1.6 MT | 106 hp / 78 kW | 137 Nm | 1,587 cc | 92 | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| First generation | 1.8 MT | 125 hp / 92 kW | 160 Nm | 1,794 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| First generation | 1.6 CVT | 106 hp / 78 kW | 137 Nm | 1,587 cc | 92 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| First-generation restyling | 1.5 MT (103 hp) | 103 hp / 76 kW | 133 Nm | 1,497 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| First-generation restyling | 1.5 CVT | 103 hp / 76 kW | 133 Nm | 1,497 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| First-generation restyling | 1.5 MT (74 hp) | 74 hp / 54 kW | 131 Nm | 1,500 cc | 92 | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| First-generation restyling | 1.6 MT | 106 hp / 78 kW | 137 Nm | 1,587 cc | 92 | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| First-generation restyling | 1.6 CVT | 106 hp / 78 kW | 149 Nm | 1,587 cc | 92 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| First-generation restyling | 1.8 MT (125 hp) | 125 hp / 92 kW | 160 Nm | 1,794 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| First-generation restyling | 1.8 MT (133 hp) | 133 hp / 98 kW | 168 Nm | 1,794 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| Second generation | 1.5 MT | 100 hp / 74 kW | 129 Nm | 1,498 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| Second generation | 1.8 MT | 133 hp / 98 kW | 168 Nm | 1,794 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| Second generation | 1.8 CVT | 133 hp / 98 kW | 168 Nm | 1,794 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
Power per litre separates several otherwise similar versions. The restyled 1.5 MT with 103 hp and the 1.5 CVT each produce about 68.8 hp per litre. The 74 hp 1.5 MT produces about 49.3 hp per litre. Both second-generation 1.8 versions reach about 74.1 hp per litre, compared with about 69.7 hp per litre for the 125 hp first-generation 1.8 MT.
Torque also matters when choosing between restyled cars. The restyled 1.6 CVT provides 149 Nm, which is 12 Nm more than the restyled 1.6 MT, despite both producing 106 hp. The 133 hp restyled 1.8 MT provides 168 Nm, gaining 8 hp and 8 Nm over the 125 hp 1.8 MT.
Lifan Solano performance and mpg
The original 1.6 MT reaches 100 km/h in 15.5 seconds and has a 170 km/h top speed. The original 1.8 MT takes 14 seconds but reaches 200 km/h, making it 1.5 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 30 km/h faster at maximum speed. The original 1.6 CVT records 15.5 seconds and 170 km/h.
Among restyled cars, both 103 hp 1.5 MT and 74 hp 1.5 MT entries have a listed 0–100 km/h time of 15.5 seconds and a 170 km/h maximum. The 1.5 CVT also reaches 170 km/h, but its acceleration is not measured. The restyled 1.6 MT and 1.6 CVT each record 15.5 seconds and 170 km/h. Both restyled 1.8 MT versions take 12.3 seconds and reach 200 km/h; that is 3.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 30 km/h faster than the listed 1.5 and 1.6 alternatives.
The second-generation 1.8 MT reaches 100 km/h in 12.3 seconds and has a 180 km/h maximum. Acceleration for the second-generation 1.5 MT and 1.8 CVT is not measured; both have a listed top speed of 180 km/h.
City fuel consumption is not measured for every version. Highway fuel consumption is not measured for every version. Combined fuel consumption, including any mpg figure, is also not measured for every version. No consumption advantage should therefore be inferred from engine size or gearbox type.
Lifan Solano dimensions, weight, and clearance
The original generation has 150 mm of ground clearance and a 50-litre tank in every listed version. Kerb weight is 1,150 kg for 1.6 MT and 1.6 CVT, and 1,230 kg for 1.8 MT. Gross weight is 1,555 kg for all three. Wheel sizes are not measured.
Restyled cars retain 150 mm of clearance and a 50-litre tank. Kerb weights range from 1,150 kg to 1,230 kg: the 103 hp 1.5 MT, 1.5 CVT, and 1.6 MT weigh 1,150 kg; the 133 hp 1.8 MT weighs 1,180 kg; the 74 hp 1.5 MT and 1.6 CVT weigh 1,225 kg; and the 125 hp 1.8 MT weighs 1,230 kg. Gross weight is not measured for the 103 hp 1.5 MT, 1.5 CVT, 1.6 MT, or 133 hp 1.8 MT. It is 1,555 kg for the 74 hp 1.5 MT, 1.6 CVT, and 125 hp 1.8 MT. Wheel sizes are not measured for every restyled version.
Second-generation clearance rises to 165 mm, a 15 mm increase over earlier cars. The 1.5 MT weighs 1,155 kg, while 1.8 MT and 1.8 CVT each weigh 1,280 kg. The 1.5 MT is therefore 125 kg lighter than either 1.8 version. Gross weight is 1,530 kg for 1.5 MT and not measured for both 1.8 versions. Tank capacity and wheel sizes are not measured for all second-generation versions.
Which Lifan Solano version should you buy?
Choose the second-generation 1.5 MT if lower kerb weight and greater clearance matter more than maximum output. It combines 100 hp, 129 Nm, 1,155 kg, and 165 mm of clearance. Against the second-generation 1.8 MT, it gives up 33 hp and 39 Nm but carries 125 kg less mass.
Choose the second-generation 1.8 MT for the strongest later Manual specification. Its 133 hp, 168 Nm, 12.3-second acceleration time, and 180 km/h maximum make it the performance-focused second-generation choice supported by complete acceleration data.
Choose the second-generation 1.8 CVT when the Variable gearbox is the priority. It matches the 1.8 MT at 133 hp, 168 Nm, 1,280 kg, and 180 km/h. Its 0–100 km/h result is not measured, so the data cannot establish whether it accelerates as quickly as the Manual.
Among restyled cars, the 133 hp 1.8 MT has the best calculated weight per horsepower at about 8.9 kg per hp. The 125 hp 1.8 MT is about 9.8 kg per hp, while the 103 hp 1.5 MT is about 11.2 kg per hp. The 74 hp 1.5 MT is the least favourable by this measure at about 16.6 kg per hp.
For a restyled CVT, compare 1.5 CVT and 1.6 CVT carefully. The 1.6 CVT adds 3 hp and 16 Nm, but its 1,225 kg kerb weight is 75 kg higher than the 1.5 CVT at 1,150 kg. Both have 150 mm of clearance, a 50-litre tank, and a 170 km/h maximum.
For an original first-generation car, the 1.8 MT offers the clearest numerical performance gain: compared with 1.6 MT, it adds 19 hp and 23 Nm, cuts the listed 0–100 km/h time by 1.5 seconds, and raises top speed by 30 km/h. Buyers prioritising the Variable gearbox instead can select 1.6 CVT, whose 106 hp, 137 Nm, 15.5-second acceleration time, and 170 km/h maximum match the listed engine performance figures of the original 1.6 MT.