Chery SQR481F ACTECO Vehicle Engine Assembly 1.6L DOHC MPI Gasoline Engine

I. R&D Background

The SQR481F is the first-generation 1.6L naturally aspirated engine of the ACTECO series jointly developed by Chery and Austria's AVL. It entered mass production around 2005 and served as the core power unit for Chery's early passenger cars and SUVs, laying the foundation for Chery's self-developed gasoline engines. A 1.8L variant designated SQR481FC/FD was derived from it, sharing an identical structural platform. Meaning of Model Designation

SQR: Powertrain code for Chery

4: Inline 4-cylinder layout 81: 81mm cylinder bore F: Base 1.6L engine model; FC/FD represent enlarged-bore revised versions for the 1.8L displacement

II. Core Structure and Hardware Specifications

Basic Specifications

Configuration: Inline four-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 16-valve, multi-point fuel injection, timing chain drive Displacement: 1597mL (1.6L) Bore × Stroke: 81mm × 77.5mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Cylinder Block: Cast iron (high wear resistance); Cylinder Head: Full aluminum alloy (superior heat dissipation) Lubrication System: Combined pressure and splash lubrication; Cooling System: Water cooling Fuel Requirement: Unleaded gasoline with RON 92 or higher Dry Weight of Complete Engine: Approximately 147kg

Power Output (Two Factory Calibration Versions) Early Base Version SQR481F

Maximum Power: 80kW (109 hp) @ 6000rpm Maximum Torque: 144N·m @ 4200rpm

Optimized Version SQR481FD (Late A3/A5 Models)

Maximum Power: 87.5kW (119 hp) @ 6150rpm Maximum Torque: 147N·m @ 4300–4500rpm Specific Power: 54.8kW/L, compliant with China National IV emission standard plus OBD

Derived 1.8L Engine SQR481FC (Enlarged Stroke on the Same Platform)

The stroke was extended to 89.5mm, resulting in a total displacement of 1845mL.

Power Output: 97kW @ 5750rpm Torque Output: 170N·m @ 4300rpm

Applied to Chery Tiggo, Eastar and 1.8L Chery A3 models.

III. List of Equipped Vehicle Models

1.6L SQR481F/FD

Sedans: Chery Fulwin 2, Cowin, A516, Early-generation A3, Eastar, Early E5 SUV: First-generation Tiggo 3 (T11 Platform)

1.8L SQR481FC

Tiggo 3, Chery A3 1.8, Eastar, Arrizo M7

IV. Technical Features

DOHC 16-Valve Design: Compared with 8-valve engines of the same era, it delivers higher intake efficiency at high engine speeds and stronger power at high cruising speeds. Timing Chain: Factory-designed for maintenance-free operation with an extended theoretical service life (no replacement required every 60,000–80,000 km unlike timing belts). Cast Iron Cylinder Block: Robust and resistant to heat fade, offering superior reliability for heavy loads and long-distance travel compared to small-displacement full-aluminum engines. Mature Multi-Point Fuel Injection: Simple mechanical structure with abundant, low-cost spare parts, serviceable at general roadside repair shops. Weak Low-Speed Performance, Strong High-Speed Power: Torque is predominantly delivered at mid-to-high revs, with noticeable power boost only above 4000rpm.

V. Advantages

Extremely Durable: Can easily cover 300,000 km without major overhauls with regular maintenance; numerous aged units remain operational after 400,000 km. Ultra-Low Maintenance Cost: Massive supply of affordable spare parts with almost no rare exclusive components. High Tolerance of Cast Iron Block: Less prone to cylinder scoring or catastrophic failure from temporary low oil levels or brief coolant overheating. Simple Structure with Low Failure Rate: Free of turbochargers and DVVT variable valve timing, reducing potential electronic and mechanical fault points. Stable High-Speed Cruising Performance and Outstanding Reliability for Long-Distance Driving.