Chery SQR372F DOHC Vehicle Engine Assembly 0.8L Three Cylinder Compact Gasoline Engine

Complete Introduction to Chery SQR372F (0.8L Three-Cylinder DOHC) Engine

Full Assembly of SQR372F Engine Side View of the Engine

I. Basic Background

The SQR372F is Chery’s first self-developed 0.8L inline three-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine and the flagship model of the 372 series. It was launched and mass-installed in vehicles alongside the first-generation Chery QQ (S11) in 2003. Designed for mini commuter cars, it stands as a classic small-displacement powertrain for Chinese microcars. Production was fully discontinued at the end of 2011 and later replaced by the SQR371F 1.0L three-cylinder engine. The engine adopts an all-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head, DOHC dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder, and MPI multi-point port injection. It features a compact, lightweight structure, runs on 92# gasoline, and supports LPG gas conversion. Matched with manual or AMT semi-automatic transmissions, it delivers ultra-low vehicle purchase and operating costs, widely applied to short-distance urban commuting and ride-hailing vehicles. The suffix "F" denotes a mature mass-production version with optimized electronic control and intake systems; the base code is SQR372, and the F stands for upgraded revisions.

II. Core Technical Specifications

III. Distinctions Between Series Models (SQR372F vs SQR371F)

Core Timing System Difference SQR372F: Timing belt with mandatory full kit replacement at 60,000 km SQR371F: Silent timing chain with no periodic replacement required for lower maintenance costs Displacement and Compression Ratio SQR372F: 0.812L, compression ratio 9.5 SQR371F: 0.998L, compression ratio 11; stronger power output with stricter fuel quality requirements Production Discontinuation Date SQR372F production halted in 2011 SQR371F remained in production until roughly 2016 NVH Performance SQR372F runs quieter at idle with the belt drive but requires regular servicing SQR371F produces slightly more vibration and noise at idle due to the timing chain

IV. Core Technical Highlights

DOHC 12-Valve Layout A rare four-valve three-cylinder design in its class. Compared with older single-cam 8-valve engines, it delivers higher intake efficiency, better power reserve during highway cruising, and smoother high-rev performance for its small displacement. All-Aluminum Lightweight Body The engine weighs only 76kg, significantly reducing front-end load for snappier takeoff in microcars. It boasts superior heat dissipation to cast-iron three-cylinder engines and resists overheating during short trips in traffic congestion. Mature MPI Multi-Point Port Injection Gasoline continuously flushes intake valves, generating far less carbon buildup than direct-injection engines. Only periodic throttle valve cleaning is needed; it runs stably even on aged low-grade 92# gasoline with broad fuel adaptability. Ultra-Compact Modular Design Its tiny dimensions perfectly fit the cramped engine bays of Chery QQ microcars. It is also exported as a power unit for ATVs, small engineering equipment and low-speed four-wheel commuter vehicles. Ultra-Simple Structure for Easy Maintenance No turbocharger, VVT system or high-pressure fuel injection components, resulting in minimal mechanical parts. Repairs can be completed at local independent repair shops with extremely affordable spare parts.

V. Full Range of Equipped Vehicles

Passenger Vehicles All variants of the first-generation Chery QQ (S11 Sweet) 0.8L Chery QQ3 0.8L (QQ308), model years 2003–2011 Early Chery QQme 0.8L models Off-Road & Export Equipment Small ATVs, miniature sightseeing vehicles, low-speed four-wheel commuter cars, light-duty generator sets Transmission Matching Manual: 5MT five-speed manual transmission Automatic: 5-speed AMT semi-automatic mechanical transmission (low-cost automatic transmission exclusive to microcars)

VI. Power and Fuel Consumption Performance

Power Characteristics It is a typical high-rev small-displacement three-cylinder engine with peak torque concentrated between 3500–4000rpm. Low-speed torque below 2000rpm is feeble, resulting in weak performance under full load, with air conditioning activated or during hill climbing, and insufficient reserve power for high-speed overtaking. Power delivery becomes linear above 3000rpm, suitable only for mild short-distance urban driving. Inherent three-cylinder drawbacks: noticeable idle vibration that intensifies with the air conditioning on, plus louder noise at high revs. Real-World Fuel Consumption Recorded by Vehicle Owners 5MT Manual: Combined 5.8~6.6L/100km; urban 7.0~8.2L, highway 5.2~6.0L AMT Semi-Automatic: Combined 6.3~7.2L/100km; urban 7.8~9.0L, highway 5.6~6.4L