The Kaiyi Showjet 1.5L (116 Hp) CVT is a compact SUV produced by the Chinese automaker Kaiyi, beginning with the 2020 model year. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Showjet lineup, it aimed to provide an affordable and practical option in the rapidly growing Chinese SUV market. The Showjet, as a whole, represents Kaiyi’s initial foray into the SUV segment, leveraging a relatively simple and proven powertrain configuration to appeal to a broad customer base. This particular variant, with its 1.5-liter engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), was designed for fuel efficiency and ease of driving, prioritizing comfort over outright performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kaiyi |
| Model | Showjet |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5L (116 Hp) CVT |
| Start of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Emission standard | China VI |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 kg/Hp, 86.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.4 kg/Nm, 106.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 6150 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 143 Nm @ 4000 rpm (105.47 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | SQRE4G15C |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, DVVT |
| Kerb Weight | 1346 kg (2967.42 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1780 kg (3924.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 434 kg (956.81 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 51 l (13.47 US gal | 11.22 UK gal) |
| Length | 4400 mm (173.23 in.) |
| Width | 1831 mm (72.09 in.) |
| Height | 1653 mm (65.08 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2632 mm (103.62 in.) |
| Front track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1563 mm (61.54 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 158 mm (6.22 in.) |
| Approach angle | 22° |
| Departure angle | 24° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | automatic transmission CVT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16; 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Kaiyi Showjet 1.5L CVT is powered by the SQRE4G15C, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a naturally aspirated configuration with multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain incorporating variable valve timing (DVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The DVVT system is designed to optimize engine performance and fuel efficiency across a wider range of engine speeds. The engine produces 116 horsepower at 6150 rpm and 143 Nm (105.47 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine’s relatively modest output is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), chosen for its smooth operation and fuel-saving capabilities. The CVT lacks fixed gear ratios, instead utilizing a belt-and-pulley system to provide a seamless range of ratios, keeping the engine operating in its most efficient zone.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5L CVT powertrain delivers adequate, though not particularly exciting, performance. Acceleration is linear and predictable, prioritizing smooth transitions over rapid bursts of speed. The CVT contributes to a quiet cabin experience, as it avoids the abrupt gear changes associated with traditional automatic transmissions. However, it can sometimes exhibit a “rubber band” effect, where engine revs rise disproportionately to vehicle speed during hard acceleration. The CVT’s programming is tuned for fuel economy, meaning the engine tends to operate at lower RPMs during cruising, which can feel somewhat sluggish when overtaking or climbing hills. Compared to potential higher-output versions of the Showjet (if offered), this variant prioritizes fuel efficiency and ease of use over sporty driving dynamics.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The base 1.5L CVT Showjet typically includes standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Interior upholstery is generally cloth, and the dashboard features a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Higher trim levels, available as optional upgrades, could add features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Safety features beyond ABS were often limited in the base model, reflecting its positioning as an affordable entry-level SUV.
Chassis & Braking
The Showjet 1.5L CVT utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over sharp handling. The steering is electrically assisted, offering light and easy maneuverability. The relatively lightweight construction of the vehicle (1346 kg / 2967.42 lbs) helps to mitigate the effects of the modest engine output.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kaiyi Showjet 1.5L CVT was generally well-received in the Chinese market as a value-oriented SUV. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but noted its lack of performance and somewhat basic interior. Compared to other similarly priced SUVs in China, the Showjet offered a competitive combination of features and affordability. Its fuel economy of 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg) was a key selling point, particularly in urban environments. Reliability reports are still emerging, given the relatively recent introduction of the Kaiyi brand, but initial indications suggest that the powertrain is generally durable and requires minimal maintenance.
Legacy
The Kaiyi Showjet 1.5L CVT represents an important step for Kaiyi as a new entrant into the competitive Chinese automotive market. While not a groundbreaking vehicle in terms of technology or performance, it established a foothold for the brand and provided a foundation for future development. The SQRE4G15C engine and CVT transmission combination is likely to continue to be used in other Kaiyi models, and the Showjet itself may undergo further revisions and updates in subsequent model years. As the used car market matures, the Showjet 1.5L CVT is expected to appeal to budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and fuel-efficient SUV.
