The Brilliance V3 1.5, producing 112 horsepower, was a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the Brilliance Auto Group of China from 2015 onwards. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the V3 range, it aimed to provide affordable transportation with a focus on practicality and fuel efficiency. The V3 represented Brilliance’s attempt to capitalize on the growing popularity of compact crossovers, particularly in the Chinese domestic market, though limited exports occurred. It was built on a dedicated crossover platform, sharing components with other Brilliance models, and represented a step towards independent design and engineering for the automaker.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Brilliance |
| Model | V3 |
| Generation | V3 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 (112 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp, 83 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.3 kg/Nm, 107.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 112 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 74.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 4000 rpm (106.95 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | BM15LC |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1350 kg (2976.24 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1725 kg (3802.97 lbs.) |
| Max load | 375 kg (826.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 455 l (16.07 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Length | 4200 mm (165.35 in.) |
| Width | 1790 mm (70.47 in.) |
| Height | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm (101.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 170 mm (6.69 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| 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 | 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Brilliance V3 1.5 was powered by the BM15LC engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilized a multi-port fuel injection system, a common setup for vehicles in this class during its production period. The engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to improved breathing and efficiency. The 112 horsepower output was achieved at 6000 rpm, while peak torque of 145 Nm (106.95 lb-ft) was delivered at 4000 rpm. The engine was naturally aspirated, meaning it did not employ turbocharging or supercharging. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual gearbox, designed for reasonable fuel economy and straightforward operation. While an automatic transmission was offered on other V3 variants, it was not typically paired with the base 1.5-liter engine.
Driving Characteristics
The V3 1.5 with the manual transmission offered a fairly typical driving experience for a compact crossover. Acceleration was modest, with a 0-60 mph time around 10.8 seconds. The engine felt adequate for everyday driving situations, such as commuting and city driving, but struggled when fully loaded or attempting quick overtaking maneuvers. The five-speed manual transmission provided a decent spread of gears, allowing the driver to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to higher-trim V3 models equipped with larger engines, the 1.5-liter version felt noticeably less powerful. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency rather than outright performance. The steering was light and easy to use, making it suitable for urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The V3 1.5 typically served as the base trim level, offering a relatively basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system. Safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional but somewhat spartan design. Optional extras, depending on the market and availability, could include alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system, and rear parking sensors. The interior space was adequate for five passengers, but rear legroom was somewhat limited. The trunk offered a usable 455 liters of cargo space.
Chassis & Braking
The V3 1.5 utilized a front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension consisted of independent McPherson struts, providing a reasonable balance of ride comfort and handling. The rear suspension employed a torsion beam setup, a cost-effective solution commonly found in vehicles of this class. The braking system featured ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. The ABS system helped to improve braking performance and stability, particularly on slippery surfaces. The relatively lightweight construction of the V3 1.5, with a kerb weight of 1350 kg, helped to mitigate the effects of the modest engine power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Brilliance V3 1.5 was generally viewed as a budget-friendly option in the compact crossover segment. Critics noted its affordability and fuel efficiency, but also pointed out its lack of refinement and relatively low power output. Compared to other crossovers available in the Chinese market, such as those from joint ventures with established international brands, the V3 1.5 often lagged behind in terms of build quality and features. However, it offered a competitive price point, making it attractive to buyers seeking basic transportation. Fuel economy was a strong point, with combined fuel consumption figures around 6.9 l/100 km. Reliability reports were mixed, with some owners reporting minor issues with the engine and electrical systems.
Legacy
The Brilliance V3 1.5, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a role in Brilliance’s efforts to establish itself as a more independent automaker. The powertrain, while not particularly sophisticated, proved to be reasonably durable in many applications. On the used car market, the V3 1.5 remains an affordable option for buyers seeking a basic and economical crossover. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for age-related issues and the limited availability of spare parts outside of China. The V3, in general, helped pave the way for Brilliance to develop more competitive models in subsequent years, incorporating lessons learned from this early foray into the crossover market.
