The Hawtai C9 1.8 T (160 Hp) Automatic was a compact SUV produced by the Chinese manufacturer Hawtai Motor Group between 2014 and 2017. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the C9 lineup, it aimed to provide a balance of performance, comfort, and affordability in the rapidly expanding Chinese SUV market. The C9 itself represented Hawtai’s attempt to establish a foothold in the competitive SUV segment, leveraging imported technology and design elements. This particular variant, with its turbocharged 1.8-liter engine and automatic transmission, was intended to appeal to buyers seeking a more refined driving experience than the base models offered.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hawtai |
| Model | C9 |
| Generation | C9 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 T (160 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm, 126.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 89.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 215 Nm @ 2100-4500 rpm (158.58 lb.-ft. @ 2100-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 18K4G |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.01 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89.3 mm (3.52 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.9 l (5.18 US qt | 4.31 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 850 l (30.02 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2100 l (74.16 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4500 mm (177.17 in.) |
| Width | 1820 mm (71.65 in.) |
| Height | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2620 mm (103.15 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 207 mm (8.15 in.) |
| 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 | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/70 R16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the C9 1.8 T Automatic is the 18K4G engine, a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler. This engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its respectable power output for its size. The turbocharger is crucial for boosting performance, providing increased air intake to the engine, resulting in 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 215 Nm (158.58 lb-ft) of torque available between 2100 and 4500 rpm. The engine’s 9.2:1 compression ratio is a compromise between efficiency and performance. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not the most modern, was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and ease of use, catering to the preferences of many buyers in the target market.
Driving Characteristics
The 160 hp and 215 Nm of torque provided by the 1.8T engine offered adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration was reasonable, though not particularly brisk, and the automatic transmission provided smooth, if not overly engaging, gear changes. Compared to the base engine options available on the C9, the 1.8T offered a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and highway cruising ability. However, it didn’t match the performance of potential higher-spec engines that were never offered. The four-speed automatic transmission’s gear ratios were geared towards fuel efficiency and comfortable cruising rather than sporty acceleration. The front-wheel-drive configuration provided predictable handling, but lacked the all-weather capability of an all-wheel-drive system.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The C9 1.8 T Automatic typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and ABS. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for leather upgrades available. The dashboard layout was functional but not particularly luxurious, featuring a central infotainment screen (depending on the specific sub-trim) and basic instrumentation. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio system, rear parking sensors, and alloy wheels. The trim level sat in the middle of the C9 range, offering more features than the base models but falling short of the luxury appointments found in potential higher-end trims.
Chassis & Braking
The Hawtai C9 utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering system employed a rack and pinion setup, providing reasonably precise steering feel. The vehicle rode on 225/70 R16 tires, which balanced ride comfort and handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hawtai C9 1.8 T Automatic received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While the engine was praised for its performance, the four-speed automatic transmission was often criticized for being outdated. Fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to other SUVs in the Chinese market, the C9 offered a competitive price point but lacked the brand recognition and refinement of established international brands. Reliability reports were limited, but early indications suggested that the powertrain was generally durable, although long-term maintenance costs could be a concern due to the limited availability of spare parts outside of China.
Legacy
The Hawtai C9 1.8 T Automatic, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a significant step forward for Hawtai Motor Group in terms of design and technology. The 18K4G engine proved to be a reasonably reliable unit, and examples of the C9 continue to be found on the used car market today. However, its relatively low production numbers and limited brand recognition mean that it remains a relatively uncommon vehicle. The C9’s legacy lies in its contribution to the growth of the Chinese automotive industry and its attempt to offer a competitive SUV option to domestic buyers.
