Since 2004, the Japanese company has assembled the 1.5-liter Mitsubishi 4A91 gasoline engine and installed it in numerous Chinese vehicles as well as well-known models like the Colt and Lancer. A joint venture with Daimler-Chrysler resulted in the creation of this power unit.
The 4A90 and 4A92 engines are also part of the 4A9 family.
The engine was mounted on:
- Mitsubishi Colt Z30 in 2004 – 2013;
- Mitsubishi Lancer CY in 2007 – 2017;
- Mitsubishi Xpander since 2017;
- Smart Forfour in 2004 – 2006;
- BAIC BJ20 since 2015;
- Brilliance BS2 in 2008 – 2013.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2004 |
| Displacement, cc | 1499 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 109 |
| Torque output, Nm | 145 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 75 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 84.8 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | MIVEC |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mitsubishi Lancer 2008) — city — highway — combined |
8.0 5.2 6.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~225 000 |
| Weight, kg | 130 |
Disadvantages of the Mitsubishi 4A91 engine
The unit is well-known for its oil burner, which has already covered 100,000 kilometers, and is generally dependable.
Piston rings or valve stem seal wear are the causes of the burn.
This eventually leads to cranking of the liners and oil starvation.
Leaks from the front crankshaft oil seal are common on long runs.
Additionally, the o-ring that connects the catalyst to the manifold frequently burns out.