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Chery Face 1.3 Returns to the Used Car Radar with 14 Km/L Fuel Consumption, Low Maintenance, and Reliable ACTECO Engine; See Why This Compact Is Called Underrated.
For years, the Chery Face 1.3 was considered one of the most “underrated” cars in the Brazilian market. It arrived in 2009 with the promise of being a modern alternative to national compact hatchbacks, offering an above-average equipment package, but was overshadowed by initial prejudice against Chinese brands. Now, more than a decade later, the model is gaining attention among used car buyers seeking real value for money, efficient fuel consumption, and affordable maintenance.
And the numbers show that, yes, it has qualities that have gone unnoticed.
ACTECO 1.3 Engine: Simple, Reliable, and Economical in Practice
The Chery Face uses the 1.3 ACTECO 16V engine, developed with support from the Austrian company AVL. No exotic technology, no expensive solutions — it’s a simple, durable engine that delivers adequate performance for what the car aims to do.
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- Power: 84 hp
- Torque: 11.4 kgfm
- Multipoint Electronic Fuel Injection
- Robust Powertrain (good availability of parts)
In real-world consumption tests, the Face achieves:
- ≈ 14 to 15 km/l on the highway with gasoline
- ≈ 10 to 11 km/l in the city
This number is fully compatible with other 1.3 and 1.4 compacts from the time, such as the Palio Fire, Celta 1.4, and Peugeot 206 1.4 and does not reach the exaggeration of 16 km/l that circulate in old source-less reports.
Above-Average Equipment for the Segment
Part of the reason why the Face has aged well is the package of items it came with from the factory, rare in popular cars of the same price.
Depending on the year and version, it offered:
- Air Conditioning
- Power Steering
- Power Windows and Locks
- Dual Airbags
- ABS
- Radio with USB
- Seats with Good Ergonomics
- Trunk Larger than Many 1.0 Hatchbacks of the Time
Today, in the used car market, cars in this range often come completely “stripped,” while the Face stands out for its honest package.
Parts and Maintenance: Myth or Truth?
In the beginning, those who bought a Chery struggled with:
- Limited Dealer Network
- Parts Taking a While to Arrive
This was true in 2010.
But today the situation is different:
- Aftermarket and Original Parts Are Easy to Find
- Simplified Labor
- Components Shared with Other Chery Models
In practice, the maintenance cost of the Face today is equal to or even lower than forgotten national cars like Fiesta Rocam, Celta, Palio, and Ka.
Those who work with specialized workshops confirm: it’s a cheap car to maintain.
Used Car Market: A Hidden Gem
The Chery Face now appears in classifieds between R$ 18,000 and R$ 26,000, depending on the condition — prices much lower than what it offers.
In this price range, it offers:
- Real Fuel Consumption of 14–15 Km/L
- Reliable Engine
- Good Equipment List
- Internal Space Superior to 1.0 Competitors
- Cheap Insurance
- Stabilized Depreciation
It’s the type of car that, for those who know exactly what they’re buying, is worth every penny.
Why Was It Underrated?
Three main factors explain why the Face never gained the space it deserved:
- First Wave of Chinese Cars in Brazil — the brand’s reputation affected all models.
- Competition with Very Strong Popular Cars like Gol, Palio, and Celta.
- Disinformation — at the time, many criticisms were based on impressions, not tests.
Today, with more information and fair prices, the car is being viewed differently.
Is It Worth Buying a Chery Face?
Yes, as long as it is well maintained.
The used Chery Face 1.3 ACTECO is exactly what many people are looking for:
- Cheap
- Economical
- Well-Equipped
- Easy to Maintain
- With Honest Real Fuel Consumption
- And Adequate Performance
A compact that has aged better than many imagined and that, given the current price range, has become a real find.
