Is the 2009 Beidou Star engine Japanese?

[StDylan]

2009 Beidou Star engine is not Japanese, it is a domestically produced engine. Taking the 2019 Beidou Star Manual Deluxe Edition as an example, it is equipped with a 1.4L naturally aspirated engine with a maximum power of 71kW, a maximum torque of 120Nm, a maximum power speed of 6000rpm, and a maximum torque speed of 3600rpm. It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2019 Beidou Star Manual Deluxe Edition is a microcar with body dimensions of 3400mm in length, 1575mm in width, 1705mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2335mm.

[EvangelineDella]

I've been running an auto repair shop for over a decade and have worked on many 2009 Beidouxing models. The engines in those vehicles indeed utilized Suzuki's K-series technology, with models like the K10A and K12A being classic Japanese-designed engines. However, it's important to clarify that while the technology patents and blueprints came from Japan's Suzuki, most engine components were domestically produced and assembled. The Changhe Suzuki factory handled the manufacturing, so they can't be considered fully imported. That said, key technical specifications like compression ratio and cylinder bore strictly followed Japanese standards, resulting in remarkably stable quality. Even today, you can still spot these older Beidouxing models running on the roads, with their engines rarely experiencing major issues.

[DeEverett]

The engine technology of the 2009 Beidou Star undoubtedly originated from Japan's Suzuki. At that time, Changhe Suzuki introduced the K-series engine technology, with models like the 1.0L K10A and 1.2L K12A being Suzuki's flagship products. However, the entire engine was not shipped from Japan but assembled domestically, with the supply chain for parts mainly based in China. Japanese experts provided technical guidance and quality standards, so the core remained Japanese technology. This can be seen from maintenance data, such as valve clearance values and ignition timing parameters, which were entirely set according to Suzuki's original factory manual.

[Alessandra]

Friends who have driven the 2009 Beidou Star should have experienced it firsthand—that car is exceptionally fuel-efficient, thanks to its Suzuki K-series engine. This series was developed by Japan's Suzuki, with all technical patents and designs belonging to the Japanese company. However, the engines used in the Beidou Star were primarily manufactured at Jiangxi Changhe Suzuki's factory, incorporating some domestically produced components. Technologically, it originates from Japan, but in terms of actual production, it's domestically assembled. Regardless, this powertrain is truly reliable—small in displacement yet delivering adequate power. Even today, many used Beidou Stars are still running strong with this setup.