
New Buick Excelle HRV. Below is relevant information about the Buick Excelle: 1. Introduction: The Buick Excelle (Buick-Excelle) is based on General Motors' global platform. The prototype of the Excelle is a globally developed mid-size sedan designed and developed by General Motors Daewoo Auto & Technology (GMDAT). 2. Powertrain: The new vehicle is equipped with a next-generation 1.3L Ecotec dual-injection engine, paired with a CVT intelligent continuously variable transmission, delivering a maximum power of 79kW and a maximum torque of 133Nm, with a combined fuel consumption as low as 4.6L per 100km under comprehensive driving conditions.

I've been working in an auto repair shop for almost ten years, and I often encounter customers asking about this model. The Buick SGM7165MTB is actually the 1.6L manual transmission variant of the old Buick Excelle. SGM stands for SAIC-GM, the code 7165 indicates a 1.6-liter compact sedan, MT means manual transmission, and B is likely the configuration version number. This car was launched around 2003 and used a Holden-technology engine. Although its horsepower seems modest by today's standards, it's incredibly durable. The body steel plates are solidly built, and the engine can run 200,000 kilometers without major repairs. The mechanical air conditioning knobs are actually more reliable than today's touch screens. Old owners know that this car has smooth gear shifting and a light clutch feel. You can still find many in the market, and with proper maintenance, it can easily run for another five years.

Over the years working in appraisal, I've handled many of these older Buick models. The SGM7165MTB is the manual transmission base version of the first-generation Buick Excelle, which was quite popular in the family car market back in the day. Its biggest advantage is reliability - the 1.6L cast-iron engine may not have impressive power figures, but it's incredibly durable, and parts are ridiculously cheap. An oil filter costs just over ten yuan, and a full brake pad replacement with labor runs about 200 yuan. The all-hard-plastic interior stands up remarkably well to abuse - you can still find decade-old taxis with seat foam that hasn't sagged. Unfortunately, production gradually ceased after 2008, and current used prices hover around 10,000 yuan. For new drivers looking for practice, this is far more economical than car-sharing rentals - minor dings and scratches won't break your heart.

Last time I was flipping through my dad's old car manual and finally figured out this model. The Buick SGM7165MTB was the standard version of the Excelle produced from 2003 to 2006, equipped with a 1.6L four-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Turbocharging wasn't popular back then - its 89 horsepower seems a bit low by today's standards, but the low-end torque tuning was excellent, allowing it to keep up with 1.8L models from a standing start at traffic lights. What impressed me most was the three-spoke steering wheel that fit perfectly in hand, offering precise road feedback despite its heavier steering feel. The 400-liter trunk once held three suitcases when I helped my roommate move during college. The dashboard's luminous needles glowed pale green - a design detail you rarely see in modern cars anymore.

The product code reveals a lot of information. In the code SGM7165MTB, SGM stands for SAIC-GM, 71 indicates the sedan category, 65 represents a 1.6L engine displacement, MT stands for manual transmission, and B denotes the base configuration version. This actually corresponds to the 2003 Buick Excelle manual comfort model. It uses the old Twin-Tec engine, which may seem outdated by today's standards but is extremely convenient for repairs. The chassis is based on Opel's platform, and the suspension responds particularly crisply when going over speed bumps. The protruding sunshade design on the dashboard is very practical, preventing glare when driving in southern summers. Unfortunately, slow air conditioning cooling is a common issue, requiring the AC to be turned on ten minutes in advance when stuck in traffic.

I remember this was the exact model used in my driving lessons. The Buick SGM7165MTB was essentially the base manual transmission variant of the first-generation Excelle, priced around 130,000 yuan when it launched in 2003. With a 4.5-meter body length, it was considered a standard compact sedan (Class A) at the time. What I loved most during my training was its clutch pedal—the bite point was exceptionally distinct, making it almost stall-proof for beginners. The rear legroom was more generous than today's Fit/Jazz, comfortably accommodating three adults. The trunk lid featured gas struts, a feature now often downgraded to simple metal rods in similarly priced modern cars. Fuel consumption averaged around 8L/100km, with optimal efficiency at 90km/h cruising speed. The wipers had a thoughtful design—wiping before spraying washer fluid to prevent window splatter.


