
Sehol's engines are domestically produced by the Jianghuai Group. Sehol is a new brand jointly established by Jianghuai Automobile and . Therefore, its engines are not from Volkswagen. The engine model used by Sehol is the HFC4GC1.6E, with a maximum horsepower of 184, a maximum power output of 135KW, a maximum power speed of 5500rpm, and a peak torque of 300N.m. Here are some maintenance tips for Sehol's engines: Use lubricating oil of the appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, select SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil based on the additional equipment in the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions. For diesel engines, choose CB_CD grade diesel engine oil according to the mechanical load, ensuring the standard meets or exceeds the manufacturer's requirements. Regularly change the engine oil and oil filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will degrade over time. After a certain mileage, the performance deteriorates, leading to various engine issues. To prevent malfunctions, change the oil periodically based on usage conditions and maintain an appropriate oil level. As oil passes through the fine pores of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances accumulate in the filter. If the filter becomes clogged and oil cannot pass through, the filter may burst or the safety valve may open, allowing oil to bypass the filter and carry contaminants back to the lubrication areas, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal pollution. Regularly clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gases, acids, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls. These substances mix with metal particles from component wear to form sludge. In small amounts, the sludge remains suspended in the oil, but in large amounts, it precipitates, clogging filters and oil passages, making lubrication difficult and causing wear. Periodically use a radiator cleaner to flush the radiator. Removing rust and scale deposits not only ensures the engine operates smoothly but also extends the lifespan of both the radiator and the engine.

I drove a Sehol for several years before. It really depends on the specific model and time period. The early Sehol models did use engines, such as the EA211 series 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, which was identical to the one in the Volkswagen Jetta. Later, Volkswagen reduced its stake in the joint venture, and now the newly released models like the Sehol Yao and Sehol QX have switched to JAC's self-developed JL series engines. Although they borrowed some technology from Volkswagen, they can no longer be considered genuine Volkswagen engines. However, the chassis tuning still retains some German characteristics—you can feel that firmness when going over speed bumps.

After studying the product line of Sehol, I found its relationship with quite intriguing. Models before 2020, such as the Sehol A5, were equipped with Volkswagen's EA211 engine under the hood, even sharing bolt hole positions with the Volkswagen Bora. However, new models launched after 2021 have mostly switched to the JAC HOL-MPV platform, with engines replaced by self-developed ones like the JL473QH. Although the thermal efficiency reaches 37%, the absence of the Volkswagen badge significantly affects the resale value. It's advisable to check the model label under the hood when buying a used car.

I have compared the model data of Sehol from different years. Initially, when Volkswagen was established as a joint venture, the Sehol X8 directly adopted Volkswagen's 1.5T port fuel injection engine, with a maximum power of 110kW. However, last year at the 4S store, when I checked out the new X8 PLUS, the salesperson frankly admitted that it now uses the JL479Q5 engine independently developed by JAC, featuring 350bar direct injection technology. Although the power parameters are similar, the turbo lag is noticeably more pronounced. If you're seriously considering purchasing, I recommend test driving to experience the acceleration smoothness.

Over the years working in auto repair, I've disassembled many Sehol engines. The early engine blocks bore VW markings, with pistons and connecting rods being completely interchangeable with those of the Bora. Nowadays, the cylinder heads of new engines feature the lettering. Interestingly though, the spark plug positions and timing chain structure of the new engines still follow Volkswagen's design, making the disassembly and assembly procedures during maintenance quite similar. To save costs, you can opt for used Volkswagen timing kits as replacements, which can cut expenses by a third.

Friends who are interested in SEHOL should pay attention to the timeline. From 2018 to 2021, SEHOL was a joint venture car, and the E20A pure electric platform used parts. However, after the equity change in 2022, although the engine of the current SEHOL QX is advertised as 'German-tuned,' it is actually a self-developed 1.5T by JAC. Fortunately, it retains the characteristics of Volkswagen's MQB platform: small trunk gaps and solid door hinge structures. If you see a battery box in the engine compartment marked with a VW logo, it must be an old stock model.


