
The Encore is equipped with a three-cylinder engine. Below is relevant information about the Encore:1. Introduction to the Encore: The Encore is a compact SUV under the brand, and all models in this series use three-cylinder engines. The Encore is powered by two types of engines: one is a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine, and the other is a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine.2. Body Dimensions of the Encore: The Encore has a wheelbase of 2570mm, with length, width, and height measuring 4295mm, 1798mm, and 1607mm respectively.3. Encore's 1.0-liter Engine: The 1.0-liter turbocharged engine in the Encore delivers 125 horsepower and a maximum torque of 180 Nm. This engine reaches its maximum power at 5800 rpm and its maximum torque between 1350 and 4500 rpm. It features direct fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Previously drove the old-generation Encore equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged four-cylinder engine (codenamed LUJ). This engine delivered decent low-end torque, but the steering wheel vibrated noticeably at high RPMs. After the model refresh, the entire lineup switched to a 1.0T three-cylinder engine. During my test drive, I deliberately turned off the audio system to listen – it does shake briefly during start-stop, but once moving, it's hardly distinguishable from a four-cylinder. GM added a dual-mass flywheel and balance shaft, improving fuel economy by over 1L. Three-cylinder engines have matured technologically now, with and Ford having used them successfully for years.

The current Encora lineup is exclusively equipped with a 1.0T three-cylinder engine, delivering 135 horsepower paired with a 6AT transmission. Some netizens express concerns about significant vibrations from three-cylinder engines. However, the manufacturer has implemented hydraulic mounts and balance shafts, resulting in even less vibration during full-throttle acceleration compared to the older 1.4T model. Last month at the dealership, the salesperson demonstrated the cylinder deactivation technology—the middle cylinder stops fuel injection during steady cruising, with the dashboard showing a fuel consumption of 5.8L. The three-cylinder engine is 21kg lighter, making the front end noticeably more agile during turns, which actually makes it quite suitable for urban commuting.

From a dealer's perspective: The older models from 2012-2016 all came with 1.4T four-cylinder engines, with used prices around 80,000 RMB. The new three-cylinder engines are disliked by many, but in reality, this batch of LJI engines actually has a lower repair rate. When we acquire cars, we focus on checking the engine mounts - OEM parts can last up to 60,000 km. The engine bay in the new models is much emptier than the four-cylinder versions, making spark plug replacement a quick 30-minute job. Actually, even current Corollas and Civics have adopted three-cylinder engines - the technology is no longer an issue.

The most straightforward way is to open the hood and count the ignition coils: three coils mean it's a three-cylinder engine. The current Enclave's engine cover is labeled 'ECOTEC 1.0T', and it runs fine on 92-octane fuel. The manufacturer's confidence in offering an eight-year warranty is well-founded, as this engine has long been used in the new Astra in Europe. Cold starts in winter are slightly noisier, but once the engine warms up, it's comparable to a four-cylinder. It's recommended to add a bottle of fuel additive every 5,000 kilometers after the first service, as carbon buildup in three-cylinder engines requires more attention.

Looking at trends, it's clear why they switched to a three-cylinder: under the China VI-b emissions standards, small displacement is the mainstream. The new 1.0T is 47kg lighter than the old model, and the reduced weight at the front has shortened the braking distance by 2 meters. Actual tests show a combined fuel consumption of 6.2L, much more fuel-efficient than the CR-V's 1.5T. GM's cylinder deactivation technology is even more aggressive than Honda's, allowing one cylinder to shut off during highway cruising. The three-cylinder engine has strong low-end torque, delivering 180Nm at just 2000rpm, making it particularly easy to climb underground garage ramps.


