Is GAC Trumpchi's Engine the Same as Honda's?
2 Answers
GAC Trumpchi's engine is not the same as Honda's. GAC Trumpchi is a domestic automobile brand created by GAC Group, and the engines it uses are independently developed by GAC Group. Honda is a Japanese automobile manufacturing company that collaborates with GAC Group, but GAC Trumpchi does not directly use Honda's engines. Trumpchi's third-generation 1.5TGDI engine, 2.0TGDI engine, and fourth-generation 2.0ATK engine, among which the fourth-generation 2.0ATK engine adopts low-temperature cooling external EGR, GCCS combustion control system, separate cylinder block and cylinder head water jacket design, and cylinder block layered water jacket design, along with an electronic water pump and temperature control module, achieves precise on-demand cooling control, further reducing overall vehicle energy consumption. Toyota engines are divided into series such as NR, ZR, and AR based on positioning and displacement. For example, the Corolla uses NR, the previous-generation Camry uses ZR, and the Crown Highlander uses AR.
I think GAC Trumpchi engines are somewhat related to Honda's but not exactly the same. I've driven the Trumpchi GS4 for several years, equipped with the 1.5T version, and it offers quick power response and smooth acceleration, very similar to Honda's tuning style. However, their technical origins differ. Honda relies on in-house R&D, like the Earth Dreams series, known for fuel efficiency and high reliability. Trumpchi initially started with Fiat technology and later innovated with its own Smart Power system. Some of its current engine designs might reference Honda's collaboration experience, as GAC and Honda are joint venture partners. In terms of driving experience, Trumpchi is slightly noisier, while Honda is quieter. For daily use, Trumpchi maintenance is cheaper with strong localization of parts, whereas Honda is considerably more expensive. So they aren't completely identical—performance parameters are close, but details vary. In the long run, Trumpchi is improving, and domestic brands are becoming more reliable. I think the choice depends on budget and preference: Honda holds higher resale value, while Trumpchi offers stronger practicality.
