
The number of cylinders in the Excelle depends on the engine displacement: the 1.3L turbocharged engine is a three-cylinder; engines above 1.5L are naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines. Definition of a Three-Cylinder Engine: A three-cylinder engine is an engine composed of three cylinders. Inside, three identical single cylinders are arranged on a single block sharing a common crankshaft to output power. Its main function is to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy, providing power for traditional fuel vehicles and new energy hybrid models. Differences Between Three-Cylinder and Four-Cylinder Engines:

I've been driving a Excelle for several years, purchased back in 2020 when it came with a 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine. Buick has been widely promoting three-cylinder engines in recent years, mainly for fuel efficiency and lower emissions. It's quite economical to drive, with lower fuel consumption per 100 kilometers. But honestly, there's some noticeable vibration at idle, more pronounced than the older four-cylinder engines. If you're looking at used older models, like those around 2017, you'll still commonly find four-cylinder naturally aspirated engines, which run smoother but have higher fuel consumption. I recommend checking the specific year and configuration before buying, as the engine type directly affects the driving experience. New drivers might not mind the vibration much, but seasoned drivers like me find that you can get used to the three-cylinder engine—it's actually quite suitable, especially for city commuting.

As a car enthusiast, I've studied the engine lineup of the Excelle. The Excelle spans different generations, with the early 2015 models featuring a 1.5-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine known for its smooth and reliable performance. However, the 2018 facelift introduced three-cylinder engines as the main options, such as the 1.0T or 1.3T three-cylinder units. The compact layout of three-cylinder engines reduces vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency with a theoretical 15% lower fuel consumption. The downside is slightly inferior noise control, particularly noticeable as a stronger roar at high speeds. When buying a new car, check the model specifications carefully as the current mainstream option is the new three-cylinder. Personally, I'd recommend the older four-cylinder for those prioritizing quiet comfort, while the newer three-cylinder is better for fuel efficiency. Aftermarket vibration damping modifications can also enhance the driving experience.

When test driving the Excelle, I noticed it comes in both three-cylinder and four-cylinder versions. Newer models like those after 2019 mostly use three-cylinder engines for better fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, while older models such as the 2014 version often feature four-cylinder engines for smoother operation. The advantage of three-cylinder engines lies in lower fuel consumption, saving money in daily use, whereas four-cylinder engines offer less vibration, making long trips more comfortable. The choice between them depends on the model year you're purchasing.

From my experience maintaining the Excelle, both three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines have their pros and cons. Pre-2016 models mostly used four-cylinder engines, which have slightly higher maintenance costs but better durability. Post-2018 three-cylinder engines like the 1.3T are simpler in structure and easier to maintain, but with fewer parts, they might have a slightly higher failure rate. Economically, three-cylinder engines save fuel and money, but the initial investment might be higher due to technological updates. In driving, if you often encounter traffic jams, the vibration of a three-cylinder engine is more noticeable and takes some getting used to, while a four-cylinder engine accelerates more linearly. I recommend considering your driving scenarios when making a decision, rather than blindly following the trend of new models.

In recent years, the Excelle has adopted a 1.0T three-cylinder turbocharged engine as its mainstream powertrain to align with energy-saving trends, offering agile and fuel-efficient performance in urban driving. However, if you're accustomed to older models, you might miss the stability of traditional four-cylinder engines. While three-cylinder engines reduce carbon emissions for environmental benefits, they slightly compromise comfort with slightly louder cold-start noise. Automakers designed this balance between performance and economy, and daily usage differences are minimal. My personal recommendation is to opt for newer models—three-cylinder technology has been significantly optimized, and once acclimated, the driving experience feels remarkably smooth.


