
The three-cylinder engines of the Xiali are all domestically produced, while some of the four-cylinder engines are imported original Toyota 8A engines. Differences between three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines: The number of cylinders differs. A three-cylinder engine has three cylinders, while a four-cylinder engine has four cylinders. Fuel consumption varies. For engines of the same displacement, fewer cylinders result in less power output. At the same RPM, the volume of air drawn in per unit time is reduced, leading to less fuel injection and naturally lower fuel consumption. Precautions for engine use: After the engine operates at full load, it must idle for 3 to 5 minutes before it can be shut down. The fuel must be clean. High impurity content in the fuel can accelerate the wear of the electric fuel pump and reduce its service life. Refuel promptly. When the fuel in the tank is insufficient, refuel in time to prevent the fuel pump from being burned out.

I remember when I drove a Xiali, the engines were mostly domestically produced, made by Tianjin FAW themselves, models like the TJ376Q, which incorporated Japanese Daihatsu technology but were localized. I drove a taxi in Beijing for over a decade, often on suburban dirt roads, and the engine was quite wear-resistant, responding immediately when you stepped on the gas. Maintenance was cheap too—I could replace spark plugs or wire connectors myself. With a small displacement of around 0.8 liters, it was very fuel-efficient, costing just a few cents per kilometer in the city, making it ideal for budget-conscious families. Occasionally, there were issues like overheating or difficulty starting, mostly due to aging wiring, but the overall structure being localized reduced reliance on imports. This car drove the popularization of automobiles in the 1990s, and later upgrades even improved reliability. Although the brand faded, its technology was passed down to domestic brands like Chery. Now, with new energy vehicles trending, the old Xiali's domestically produced engines remain a classic memory.

In our auto repair circle, the Xiali is a frequent visitor, with over 90% of its engines domestically produced, dominated by the TJ series made in Tianjin. Initially relying on Daihatsu's authorization, it quickly transitioned to self-developed models. As someone who has worked in maintenance, common issues like oil leaks or ignition coil failures are usually due to aging parts, but the core components are generally reliable. The use of domestic steel materials helped keep costs down, making it affordable for average car owners. Fuel consumption averages 6L/100km, making it particularly efficient for city commuting, though it lacks power on highways, requiring regular checks on cylinder sealing. During the localization process, quality control had fluctuations—early batches had piston ring defects, but stability improved significantly after later refinements. Compared to imported cars, Xiali's domestic engines may not be luxurious, but they are sturdy and durable, driving the development of China's aftermarket supply chain. Replacement parts are easy to find and inexpensive.

I once owned a used Xiali, and its engine was indeed domestically produced by Tianjin FAW. It ran smoothly and stably for daily driving, with quick throttle response, making it suitable for beginners as a transitional car. Saving money was the key—low fuel consumption and readily available spare parts made DIY maintenance easy, whether replacing a filter or a belt. The early TJ model engines performed well in congested traffic but were noisy at high speeds, possibly due to insufficient material optimization. Historically, the technology originated from Japan but was fully localized, enhancing durability and reducing import tariff costs, benefiting consumers. Now, with the rise of electric vehicles, these stories of older domestic engines remind us of the value of pragmatic design.


