Issues with SAIC π Engine
2 Answers
SAIC π Engine's issues lie in its lack of durability under extreme conditions. Below are the detailed specifications of the SAIC π Engine: 1. Power: The single-turbo version delivers a maximum power of 120kW and a peak torque of 375N·m; the twin-turbo version offers a maximum power of 160kW and a peak torque of 480N·m. Both engines comply with the latest China VI-B emission standards. 2. Technology: To ensure the engine combines powerful output with low-carbon environmental benefits, it employs Bosch's 2000bar high-pressure common rail system, paired with a Honeywell two-stage turbocharger. It features a variable swirl intake valve, high and low-pressure EGR modules, a water-cooled intercooler, a two-stage variable displacement oil pump, and other systems or components. It also utilizes offset crankshaft technology and adopts a split cooling method.
I've driven a Roewe equipped with the π engine, and to be honest, it has quite a few issues. The most annoying problem is the noise. At low speeds, it's tolerable, but on the highway, when the RPM goes up, the engine roars like a tractor, seriously affecting driving comfort. I also experienced noticeable turbo lag—there's a delay when accelerating, and you have to wait about half a second for the power to kick in after pressing the throttle. In city traffic with frequent stops and starts, it's prone to stalling. Additionally, the fuel economy doesn't live up to the advertised claims. While the official figure is 6 liters per 100 km, in reality, it consumes 7 to 8 liters. Carbon buildup is also a common issue; after driving tens of thousands of kilometers, you need to clean it, otherwise, the power drops significantly. These are all design flaws, in my opinion. If SAIC wants to improve, they should focus on sound insulation and turbo tuning instead of just cutting costs at the expense of user experience. Safety isn't an issue, but driving it is genuinely exhausting.
