What engine does the Sail use?
4 Answers
The Sail is equipped with 1.2L, 1.3L, 1.4L, 1.5L, and 1.6L naturally aspirated engines. The Sail has a length of 3947mm, width of 1690mm, height of 1503mm, and a wheelbase of 2465mm, providing ample interior space. The 1.2L engine delivers a maximum power of 64 kW and a maximum torque of 115 Nm; the 1.3L engine produces a maximum power of 76 kW and a maximum torque of 127 Nm; the 1.4L engine offers a maximum power of 76 kW and a maximum torque of 131 Nm; the 1.5L engine generates a maximum power of 83 kW and a maximum torque of 141 Nm; and the 1.6L engine provides a maximum power of 66 kW and a maximum torque of 128 Nm.
The engine used in the Sail is quite interesting, and I've seen several generations of owners. The earliest Sail around 2000 was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine called the L01, which is quite rare on the road now. Later, around 2010, the new generation Sail started to adopt a small-displacement approach, with both 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter engines being popular choices, and they drove quite nimbly. In recent years, it has been updated with 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter versions. A friend of mine bought a 1.5L model last year and said it was perfectly adequate for highway driving. Actually, the manufacturer adjusted the displacement in different years mainly for fuel economy considerations, especially since fuel prices are so high now. These engines are all quite compact in structure and not troublesome to repair, but parts for the older 1.6L version are hard to find these days.
I'm most familiar with the 1.4L engine in the Sail, model S-TEC III. Driving my friend's car, I found it particularly suitable for city use. This engine delivers 86 horsepower with a maximum torque of 115 Nm, maintaining just over 2,500 rpm at 80 km/h. Technically, it features a SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) design with a simple and reliable valve train, making it a favorite among repair shops. The later 1.5L version offers better specs, with 107 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. I recall there was also an ultra-small 1.2L version producing 52 kW, which was very fuel-efficient but a bit sluggish on inclines. All these engines use timing chains instead of belts that require frequent replacement, making them quite maintenance-friendly.
I bought a used Suzuki with a 1.5L engine two years ago, and it's now approaching 30,000 kilometers. The engine feels a bit sluggish at initial acceleration, but delivers quite linear power once it gets going. At highway speeds of 120 km/h, the RPM stays around 3,500, and while the engine noise is noticeable inside the cabin, it's acceptable. What I'm most satisfied with is the fuel consumption—about 6.5 liters per 100 km in city driving, which is significantly better than the Buick I used to drive. Maintenance is also straightforward; I change the oil every 8,000 kilometers, with a minor service at the dealership costing just over 300 yuan. I've replaced the spark plugs twice, using the BPR6EIX model, which I bought online for 30 yuan each. The only downside is the half-second delay in power response during sudden acceleration, requiring some advance planning when overtaking.
