What engine does the Santana use?
2 Answers
Santana uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine across the entire lineup, with a maximum power of 82kW and a maximum torque of 145Nm. Santana is a compact sedan under the Volkswagen brand, measuring 4475mm in length, 1706mm in width, and 1469mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2603mm. The Santana's suspension system features a combination of MacPherson strut independent suspension and compound torsion beam non-independent suspension. It also comes equipped with configurations such as a tire pressure monitoring system, seatbelt reminder, ABS anti-lock braking system, and traction control system. The overall design of the Santana is relatively simple, without exaggerated lines. The waistline that runs from the front to the rear gives the body a dynamic tension, while the chrome trim below the windows is simple yet aligns with the aesthetic preferences of Chinese consumers.
I've been driving a Santana for over twenty years, and the engine has undergone significant changes. The older models started with a 1.6-liter carburetor in the 1980s, upgraded to a 1.8-liter fuel-injected engine in the 1990s, and now the new Santana Gran Santana uses a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated EA211 series engine. This engine is robust and durable, something I often see in repairs, and maintenance is simple—just change the oil every 5,000 kilometers. However, the old 1.8-liter engine was prone to carbon buildup, so cleaning the throttle body was a regular task. The new 1.5-liter engine is more fuel-efficient, with smoother power delivery, making it suitable for long trips. Overall, it's a classic Volkswagen design—while it lacks high-tech features, its reliability is high, and many owners have driven over 100,000 kilometers without major repairs. Just watch out for the voltage regulator; it can sometimes overheat and cause issues, but replacing it with a new one fixes the problem.
