
SWM X3 is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5T turbocharged engine. The functions of the engine are: 1. Fully burning the fuel injected into the cylinder to generate power; 2. Determining the vehicle's power performance, fuel economy, stability, and environmental friendliness. The 2020 Value Edition SWM X3 features a MacPherson independent front suspension and a five-link coil spring rear suspension. It is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a maximum horsepower of 112 PS, a maximum power of 82 kW, and a maximum torque of 152 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

I used to drive a SWM X3 and paid special attention to its engine. It's equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, model DG15, which is considered one of SWM's more mature powertrains. When driving, I felt the low-end torque was quite sufficient—it didn't struggle even when fully loaded and climbing hills, though it lacked some punch during high-speed overtaking. This engine delivers a maximum of 112 horsepower, which is more than adequate for city commuting, with fuel consumption around 7 to 8 liters per 100 km. The best part is its cheap —oil and air filters are common parts, and even roadside garages can handle them. Last year, when helping a friend pick a used car, I specifically tested this model and noticed that older engines tend to get noisier, but replacing the engine mounts made it much quieter. If you're on a tight budget but still want an SUV, this engine is indeed rugged and durable.

I've been driving the SWM X3 for three years and know its 1.5L naturally aspirated engine inside out. It starts up crisp and clean when dropping the kids off at school in the morning, firing right up even in sub-zero winter temperatures. Once I carried my whole family of five plus luggage on mountain roads with the AC running the whole way, and it never felt strained. But it showed its limitations during a high-altitude trip - above 3,000 meters, the throttle response noticeably weakened, requiring downshifts by two gears for adequate passing power. It's worry-free for city driving though, with oil changes costing just 200 yuan, and only needing spark plug replacement at 60,000 km. When the check engine light came on once, the mechanic diagnosed carbon buildup on the oxygen sensor - a simple cleaning fixed it immediately. This engine isn't cutting-edge technology, but its simplicity is a real advantage - any shop in the auto parts district can service it.

I remember the day I test drove the SWM X3, I specifically opened the hood to check. It's an old-school cast iron block engine with an exceptionally tidy layout. The salesperson said this 1.5L engine was designed by imitating Toyota's 5A series - even the oil filter position is identical to the Corolla. With 152 N·m of maximum torque, it's adequate for pulling this 1.3-ton vehicle. What I love most is its low-RPM sound - that bubbling noise like boiling water, especially therapeutic when driving with windows down. However, the noise during hard acceleration is indeed loud; last time my colleague thought I'd installed a blow-off valve. The interval is impressively long though, requiring oil changes only every 7,500 km. It would be perfect if they could add direct injection technology.

As an auto mechanic, I've disassembled over a dozen SWM X3 engines, and that DG15 engine is truly a cash cow for repair shops. The timing chain design is much more convenient than belts, while valve cover gasket oil leaks are a common issue - just replace the gasket for fifty bucks and it's fixed. The crankshaft position sensor tends to collect dust causing ignition failures, but a simple cleaning can keep it running for another two years. The funniest case was last year when a customer complained about weak power - turns out the air filter hadn't been changed for three years and was clogged tighter than a face mask. This engine has tons of aftermarket parts available, with some enthusiasts adding turbos to squeeze out 150 horsepower, though the factory tuning is relatively conservative to ensure durability. If owners stick to regular full synthetic oil changes, this engine can easily hit 200,000 km without major overhauls.

Last time I accompanied my friend to the SWM 4S store for an X3 , the technician mentioned that they've now switched to China VI compliant engines. It's still the same 1.5L displacement, but with added EGR exhaust gas recirculation and a carbon canister system, resulting in a slight power reduction to 109 horsepower. However, I noticed an additional vacuum tube in the engine bay, and the ignition coils have been replaced with integrated ones. The salesperson quietly mentioned that the new engine's ECU is locked, making it more difficult to flash the program for power upgrades. In daily driving, there's no noticeable difference, and the fuel consumption display shows a decrease of 0.3 liters. The only catch is that maintenance now requires SN-grade oil, and mineral oil can no longer be used. Replacing spark plugs requires removing the intake pipe, which is more troublesome than with the older model. If you frequently drive long distances, it's recommended to clean the throttle body every 40,000 kilometers to avoid triggering the emission fault light.


