What engine does the Wei Ling have?
3 Answers
The Wei Ling is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, with the model designation EA211. The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine has a maximum power output of 82 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 145 Newton-meters. The transmission system is paired with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission. The engine can deliver its maximum power at 6,100 rpm and its maximum torque at 4,000 rpm. The Wei Ling is a station wagon with body dimensions of 4,559mm in length, 1,793mm in width, and 1,487mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,614mm.
I've been driving the Volkswagen C-Trek for several years, and this model has used two generations of engine systems. The older version was equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged engine, delivering 131 horsepower paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, providing direct power response—especially noticeable when overtaking on the highway with a quick throttle press. The newer model now features a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine combined with an Aisin 6AT transmission, offering 112 horsepower. Although the numbers seem lower, it's perfectly adequate for city commuting and even saves about 0.5L/100km in fuel consumption compared to the older version, averaging around 6.5L/100km. Both engines are variants of Volkswagen's EA211 series, known for their reliability. Among the dozen or so cars in our owner's group, there have been no reports of cylinder scoring or oil burning issues. The transmission tuning is excellent, with nearly imperceptible gear shifts, though the engine noise does get louder during hard acceleration.
Researching the Weiling's engine is quite interesting—it's essentially a modular product based on Volkswagen's EA211 platform. The 1.4T version employs direct fuel injection technology, with the turbo kicking in at just 1,500 rpm, delivering stronger low-end torque compared to Japanese cars in the same class. Although the new 1.5L engine has modest specs, it features ACT (Active Cylinder Technology), which automatically shuts down two cylinders during steady cruising—a thoughtful design that significantly aids fuel efficiency. During my test drive, I noticed the engine bay layout is very compact, making maintenance tasks like replacing spark plugs or air filters easier without dismantling too many parts. It's recommended to use 5W-40 full synthetic oil, with an optimal service interval of every 8,000 kilometers. The combination of a cast-iron cylinder block and an aluminum cylinder head balances durability and lightweight performance. However, after around 100,000 kilometers, the valve cover gasket might develop minor oil seepage, which is a common issue.
