What engine is used in the new Santana 1.5 manual transmission?
4 Answers
The new Santana 1.5 manual transmission is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine model EA211. EA211 series engine: The EA211 series engine is the successor to the EA111 series engine, currently available in multiple displacement models including 1.0L, 1.6L, 1.2T, and 1.4T. The most notable features of the EA211 series engine are its lightweight design, platform compatibility, and modularity. Engine block: In terms of engine block material, the original EA111 engine used a gray cast iron block, while the new EA211 engine adopts an all-aluminum block, which not only reduces weight but also improves heat dissipation capability.
My car is the new Santana 1.5L manual transmission, which I've been driving for over two years. It uses Volkswagen's EA211 series 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, model name EA211-DLF. It's extremely fuel-efficient - my daily city commute averages about 6.5L/100km, dropping to around 5L/100km on highways. The engine vibration is minimal; at red lights, I can barely feel any steering wheel shake. The power is typical family car level - smooth acceleration but don't expect strong push-back feeling, though it handles fully loaded hill climbs without issues. Maintenance is cheap too - an oil change at local repair shops costs about 200 RMB. This engine is rugged and durable; after 50,000+ km I've only needed to replace spark plugs. It's perfect for working-class commuters.
In the repair shop, I've seen quite a few new Santana 1.5L manual transmission models, all equipped with the EA211 engine. The most notable feature of this engine is its simple and reliable structure. The all-aluminum cylinder block is dozens of kilograms lighter than the old cast iron version, and the belt drive is quieter than a chain. The most common issue encountered during repairs is a dirty throttle body alarm, which can be resolved by cleaning. It's recommended that owners change the coolant every 40,000 kilometers, as the engine's cooling passages are designed relatively narrow. Standard nickel alloy spark plugs are sufficient, and a full set replacement costs just around a hundred yuan. For engine oil, the 5W40 grade is recommended, with a change interval of 7,000 kilometers being the safest bet. Overall, maintenance costs are low—replacing engine mounts costs a little over three hundred yuan, and a timing belt kit replacement is around a thousand yuan, making it much more hassle-free compared to turbocharged engines.
The Volkswagen 1.5L EA211 engine is specifically tuned for economy models, with its 81 kW power output being just adequate for the Santana. Technologically, it employs a dual-cycle system: the Miller cycle for fuel efficiency at low speeds and the Atkinson cycle for power assurance at high speeds. The cylinder head integrates an exhaust manifold, enabling quicker engine warm-up and faster cabin heating in winter. However, compared to engines like Honda's Earth Dreams, the EA211 has a lower compression ratio of 10:1, resulting in delayed power delivery. On the plus side, it runs well on regular 92-octane fuel and offers affordable maintenance. This engine has largely replaced the older 1.6L unit, making it the most reliable choice in Volkswagen's entry-level vehicle lineup.
