Why did Corolla switch to a three-cylinder engine?
2 Answers
Corolla switched to a three-cylinder engine for the following reasons: The three-cylinder engine used in the Corolla has a maximum power output of 87 kilowatts, which is 8 kilowatts higher than the 79 kilowatts of a similarly sized 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The peak torque output of the three-cylinder 1.5L engine is 146ps, which is 6ps higher than the 140ps of the four-cylinder 1.5L engine. Additionally, this 1.5L naturally aspirated engine complies with the China VI emission standards. In terms of power, emissions, fuel efficiency, and price, the three-cylinder engine has more advantages. The pros and cons of the three-cylinder engine are as follows: 1. Disadvantages: Due to the unequal number of cylinders on both sides of the three-cylinder engine, it is prone to vibration during operation, and the engine noise is also louder. Although the balance shaft technology adopted solves the problem of excessive vibration intensity, its vibration level is still higher than that of four-cylinder or six-cylinder engines. 2. Advantages: Due to its structural advantages, the three-cylinder engine excels in fuel consumption control. The downsizing of the engine makes it smaller in size, with higher power density and thermal efficiency. Because of its structure, the three-cylinder engine has lower pumping losses, and due to its smaller cylinder block, the friction loss during operation is also reduced, leading to lower heat dissipation losses.
I think the main reason for the Corolla switching to a three-cylinder engine is its more advanced technological optimization, which improves overall driving efficiency. The three-cylinder engine design is lighter, and the reduced weight helps lower fuel consumption and emissions. In my actual driving experience, I've noticed it's more fuel-efficient than the old four-cylinder engine, saving about 0.5 to 1 liter per 100 kilometers on average. At the same time, modern three-cylinder engines use balance shafts and turbocharging technology to minimize vibration issues, making the ride very smooth. Toyota is doing this to comply with global environmental trends, such as increasingly strict emission regulations in Europe and China. Three-cylinder engines also provide greater torque at low RPMs, making them quicker off the line in city traffic. Of course, many people worry about noise or durability, but from what I've observed, the new models have improved significantly, with no reduction in maintenance intervals. Overall, it's a smart upgrade.
