Why does the Geely Icon use a three-cylinder engine?
4 Answers
Geely Icon uses a three-cylinder engine mainly for the following reasons: Technological advancements: There have been breakthrough advancements in three-cylinder engine technology. When people mention three-cylinder engines, they can't help but think of the vibrations that make hands go numb. Due to the inherent structural defects of three-cylinder engines, the vibration issue is difficult to eliminate. The only solution is to use technological means to reduce the transmission of vibrations to the car body, thereby improving comfort. Compact size: Three-cylinder engines are small in size and light in weight, which reduces the overall weight of the vehicle and decreases fuel consumption. Small displacement: With only three cylinders, the engine has a small displacement, aligning with the national call for emission reduction and energy conservation. It also reflects the environmental responsibility of a major corporation.
Actually, it's quite understandable that the Geely Icon uses a three-cylinder engine. I drive a three-cylinder car myself. The biggest advantage is fuel efficiency. The 1.5T three-cylinder engine is nearly 30kg lighter than a four-cylinder, equivalent to leaving two large suitcases out of the trunk. For city commuting, it saves over 1 liter of fuel per 100 kilometers, adding up to several hundred yuan in savings per year for 10,000 kilometers driven. Lightweighting is a trend among automakers now, and the compact size of three-cylinder engines also frees up space for designers—like how the Icon's chassis can accommodate a larger battery pack. Of course, I was initially concerned about vibration issues, but after six months of driving, I found no noticeable difference. In fact, during auto start-stop, it feels even more stable than my friend's four-cylinder car. Plus, modern three-cylinder engines come with balance shafts and hydraulic mounting technology, far from the outdated tech of a decade ago.
Recently, while accompanying a friend on a test drive of the Icon, I specifically looked into this issue. Three-cylinder engines have become a sweet spot for automakers, with small-displacement European cars adopting them early. The main reason is the stringent Euro 6 emission standards—for the same 1.5L displacement, three-cylinder engines reduce frictional losses by 15% compared to four-cylinder ones, making it easier to meet exhaust treatment requirements. Cost control is another key factor; eliminating one cylinder saves an entire piston-rod system, allowing manufacturers to allocate budgets toward features that appeal more to younger buyers, such as the Icon's standard 540-degree camera and hidden door handles. Vibration issues are effectively addressed with thick soundproofing material in the engine bay—during our test drive, we intentionally turned off the AC and felt the idle state, where a coin placed on the steering wheel remained standing. However, a mechanic reminded us that spark plug replacement intervals for three-cylinder engines are about one-third shorter than for four-cylinder ones, so this is something to keep in mind during maintenance.
As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience, I believe the choice of a three-cylinder engine depends on the usage scenario. For urban SUVs like the Geely Icon, which are primarily designed as commuter vehicles, the 1.5T three-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower is more than sufficient. It handles weekend trips with a family of five on winding mountain roads without any issues. The key advantage lies in its significantly lower daily operating costs: the engine weight is reduced from 132 kg to 109 kg, tire wear is 20% slower compared to similar four-cylinder models, and it only requires 4 liters of engine oil, saving 50 yuan per maintenance. The turbo kicks in at just 1500 rpm, making it particularly agile during rush hour traffic. On a recent long-distance trip with a friend driving a four-cylinder Honda HR-V, my fuel gauge still showed a quarter tank when we stopped to refuel, demonstrating its impressive thermal efficiency. However, if you frequently drive on highways, I'd recommend opting for a 2.0T engine, as the three-cylinder tends to sound a bit strained at speeds exceeding 4000 rpm.
