Why does the new X-Trail use a three-cylinder engine?
2 Answers
The reason why the new X-Trail uses a three-cylinder engine is to save a lot of R&D costs and simplify the complex development process, while also effectively reducing fuel consumption. The following are the differences between a three-cylinder engine and a four-cylinder engine: 1. Number of cylinders: A three-cylinder engine has three cylinders; a four-cylinder engine has four cylinders. 2. Structure: The three-cylinder engine has a simpler structure, smaller size, lighter weight, and easier layout; the four-cylinder engine has a relatively more complex structure. 3. Distribution: The three pistons in a three-cylinder engine cannot move up and down simultaneously, making it difficult to suppress vibrations; in a four-cylinder engine, cylinders 1 and 4, and cylinders 2 and 3 move up and down simultaneously, which helps suppress vibrations.
This issue needs to be examined from both technological innovation and environmental pressure perspectives. Having studied Nissan's 1.5T VC-TURBO three-cylinder engine, the key lies in its variable compression ratio technology which solves the vibration issues inherent in traditional three-cylinder engines. With increasingly stringent global emission regulations, three-cylinder engines are over 30kg lighter than four-cylinder ones - vehicle weight reduction directly improves fuel efficiency. The newly tuned balance shafts combined with active vibration damping systems make cabin vibration virtually imperceptible. Moreover, European automakers have long adopted three-cylinder configurations for small-displacement vehicles. Nissan's ability to extract 204 horsepower from this 1.5T engine while achieving 15% better fuel economy than previous models demonstrates a technically astute approach.
