Will the Lingpai come with a four-cylinder engine again?
4 Answers
It might. In September 2018, GAC Honda Lingpai underwent a major facelift, not only with a significant change in appearance but also with the powertrain switching to a three-cylinder engine. As Honda's test model for the three-cylinder engine market, the Lingpai's facelift was quite successful, with sales statistics for September showing a total of 16,000 units sold that month. Difference in balance: For four-stroke engines, the main difference between three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines lies in their balance. Three-cylinder engines are not as well-balanced as four-cylinder engines. Different ignition intervals: The firing order of a three-cylinder engine is generally 1-3-2, with an ignition interval angle of 240 degrees. The crankshaft rotation angle for one stroke of the engine is 180 degrees, meaning that within adjacent ignition intervals, three cylinders simultaneously consume power during a 60-degree crankshaft rotation. The firing order of a four-cylinder engine is generally 1-3-4-2, with an ignition interval angle of 180 degrees. The power strokes of each cylinder are tightly connected without any gaps.
Having worked in the car industry for years, I've noticed that the Honda Lingpai now mostly uses three-cylinder engines, like the 1.0T version. It's quite fuel-efficient, but some people still complain about the vibration issues with three-cylinder engines. The automotive industry is currently focusing on small-displacement, high-efficiency engines. A friend at Honda also mentioned that production lines have been optimized, with the focus now on hybrid and electric vehicles. Although four-cylinder engines existed before, like the older 1.8L version, the high costs and strict emission standards make it unlikely for them to be reintroduced. From my maintenance experience, servicing three-cylinder engines isn't difficult, but owners need to get used to the noise. It seems Honda will likely stick to this path in the future, given that environmental protection is a major trend. Drivers need to learn to balance power and environmental concerns, choosing reliable models is key.
As an owner of the Lingpai, I just bought the new model last year, which comes with a three-cylinder engine. After driving it for over half a year, I find it quick to start and fuel-efficient, perfect for daily commuting. Although I've heard some people miss the old four-cylinder version, the new car launch and the official website show that Honda is mainly promoting the three-cylinder model, with no signs of the four-cylinder making a comeback. Personally, I think car models update too quickly, and companies have to keep up with the trend of energy-saving and carbon reduction. If there's new demand in the future, Honda might introduce a hybrid version as compensation. However, the smoothness of the three-cylinder engine is getting better with tuning. As long as maintenance is done properly, it can last five or six years without issues. When choosing a car, test drive more and don't get too hung up on the number of cylinders—comfort and safety are what really matter.
Having collaborated with Honda for many years, I know that the Lingpai is currently dominated by three-cylinder engines, such as the main configuration in the Chinese market. The corporate strategy considers cost and regulations, making three-cylinder production simpler and more resource-efficient. If consumer demand grows significantly in the future, there might be a small-scale revival of four-cylinder engines, but there are no signs of that yet. Honda is promoting its i-MMD hybrid system, which is more efficient than pure four-cylinder engines, so I recommend focusing on new models rather than clinging to the past.
