Like it or not, 3-cylinder engines will become more common. Malaysia has just welcomed the 2022 with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder 3G15TD engine. The move is a bit controversial so is still keeping the more traditional (but decade old) 4-cylinder 1.8-litre 4G18TD for the highest specs X70 Premium variant.
Elsewhere, Japan is set to welcome yet another 3-cylinder engine-powered SUV, the T33 generation 2022 , on 25-July.
However unlike the Proton, ’s 3-cylinder unit is really unlike anything else on the market. It combines variable compression technology with Nissan’s signature e-Power series-hybrid (full) technology, as well as turbocharging.
It will be the world debut Nissan’s 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged e-Power KR15DDT engine. Currently, T33 Nissan X-Trail sold in China and USA come without e-Power.
Nissan’s VC Turbo engine works by using a really complex multi-link system to replace a conventional conrod. It can vary the compression ratio from 8.0:1 to 14.0:1.
Details have yet to be shared but the KR15DDT engine is said to produce 204 PS and 300 Nm, thanks to assistance from the electric motor. Since one cylinder has been looped off, it’s easy to pair the e-Power motor with a 3-cylinder engine and still keep weight low.
Even though the engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly, Nissan says there are still benefits to turbocharging, since engine speed can be kept lower. Combined that with variable compression technology, for even lower fuel consumption, Nissan believes it has a winner on its hands.
In Japan, the T33 2022 Nissan X-Trail will be offered either as a 5-seater or a 7-seater (5+2 seater).
Keyword: More 3-cylinder SUVs, Japan to launch T33 2022 Nissan X-Trail with 1.5L VC Turbo, e-Power next