Concerns about modern Chinese turbocharged engines are largely unfounded. They are radically different from the unreliable units produced a decade ago. Today, Chinese manufacturers demonstrate a high level of engineering and quality control, using technologies similar to European and Korean ones. This was stated by Yulia Trushkova, Rolf Service Director, in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Water-cooled turbochargers often use plain bearings with oil damping, which simplifies repairs thanks to the modular cartridge design.
The engines use pistons with oil-cooled bottoms, reinforced crankshaft and connecting rod bearings, and plateau-honed cylinders. The valvetrains have wear-resistant PVD/DLC coatings in friction areas, and the timing belts and chains undergo a special anti-friction treatment. It is important to note that most components, including sensors, injectors, and fuel injection pumps, are supplied by leading global manufacturers, the same as for cars of other brands.
Modern solutions such as electronic pumps and thermostats, separate cooling systems, and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head help minimize heat loss during warm-up and provide more efficient engine cooling. Larger intercoolers and optimized air ducts help reduce the temperature of the charged air, preventing detonation.
Generic direct injection (GDI) with multi-jet injectors, high fuel pressure, and a precision control system based on a lambda probe ensure optimal combustion. Twin-scroll turbochargers combined with an electronically controlled wastegate guarantee a quick response at low rpm without pressure surges.
Modern Chinese ECUs support OBD-II/UDS protocols and are easily diagnosed with standard scanners. A wide selection of consumables and spare parts is available in catalogs. The expert noted that when repairing turbochargers, it is often sufficient to replace the cartridge, which helps reduce costs.
Overall, modern Chinese turbocharged engines are designed with advanced engineering solutions, using high-quality materials, effective thermal management, and a sufficient safety margin. With proper care and timely maintenance, these engines can confidently travel 200,000–250,000 kilometers without serious problems. Concerns about their reliability, according to the expert, are rather a relic of the past.
