Proton X50 uses the same 1.5 three-cylinder TGDi and 7DCT as the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV – CEVT

Proton X50 uses the same 1.5 three-cylinder TGDi and 7DCT as the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV – CEVT

During an interview with Håkan Sandquist, director of powertrain strategy at China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT), it was revealed that the base engine used in the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 is the same found in the Proton X50 as well as the Geely Binyue.

As a brief recap, the XC40 Recharge T5 is the plug-in hybrid variant of Volvo’s compact SUV, which was recently launched in Thailand back in early November. The model comes fully imported from Malaysia, so there’s a strong likelihood that we’ll be getting it as an alternative to the non-hybrid T5 AWD variant currently on sale.

It features a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, with an electric motor mounted to its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, driving the front wheels. This setup is also used on the PHEV version of the Binyue sold in China.

According to Sandquist, the engine and transmission are the same as those used in the X50 and Binyue, although the final package differs in that it has to accommodate the plug-in hybrid system. Following Volvo’s official specifications, the mill is designated as the B3154T5, while Geely refers to it as the JLH-3G15TD.

Proton X50 uses the same 1.5 three-cylinder TGDi and 7DCT as the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV – CEVT

Said engine is the direct fuel injection (DI) version of Geely’s 1.5 litre turbo three-cylinder engine, also known as the 1.5TD (or 1.5TGDi as we know it here), which is found in the range-topping Flagship variant of the X50. The Proton SUV’s lower variants – Standard, Executive and Premium – feature the 1.5T engine, which uses port fuel injection (PFI) instead.

While the powertrain on the aforementioned models might have the same base engine and transmission, they are integrated into different platforms, with the XC40 underpinned by the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) – also used for the Xingyue, Xingrui and certain Lynk & Co models. Meanwhile the Binyue and X50 (plus the Lynk & Co 06) ride on the B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA), which was developed with no direct involvement from Volvo.

As we’ve reported earlier, CEVT developed the 1.5 litre turbo three-cylinder range for use in various projects by Volvo Cars and Geely Auto, the latter including the X50 as well as models by Lynk & Co. Since its introduction, the engine in its various forms has been used in over 600,000 vehicles, while the DCT is in over one million units.

Proton X50 uses the same 1.5 three-cylinder TGDi and 7DCT as the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV – CEVT

The modular engine family, part of the Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) range was designed with electrification in mind, with native support for mild hybrid, range extender, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The range includes the PFI and DI engines, with the former also made into another version that operates on the Miller cycle. This is specifically for hybrid applications and has adjusted variable valve timing to enable the engine to run on the more fuel-efficient cycle.

We also asked Sandquist why the service interval for the XC40 Recharge T5 was longer than the X50, with the Volvo SUV requiring a service every 20,000 km compared to the X50’s 10,000 km. “Actually, that’s a good question. It would have to be based on oil qualities and what other things, but I don’t know the details of that,” replied Sandquist.

“We’ll have to ask the local market representatives. But it’s the same base engine, so the only thing I can actually think of is the oil quality difference. Of course, in a plug-in hybrid, you use your engine in different ways. Oil quality would be my guess,” he continued.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Mercedes Benz compact SUV GLA/A200 also using Renault/Nissan B segment Renault 1.33turbo Engine

    It’s logical that Volvo use the same, at least it is better with PHEV, tak makan minyak.
    Volvo is own by Geely, just like Mini own by BMW, logical.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 2
    • Proton X50 turbo. Beli la tanpa was-was.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
      • Donno on Dec 17, 2020 at 12:32 pm

        There is something called “Hot and Dusty operating region” which many car manufacturer classify malaysia as.

        That is probably the main reason why the service intervals is reduced.

        Probably Mr Sanquist forgot about that during the interview as he is just answering off the fly.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
        • Hafriz Shah (Member) on Dec 17, 2020 at 1:54 pm

          Volvo Car Malaysia has a 20k km/12 months service interval, which is why I asked the question.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
          • Zamil Protonerz on Sep 18, 2022 at 9:37 am

            I think its because Hybrid engine operation is slightly different comapred to full ICE operation. X50 using fully synthetic Petronas Syntium 5 liters should be good enough for the engine.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Maybe Mercedes Benz should dump Renault 1.33Turbo engine in thier line up – compact SUV GLA/A200

    Just use X50 1.5TGDI, or even 1.5TPFI?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • Mahmud on Dec 16, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    Well done Geely Proton for offering such a fantastic and valuable product for our market!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Civic Turbo 2018 on Dec 16, 2020 at 5:10 pm

    This also called T3 used by entry level XC40 in Europe.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • so now X50 fanbois orgas because pay Proton gets Volvo eh?

    congrats la !!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 6
    • Copy Paste on Dec 17, 2020 at 8:43 am

      Copy paste: “A Volvo for the price of a P1 with global quality standards. Apalagi mau?”

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
  • newme on Dec 16, 2020 at 5:17 pm

    Sehebat-hebat teknologi China yang digembar-gemburkan, mat salleh jugak yang diperlukan untuk mengurangkan keraguan pasal teknologi China ni. Terpaksa jugak gunakan nama Volvo.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 9
    • Copy Paste on Dec 17, 2020 at 8:45 am

      Copy paste: “That Mat Salleh was actively involved in the development of of the X50’s engine and gearbox”

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
      • newme on Dec 17, 2020 at 11:22 am

        Why get “actively involved” person? Why not get the person that is directly head the development? Mr Wang, Mr Li, Mr Zhang, Mr Liu, Mr Chen or Mr Huang?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
        • When you go to an art gallery, do you ask the painter what his paintings are about do you ask the security jaga? Just curious how your thought process works.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
        • Hafriz Shah (Member) on Dec 17, 2020 at 4:00 pm

          This guy IS the guy in charge of the development of both the engine and gearbox.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
          • SCion on Jun 24, 2023 at 11:10 am

            And he didnt see your question coming, and gugup gagap answer it!

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
          • SCion on Jun 24, 2023 at 11:11 am

            Why dont he just say geely’s version had to used shittier materials. so cant tahan like the volvo.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • taknakjepunis on Dec 17, 2020 at 9:20 am

      Yeah last time jepunis GTR used Lotus for handling tuning. Problem?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • Donno on Dec 17, 2020 at 12:35 pm

      Big problem with asian mindset

      Ahmad or Ah Chong say XX is very good. Nobody believes it.

      Mr Blue Eye Scandinavian says the exact same thing that XX is very good. Everybody believes it.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • A Volvo for the price of a P1 with global quality standards. Apalagi mau?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
    • Volvo if it’s Bagus, kena tapau Mercedes Benz, BMW, Lexus, Audi, etc.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • Choong Khim Fen on Dec 17, 2020 at 7:47 am

    With all the hype is no used, if Proton cant deliver the car to its customer on time.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • RAMAN AZMIL on Dec 17, 2020 at 9:02 am

    how to sell china rebadge?
    use europe name.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • Matchy on Dec 17, 2020 at 9:53 am

    Finally Proton SA can say its a Volvo Engine!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • klguy on Dec 17, 2020 at 10:30 am

    gosh, so many hypocrites….last time say volvo is China car, now say otherwise…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • The butthurters can’t accept this fact so their hurting continues.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • figura on Dec 17, 2020 at 10:52 pm

        When P1 bashers say volvo is china car , it is just for the sake of bashing and hatred

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • No need , merc is actually under geely
    While jepunis cars are junks in europe

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Fairouz on Dec 18, 2020 at 4:05 pm

    Buy Volvo (or proton), you get China engine at the price of a Volvo (or proton),
    but in Vietnam, you get BMW engine at the price of super cheap Vinfast.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Bro. Vinfast is a few ‘000k bucks. It ain’t cheap by any stretch of imagination.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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