Is the Chery Tiggo 7 fuel-efficient?

The normal RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) range of a truck varies depending on the engine type and manufacturer settings. At idle, it is usually between 600 and 800 RPM, and around 1500 RPM when starting. Under normal driving conditions, the engine RPM is generally maintained between 1000 and 3000 RPM. For cruising on flat roads, it is recommended to keep it between 1000 and 1500 RPM, while it increases to 2000 to 3000 RPM during acceleration. When driving at high speeds, the RPM should be controlled between 1500 and 2500 RPM to balance power and fuel efficiency, and an RPM of around 3000 is suitable for scenarios requiring maximum power output. It should be noted that excessively low RPM may cause engine vibration, while excessively high RPM will increase fuel consumption. Therefore, during driving, the gear and RPM should be matched to avoid low-gear high-speed or high-gear low-speed operations, so as to protect the engine and extend the vehicle's service life. If abnormal RPM is detected, timely maintenance should be carried out to ensure the truck is in optimal working condition.

Excessively high torque can have multiple impacts on vehicle performance and mechanical components. Engine torque is a key indicator for measuring power output; while high torque can significantly enhance acceleration performance, climbing ability, and load-carrying capacity, exceeding a reasonable range will lead to negative effects. Firstly, excessively high torque will increase the load on the transmission system, which may cause problems such as premature wear of the clutch, excessive stress on gearbox gears, and even deformation of the drive shaft. In terms of the chassis, excessive torque output may cause the drive wheels to slip, especially on wet roads, reducing the effectiveness of the traction control system. For the engine itself, continuous operation at high torque will accelerate the fatigue of core components such as piston rings and crankshaft bearings, affecting their service life. From the perspective of driving experience, if excessively high torque is not properly limited by the electronic system, it may lead to overly sensitive throttle response at low speeds, increasing the difficulty of handling in urban congestion. It is worth noting that although turbocharged engines can provide high torque at low speeds, improper tuning can easily lead to torque steer, affecting driving stability. It is recommended that car owners choose torque parameters according to their actual needs. A torque range of 200-400 N·m can balance power and fuel economy for daily driving. For professional off-road or towing needs, models with more than 400 N·m can be considered, but they require reinforced transmission and cooling systems.

The relationship between engine speed (RPM) and torque is not a simple linear proportionality, but rather an inverse relationship under the premise of constant power. At low engine speeds, due to the extended fuel injection and intake duration, the combustion pressure inside the cylinders increases, resulting in higher torque output, which is suitable for scenarios requiring strong traction such as vehicle launch, hill climbing, or heavy loads. Conversely, torque decreases at high speeds, but power may increase to support high-speed driving. This characteristic stems from the physical formula "Power = Torque × Speed × Constant." Therefore, different vehicle models are calibrated for torque curves based on their intended purposes. For example, diesel engines or turbocharged engines typically emphasize high torque at low speeds, while high-performance vehicles prioritize power output at high speeds. In daily driving, rationally utilizing transmission gear ratios to match speed and torque (such as using first gear for high-torque hill climbing and higher gears for low-RPM cruising) can optimize fuel economy and dynamic performance.

Low RPM high torque refers to the characteristic of an engine that can deliver substantial torque within a relatively low RPM range (typically 1500-3000 rpm). This design significantly enhances a vehicle's launch acceleration and hill-climbing capability. When engine power remains constant, torque is inversely proportional to RPM. Consequently, generating high torque at low RPM enables the crankshaft to produce greater power per revolution, providing ample traction without requiring high engine speeds—particularly advantageous for urban stop-and-go driving or mountainous terrain. Turbocharged models often excel in this regard; for instance, certain popular local SUVs achieve peak torque at 1800 rpm, facilitating loaded hill ascents or overtaking maneuvers. By contrast, low-torque engines must rely on higher RPMs to compensate for power deficiency, resulting in increased fuel consumption and acceleration lag. Notably, the low-RPM high-torque characteristic also reduces shift frequency, minimizes mechanical wear, and improves driving smoothness—especially beneficial for drivers frequently encountering congested conditions. When evaluating this parameter during vehicle selection, prioritize models whose torque curve peaks earlier, typically indicated in specifications as "XX N·m @ 1500-4000 rpm."

When the engine speed reaches or approaches the redline area (typically above 4500 rpm), the short-term impact on the vehicle is limited. However, prolonged high-speed operation will significantly accelerate internal component wear. Critical parts such as piston rings, crankshafts, and connecting rods may deform or sustain damage due to excessive friction. High engine speeds also cause a rapid temperature rise. If the cooling system fails to dissipate heat effectively, it may result in premature oil degradation, diminished lubrication performance, and even mechanical failures like piston seizure against cylinder walls. Peripheral systems including turbochargers and transmissions also face elevated failure risks under sustained high-pressure conditions. While modern vehicles are generally equipped with rev limiters to prevent over-revving, prolonged operation within the high-torque range of 3500-4000 rpm still reduces component lifespan and increases fuel consumption due to incomplete combustion. Properly managing engine speed, avoiding abrupt acceleration, and performing regular maintenance (such as using premium-grade oil and inspecting cooling systems) can effectively mitigate adverse effects and ensure stable engine operation within specified parameters. Notably, occasional high-rpm operation aids in carbon deposit reduction, though a balance must be maintained between performance demands and mechanical durability.

The core advantage of low-end torque lies in the engine's ability to deliver sufficient rotational force at lower RPM ranges, bringing multiple benefits. First, in terms of fuel economy, the required power can be obtained without revving the engine high, effectively reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, which meets energy-saving needs. Second, regarding driving convenience, the power response is rapid during start-up, climbing hills, or overtaking at medium and low speeds, making it particularly suitable for congested urban road conditions and ensuring smoother vehicle operation. Mechanically, low-speed operation reduces the load on the engine and transmission system, minimizes wear and tear, extends component lifespan, and enhances the reliability of the overall powertrain. In terms of ride comfort, lower vibration and noise at low RPMs improve the driving and riding experience. Additionally, it has strong adaptability: it can maintain high fuel efficiency on urban roads and provide stable power support on highways. Properly tuned low-end torque output (such as within the "golden torque range") can balance power performance and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for daily commuting and economy models, while also contributing to energy conservation, emission reduction, and sustainable development.

Among the engines in the Malaysian market, the one with the highest torque is the Hybrid powertrain equipped in the Tank 500, which delivers a combined torque of up to 750N•m. This system features a Miller-cycle 2.0T engine with a combined power of 300kW, balancing strong performance and fuel efficiency—boasting a combined fuel consumption of only 2.06L/100km and a fuel consumption of 8.80L/100km when the battery is depleted. It also comes with BorgWarner's new-generation EMOD intelligent four-wheel drive system, with a pre-sale price below 350,000 Malaysian Ringgit. In addition, the 2.8L turbocharged diesel engine of the Toyota Hilux generates 500N•m of torque, while the 2.4L version produces 400N•m; the 2.4L twin-turbocharged diesel engine of the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete delivers 470N•m; the 2.0L TGDI turbocharged engine of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro offers 390N•m; and the 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine of the Proton X70 provides 255N•m. These engines are applied in different models to meet users' power needs for various scenarios such as daily commuting, off-roading, or cargo hauling.

Torque and horsepower are not directly convertible units; their conversion requires consideration of engine speed. According to the formula, horsepower (hp) = torque (Nm) × speed (rpm) ÷ 5252. Thus, the torque value corresponding to 1 horsepower depends on the rotational speed: at 5252 rpm, 1 horsepower equals 1 Newton-meter of torque; when the speed decreases to 2626 rpm, 1 horsepower corresponds to 2 Newton-meters of torque. The higher the speed, the less torque is required to produce the same horsepower. Additionally, this relationship can be derived from the power formula: power (kW) = torque × speed ÷ 9549, where 1 horsepower is approximately 0.735 kilowatts. Substituting these values yields the same relationship between torque, horsepower, and speed. This conversion helps in understanding vehicle performance characteristics. For instance, diesel engines, with their low-speed high-torque output, are well-suited for heavy-load applications, while gasoline engines, delivering high horsepower at elevated speeds, are better adapted for high-speed driving requirements.

To calculate horsepower from torque, it is necessary to combine rotational speed with the corresponding unit formulas: metric horsepower (PS) is calculated by multiplying torque (Newton-meters, N·m) by rotational speed (revolutions per minute, rpm) and then dividing by 9549; imperial horsepower (hp) is calculated by multiplying torque (pound-feet, lb-ft) by rotational speed (rpm) and dividing by 5252. For example, if an engine has a torque of 300 N·m and a rotational speed of 3000 rpm, the metric horsepower is 300×3000÷9549≈94 PS. Horsepower is essentially a unit of power, reflecting the engine's ability to do work per unit time, while torque is a measure of rotational moment. The two are related through rotational speed—when the rotational speed increases, horsepower will increase even if the torque remains unchanged. In addition, for unit conversion, 1 kilowatt ≈ 1.36 metric horsepower, 1 metric horsepower ≈ 0.735 kilowatts, and the conversion ratio between imperial horsepower and metric horsepower is approximately 1 hp ≈ 1.014 PS. In actual calculations, the corresponding formula should be selected according to the torque unit used to ensure the accuracy of the result.

When torque is greater than horsepower, it typically indicates that the engine can deliver strong twisting force at lower rotational speeds. This stems from the relationship between horsepower (power), torque, and rotational speed (power = torque × rotational speed ÷ constant). This characteristic enables the vehicle to perform robustly during initial acceleration and low-speed scenarios: it can rapidly gain speed when starting from a standstill at traffic lights, reducing the stress of keeping pace with other vehicles; when climbing gradients or under load, the enhanced traction effortlessly handles steep inclines or heavy payloads, preventing power deficiency. Additionally, the ability to provide adequate power at lower engine speeds reduces gearshift frequency, decreasing drivetrain wear, and in certain conditions, improves fuel efficiency by avoiding high-RPM operation. However, such vehicles may exhibit limited high-speed acceleration capability, as lower horsepower translates to diminished sustained power output at elevated engine speeds. This power profile is particularly suited for urban stop-and-go driving, mountainous terrain, or hauling applications. For frequent highway use, a balanced consideration of both horsepower and torque is essential to maintain high-speed stability while meeting overtaking demands.