16 December 2020 11:50 am / 72 comments When the Proton X50 was launched in October this year, there was a lot of buzz surrounding the SUV’s use of a timing belt instead of a timing chain for its 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which is offered in two versions: with port and direct fuel injection. While some were unfazed by the idea of a timing belt, others lamented its usage, claiming it to be an “old” piece of technology. However, that’s not the case at all, says Håkan Sandquist, director of powertrain strategy at China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT). During a recent group interview, Sandquist explained that a lot of validation work was carried out to ensure the reliability and performance of the three-cylinder engines. This includes tests at temperatures ranging from -40 to 40 degrees Celsius, altitudes of up to 4,000 metres and mileage tests of millions of kilometres.