Chicago 2009: TriFun debuts 42 mpg 3-wheel auto cycle
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Feb 12th 2009 at 1:33PM 
Click above for a gallery of theTriFun 1/4 Ton EXT
Almost a year ago, we took a brief look at the new line of 3-wheeled "auto cycles" from TriFun, and the 1/4 Ton EXT model made its debut here at the Chicago Auto Show. Because it features not quite four wheels, the TriFun is considered a motorcycle, despite the fact that it's got a fully enclosed passenger compartment.
The powertrain consists of a fuel injected, 4 cylinder, 970 cc engine from Wuling that's hooked up to a standard 5-speed manual transmission driving the dual rear wheels. This engine should prove to be good and reliable, and TriFun claims it returns an average of 42 miles per gallon.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning and heat and an FM stereo that can play CDs and DVDs. Future plans call for a 4-door sedan, a convertible people mover and even a fully electric version all set to debut in 2010.
Gallery: Chicago 2009: TriFun 3-wheelers
Live photos copyright ©2009 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
me 2:18PM (2/12/2009)
To me, this is clear proof that VW needs to make a TDI based pickup truck again.
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Toshi 2:28PM (2/12/2009)
1) This is undoubtedly from one of the sundry Chinese factories cranking out similar vehicles. Check www.alibaba.com -- I'm sure you'll see 50 that look just like it.
2) 42 mpg is pretty awful for something this small and slow.
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Robbie 9:30AM (2/20/2009)
Actually The 1/4 Ton EXT will go about 80 MPH and is rather zippy compared to the smart car.
I have a four two, and I also have 3 TriFun 1/4 Ton EXT's for my business.
They are great, come with a great warranty, and Awesome customer service.
one has 14,000 miles on it, the other has 11,000 miles, and the other has aprox 7,900 miles on it. Trust me, this vehicle is a lot more than most people make it out to be.
I cant wait until the other models become available.
You guys take care, and when you want to diss on something, take a look at what you are driving.
GoodCheer 2:41PM (2/12/2009)
Jeremy:
What is the a) standard of comparison and b) basis of this claim?
"This engine should prove to be good and reliable"
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alexacoon 6:10PM (2/12/2009)
I'm unsure about China but these vehicles are commonplace in India where you can be sure fuel quality is suspect and maintenance poor. I suppose the fact that the motors produce little enough power that they are in little danger of breaking helps matters :D
I am unsure about this model but one manufacturer I have seen uses an engine that was designed by Mitsubishi for agricultural uses; again overengineered and underpowered enough to be bulletproof.
In response to being slow, would you really need to go over 55, I'm sure its capable of that much.
Jeremy Korzeniewski 12:22AM (2/13/2009)
GoodCheer, these engines are built as part of a joint venture between GM and SAIC of China, both of which are highly reputable companies. The factories that produce these engines are fully modern facilities.
From what I can gather, this is the same engine that's used in the Wuling Sunshine minivan. See here:
http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Wuling_Sunshine
and here:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/12/report-toyota-may-have-passed-gm-in-06-global-sales/
jeffzekas 6:04PM (2/12/2009)
Reliable? Not if other Red Chinese products are indicative! My son bought a Chinese gas generator at Kragen-- within the first week, the carburetor crapped out, and a pushrod tube seized. And the Chinese built Zap Xebra? A lady here in town bought one, and has had nothing but trouble: poorly constructed, always breaking down, short range... and on and on... For the $10,000 they are asking, you'd be better of buying a Kia or a used Honda Civic!!!
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brandon 7:16PM (2/12/2009)
Chicago got voted the 3rd most miserable city in the Country according for forbes! Ive never lived there but here are some reasons I found by someone who has lived before. Pretty interesting.
http://www.gotoguy.com/2009/02/12/my-miserable-hometown/
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John Wills 2:47PM (3/27/2009)
I work for an insurance company, and they said due to the cost of parts, the valuation of the vehicle, etc., they cannot write insurance on this vehicle. Therefore, before you buy, be sure and check with an insurance company to see if they will insure it for you.
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