The Haima S5 Young 1.6, produced from 2017 onwards, represents an entry-level offering within the broader Haima S5 compact SUV range. Positioned as an affordable and practical option, the S5 Young aimed to capture a segment of the Chinese automotive market seeking a modern SUV with reasonable fuel efficiency. The “Young” designation signified a focus on attracting a younger demographic with a more streamlined feature set compared to higher-trim S5 models. It’s important to note Haima Motor Corporation is a Chinese automotive manufacturer, originally established as a joint venture with Ford, and the S5 Young was primarily marketed within the Chinese domestic market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Haima |
| Model | S5 Young |
| Generation | S5 Young |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (122 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.3 kg/Hp, 97 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm, 127.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 122 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 4000 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | HMAGN16-VF1 |
| Engine displacement | 1591 cm3 (97.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1258 kg (2773.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4195 mm (165.16 in.) |
| Width | 1765 mm (69.49 in.) |
| Height | 1637 mm (64.45 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2560 mm (100.79 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 180 mm (7.09 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring, Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Haima S5 Young 1.6 is powered by the HMAGN16-VF1 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a naturally aspirated configuration and a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine’s double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, with four valves per cylinder, contributes to its breathing efficiency. The engine produces 122 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. The five-speed manual transmission was the sole transmission option for this variant, prioritizing affordability and simplicity over advanced automatic options.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter engine, paired with the five-speed manual transmission, delivers adequate performance for urban driving and highway cruising. However, it’s not designed for rapid acceleration. The power delivery is relatively linear, with peak torque arriving at 4000 rpm. Compared to potential higher-output engine options (had they been available in the S5 Young range), this 1.6L configuration prioritizes fuel economy over outright performance. The manual transmission allows for greater driver control, but requires more engagement than an automatic. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, meaning the engine may need to be revved higher for quick overtaking maneuvers. The relatively light curb weight of 1258 kg helps mitigate the engine’s modest power output.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Haima S5 Young 1.6 was positioned as the entry-level trim, and as such, featured a more basic equipment list compared to higher-spec S5 models. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system with basic connectivity options. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat spartan, design. Optional extras, depending on the market and dealer offerings, could include alloy wheels, a rear parking sensor, and an upgraded audio system. Safety features were generally limited to ABS and basic airbags.
Chassis & Braking
The S5 Young utilizes a front-wheel-drive chassis with an independent McPherson strut suspension setup at the front, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort and handling. The rear suspension employs a semi-independent torsion beam configuration, a cost-effective solution commonly found in vehicles of this class. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, supplemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The 205/60 R16 tires, mounted on 16-inch wheels, provide a balance between ride comfort and grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Haima S5 Young 1.6 was generally well-received in the Chinese market as an affordable and practical SUV option. Critics noted its reasonable fuel economy (6.5 l/100km) and adequate interior space for its size. However, the engine’s modest power output was a common point of criticism, particularly when compared to competitors offering larger displacement engines. Compared to other trims within the S5 lineup, the 1.6L variant offered a lower price point, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers. Its fuel efficiency was also superior to that of potential higher-powered engine options. Reliability reports are limited due to the vehicle’s primary market being China, but anecdotal evidence suggests the powertrain is generally durable with proper maintenance.
Legacy
The Haima S5 Young 1.6 represents a significant step in Haima’s efforts to establish itself as a competitive player in the Chinese automotive market. While not a groundbreaking vehicle in terms of technology or performance, it provided a practical and affordable SUV option for a growing segment of consumers. On the used car market, the S5 Young 1.6 remains an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable and fuel-efficient compact SUV. The simplicity of the 1.6L engine and five-speed manual transmission contributes to its relatively low maintenance costs, making it a potentially good long-term ownership proposition. Its long-term reliability is still being assessed, but the engine’s proven architecture suggests it can provide years of service with regular maintenance.
