The Luxgen S5 (facelift 2015) 1.8i, producing 170 horsepower, represents a mid-cycle refresh of the original S5 sedan, manufactured between 2015 and 2019. Positioned as a mainstream offering within the Luxgen lineup, the S5 aimed to provide a comfortable and well-equipped sedan for families in Taiwan and select export markets. This variant, with its turbocharged 1.8-liter engine, occupied a middle ground in the S5 range, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency compared to potential base engine options or higher-performance trims. The facelift brought styling updates and refinements to the original S5, enhancing its market appeal.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Luxgen |
| Model | S5 |
| Generation | S5 (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8i (170 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp, 124.1 Hp/tonne |
| Power | 170 Hp |
| Power per litre | 94.5 Hp/l |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1798 cm3 (109.72 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Kerb Weight | 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 470 l (16.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4690 mm (184.65 in.) |
| Width | 1805 mm (71.06 in.) |
| Height | 1490 mm (58.66 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2720 mm (107.09 in.) |
| Front track | 1555 mm (61.22 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1565 mm (61.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| 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 brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Luxgen S5 1.8i is a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output to 170 horsepower. The engine code specifics can vary depending on the market, but it generally employs multi-point fuel injection and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for efficient combustion and good volumetric efficiency. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing drivers with direct control over gear selection. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned to balance acceleration and fuel economy, with a relatively tall fifth gear for highway cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 170 hp turbocharged engine provides adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration is reasonably brisk, though not particularly sporty. The turbocharger does introduce a slight amount of turbo lag, but once spooled up, it delivers a noticeable surge in power. The 5-speed manual transmission allows for engaging driving experience, but the gear ratios aren’t optimized for outright performance. Compared to potential higher-output versions of the S5, this 1.8i variant prioritizes fuel efficiency and smooth power delivery over aggressive acceleration. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but can exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Luxgen S5 1.8i (facelift 2015) typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system with touchscreen display, rear parking sensors, and automatic climate control. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with leather options available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, with a focus on ease of use. Optional extras could include a sunroof, navigation system, and upgraded safety features.
Chassis & Braking
The S5 utilizes a conventional front-wheel-drive chassis with MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing braking performance and stability in emergency situations. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort rather than sporty handling, with a focus on minimizing body roll and providing a stable ride.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Luxgen S5 1.8i was generally well-received as a practical and affordable sedan. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and relatively good fuel economy. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the refinement and power of some of its competitors. Compared to other trims in the S5 lineup, the 1.8i offered a good balance between price and performance. It was a popular choice for buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and comfort over outright speed. Reliability reports were mixed, with some owners reporting minor issues with the engine and transmission.
Legacy
The Luxgen S5 1.8i, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, served as a solid and dependable sedan for many owners. The turbocharged 1.8-liter engine proved to be reasonably reliable, although regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues. In the used car market, the S5 1.8i represents a relatively affordable option for buyers seeking a spacious and comfortable sedan. Its fuel efficiency and availability of features make it a practical choice for daily commuting and family transportation. While the Luxgen brand has faced challenges, the S5 1.8i remains a testament to the company’s efforts to provide value and practicality in the automotive market.
