The Luxgen 5 1.8i Automatic, produced between November 2011 and 2015, represents a significant entry for the Taiwanese automaker Luxgen into the competitive compact sedan market. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the 5 series lineup, it aimed to provide a balance of comfort, features, and reasonable performance. The Luxgen 5, and specifically this 1.8-liter variant, was primarily targeted at the Taiwanese domestic market, with limited export sales to other regions. It was built upon a dedicated platform, representing Luxgen’s initial foray into independent vehicle development, moving away from reliance on licensed platforms.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Luxgen |
| Model | S5 |
| Generation | 5 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8i (154 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | November, 2011 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg, 12.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9 kg/Hp, 110.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm, 165.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 154 Hp |
| Power per litre | 85.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 2000-4400 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 2000-4400 rpm) |
| 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 | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Kerb Weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4650 mm (183.07 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 track | 1565 mm (61.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 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, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system), Electric Power Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Luxgen 5 1.8i Automatic is a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. While the engine itself wasn’t a revolutionary design, it represented a modern, if somewhat conservative, approach to naturally aspirated power delivery. The engine code is not widely publicized, but it shares similarities with engines used in other Taiwanese automotive ventures. It features a multi-point fuel injection system and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its respectable 154 horsepower output. The engine’s torque peak of 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) is achieved between 2000 and 4400 rpm, providing a relatively broad powerband. Paired with this engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, while providing convenience, wasn’t known for its particularly quick shifts or advanced features. It was a conventional torque converter automatic, prioritizing smooth operation over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The driving experience in the Luxgen 5 1.8i Automatic is best described as comfortable and predictable. The 154 hp engine, coupled with the 5-speed automatic, delivers adequate acceleration for everyday driving situations. However, it doesn’t offer the briskness of some competitors with more powerful engines or more advanced transmissions. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency and smooth cruising, rather than aggressive acceleration. Compared to a manual transmission version (if available), the automatic sacrifices some responsiveness and driver engagement. The weight-to-power ratio of 9 kg/Hp means the car feels adequately powered, but not particularly sporty. The engine is relatively quiet at cruising speeds, but can become noticeably strained under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.8i Automatic trim level of the Luxgen 5 typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system with CD player, and ABS brakes. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras could include alloy wheels, a sunroof, upgraded audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and parking sensors. The Luxgen 5 aimed to offer a good value proposition, providing a reasonable level of equipment for its price point. Higher trim levels within the 5 series offered features like leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and more advanced infotainment systems.
Chassis & Braking
The Luxgen 5 utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well. The front brakes are ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes are solid discs. Electric power steering is standard, providing light and easy steering feel. The car’s relatively modest weight (1390 kg / 3064.43 lbs) helps to mitigate the limitations of the suspension and braking systems.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Luxgen 5 1.8i Automatic received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its comfortable ride and reasonable equipment levels, it was often criticized for its unremarkable performance and somewhat dated automatic transmission. Fuel economy, at 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg), was considered average for its class. Compared to other trims in the Luxgen 5 lineup, the 1.8i Automatic offered a more accessible price point but sacrificed the performance of higher-powered variants. It competed with established players in the compact sedan segment, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Nissan Sentra, but lacked the brand recognition and established reputation of these competitors.
Legacy
The Luxgen 5 1.8i Automatic, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a role in establishing Luxgen as a legitimate automaker. The powertrain, while not particularly innovative, proved to be reasonably reliable in real-world use. On the used car market, these vehicles are generally affordable and represent a decent value for buyers seeking a comfortable and practical compact sedan. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limited availability of spare parts and the lack of a widespread dealer network. The Luxgen 5, and specifically this 1.8L Automatic variant, remains a relatively uncommon sight on the roads, representing a unique chapter in the history of Taiwanese automotive manufacturing.
