The Luxgen S5 (facelift 2015) 2.0i, producing 192 horsepower, represents a mid-cycle update to 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 facelift brought styling revisions and powertrain refinements to an already established platform, seeking to enhance its competitiveness in a segment dominated by Japanese and Korean automakers. The S5, and particularly this 2.0i variant, was intended to bridge the gap between affordability and a more premium experience, offering features typically found in higher-priced vehicles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Luxgen |
| Model | S5 |
| Generation | S5 (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i (192 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 192 Hp |
| Power per litre | 96.1 Hp/l |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 121.93 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 470 l |
| Trunk (boot) space (cu. ft.) | 16.6 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 14.53 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 12.1 UK gal |
| Length | 4690 mm |
| Length (in.) | 184.65 in. |
| Width | 1805 mm |
| Width (in.) | 71.06 in. |
| Height | 1490 mm |
| Height (in.) | 58.66 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2720 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 107.09 in. |
| Front track | 1555 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 61.22 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1565 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 61.61 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.8 m |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) (ft.) | 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 | 215/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 2015 facelifted Luxgen S5 2.0i is a 1.998-liter (2.0L) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is turbocharged and intercooled, allowing it to produce 192 horsepower. The engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The turbocharger is a key component, providing increased air intake to boost power output. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. The S5 2.0i was exclusively offered with a 5-speed manual transmission, designed to maximize fuel efficiency and provide a more engaging driving experience. The engine code specifics are less widely documented outside of Taiwan, but it represents a significant upgrade over naturally aspirated engines previously offered in the S5 range.
Driving Characteristics
The 192 hp output, coupled with the 5-speed manual transmission, provides adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration is reasonably brisk, though not particularly sporty. The turbocharger does introduce a degree of turbo lag, meaning there’s a slight delay between pressing the accelerator and feeling the full power delivery. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance between fuel economy and usability, with a relatively tall fifth gear for highway cruising. Compared to potential higher-output variants (which were not widely available), the 2.0i prioritizes fuel efficiency and a smoother driving experience over outright performance. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but can exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2015 facelifted S5 2.0i typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, often denoted by additional packages, could include features like leather upholstery, a sunroof, alloy wheels, and a more advanced infotainment system with navigation. Interior upholstery was generally cloth on the base models, with leather options available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use over elaborate design. Safety features beyond ABS were often limited, reflecting the vehicle’s positioning in the market.
Chassis & Braking
The Luxgen S5 utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup aims to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing good stopping power, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The steering is a traditional hydraulic power steering system. Stabilizer bars are present on both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. Tire size is 215/50 R17, mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim level).
Market Reception & Comparison
The Luxgen S5 2.0i received mixed reviews. Critics generally praised its spacious interior and relatively generous equipment list for the price. However, the engine was sometimes criticized for being somewhat underpowered compared to competitors from established brands like Toyota and Honda. Fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to other trims within the S5 lineup, the 2.0i offered a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for buyers who prioritized practicality over outright speed. Reliability reports are limited, but generally suggest that the S5 is reasonably reliable, though sourcing parts outside of Taiwan can be challenging.
Legacy
The Luxgen S5, including the 2.0i variant, represents an attempt by a Taiwanese automaker to establish a foothold in the global automotive market. While it didn’t achieve widespread success, it offered a unique alternative to mainstream Japanese and Korean sedans. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine proved to be a capable powerplant, and the S5’s spacious interior and well-equipped features appealed to many buyers. On the used car market, the S5 2.0i represents an affordable option for those seeking a comfortable and practical sedan, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential challenges in sourcing parts and finding qualified mechanics. The long-term reliability of the powertrain appears to be acceptable, provided the vehicle has been properly maintained.
