Is the engine of the Roewe i5 domestically produced?
4 Answers
The engine of the Roewe i5 is not domestically produced. The Roewe i5 uses the Blue Core engine, which was jointly developed and launched by SAIC and General Motors. The Blue Core engine adopts a series of advanced technologies such as an integrated turbocharging system, water-cooled integrated exhaust manifold, and intelligent oil pressure management. Its characteristics include reduced fuel consumption, energy savings, and emission reduction, with engine reliability reaching globally leading levels. The Roewe i5 is positioned as a compact car, with dimensions of 4601 mm in length, 1818 mm in width, and 1489 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2680 mm. In terms of suspension, the Roewe i5 features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a torsion beam non-independent rear suspension.
I've been driving the Roewe i5 for a while now, and its engine is definitely domestically produced. The SAIC Group's self-developed Blue Core 1.5L engine has been in use for quite some time, and it runs relatively smoothly. When I bought it, the salesperson also mentioned that the parts are all locally manufactured, which reduces import costs, making the pricing very affordable—a definite advantage. In daily driving, the fuel consumption performance is quite good, costing just a few cents per kilometer, which suits salaried workers like me perfectly. Maintenance at the 4S shop is convenient, with ample parts inventory, so there's no waiting. Compared to joint-venture cars, it occasionally has slightly more noise, but the value for money is unbeatable. Overall, supporting domestic cars is definitely worth it, and any minor issues can be fixed quickly.
From a technical perspective, the engine in the Roewe i5 belongs to SAIC's domestically produced Blue Core series. Based on my research, models like the 1.5L or 1.6T variants have their core components assembled in local factories, incorporating globalized designs while maintaining complete domestic production. The engine emphasizes fuel efficiency and complies with the China VI emission standards. In terms of performance, it prioritizes smoothness over acceleration response, which is slightly slower compared to German counterparts. In real-world driving, it delivers stable low-end torque, making it sufficient for city use. Localization offers advantages in spare parts availability, and the engine maintains a relatively low failure rate, though regular oil changes are recommended to preserve performance. The engine's progress mirrors the rise of domestic vehicles, making it worth keeping an eye on future upgrades.
Having worked in a repair shop for years, the Roewe i5 has few common engine issues, mostly equipped with domestically produced SAIC engines. Parts are easy to find and affordable, like filters or belt heads, often fixed within half a day. Owners enjoy low oil change and maintenance costs, around a couple hundred bucks every six months, more hassle-free than imported cars. Minor issues like idle vibration or oil consumption may occur, but overall it's durable and easy to repair. If you notice abnormal lights, check battery connections promptly to prevent small problems from escalating. The domestic engine in the i5 proves reliable, making it ideal for practical car owners.
