
The Roewe car engine was jointly developed by SAIC Group and General Motors. It belongs to the independent brand. The engine model of the Roewe 550 is 18k4c, equipped with a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum horsepower of 133ps, a maximum power of 98kw, and a maximum torque of 170nm. The 3.2L engine has a maximum power of 162kw/6000rpm and a maximum torque of 310Nm/4600rpm. For daily maintenance of the Roewe 550 engine, the following methods can be used: Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil should be selected based on the additional devices of the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions; for diesel engines, CB--CD grade diesel engine oil should be selected according to mechanical load, with the selection standard not lower than the requirements specified by the manufacturer. Regularly change the engine oil and filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, performance deteriorates, causing various problems for the engine. To avoid faults, change the oil regularly according to usage conditions and keep the oil volume moderate. When the oil passes through the fine holes of the filter, solid particles and sticky substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter is blocked and the oil cannot pass through the filter element, the filter element may burst or the safety valve may open, allowing the oil to pass through the bypass valve and bringing dirt back to the lubrication parts, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal pollution. Regularly clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gas, acid, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides in the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls, mixing with metal powder from part wear to form sludge. When the amount is small, it suspends in the oil; when the amount is large, it precipitates from the oil, blocking the filter and oil holes, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear. Regularly use a radiator cleaner to clean the radiator. Removing rust and scale not only ensures the normal operation of the engine but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and engine.

The engine used in the Roewe 550 is SAIC's self-developed Kavachi series, which I recall came in two versions: a 1.8L naturally aspirated and a 1.8T turbocharged. The technology partially borrowed from the foundations of General Motors and Rover. This engine was quite common in the older 550 models, delivering relatively smooth power output suitable for city commuting, though its fuel consumption wasn't particularly low, and some owners complained about loud acceleration noise. I've seen many used car cases where, with proper maintenance like regular oil and filter changes, it could easily run over 100,000 kilometers without issues. Later Roewe models like the RX5 received engine upgrades, but the 550's system is now basically discontinued. Overall, domestic engines have improved rapidly, with decent reliability, though they tend to be noisier—it's advisable to test drive and inspect before buying a used one.

I once drove my friend's old Roewe 550, which had an engine branded by SAIC called Kavachi or something like that. The power was adequate but not aggressive. It drove smoothly in the city but struggled a bit on the highway. Maintenance was simple and cheap—I once had the spark plugs replaced at a local shop for less than 100 yuan. A common issue with this engine is slow cold starts in winter, which can be fixed by changing to better antifreeze. Compared to joint-venture cars in the same price range, the 550 offers good value for money and is a great first car for young drivers. If buying second-hand, listen for excessive engine noise and check for complete maintenance records. Generally, it can last a few years without major issues, but don't expect too much from it on long trips.

The Roewe 550 engine belongs to SAIC's Kavachi series, available in 1.8L naturally aspirated and 1.8T turbocharged versions, with technical origins tracing back to the Rover collaboration. It delivers moderate power output, not as strong as BMW's counterparts in the same class, but boasts high durability. I've seen many older vehicles with these engines running without major overhauls—the secret lies in frequent oil changes. Roewe built its early reputation on this reliability. Now with EVs gaining popularity, the 550 engine has become somewhat antiquated. Having driven a friend's car, I'd say its gentle acceleration suits novice drivers well. For maintenance, never skimp on synthetic oil—it significantly extends engine life.

Hey, the Roewe 550's engine is SAIC's Kavachi. I test-drove a used one and found it decent. The power is moderate, sufficient for city commuting—not as thrilling as a sports car but economical. After driving it for a while, I noticed the noise was a bit annoying, but replacing it with a better muffler solved the issue. For young people buying used, I recommend checking the maintenance history and avoiding older models. Maintenance is straightforward; just find a reliable shop—easier to handle than joint-venture cars, with fuel consumption neither too high nor too low. Compared to BYD, the power gap isn't significant, making it suitable for budget-conscious beginners.


