
Roewe 550 is equipped with two types of engines: a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine and a 1.8T turbocharged engine. The maximum output power of the 1.8L naturally aspirated engine is 98 kilowatts, with a maximum torque of 170 Newton-meters; the maximum output power of the 1.8T turbocharged engine is 118 kilowatts, with a maximum torque of 215 Newton-meters. Roewe 550 is a compact car under the SAIC Group, with dimensions of 4648 mm in length, 1827 mm in width, and 1483 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2705 mm. The Roewe 550 features further sharpened partial lines, giving it a very youthful and dynamic appearance, while the design of the bumper, headlights, and taillights adds a lot of brilliance and a cutting-edge feel.

I know many Roewe 550 owners. Its most commonly used engines are the 1.8L naturally aspirated and 1.8L turbocharged models. Early models mostly came with the 1.8L engine, producing around 133 horsepower and 168 Nm of torque. City fuel consumption is typically 9 liters per 100 km, while highway driving can reduce it to 7 liters. The turbocharged version, like the 1.8T Kavachi engine, can reach 160 horsepower and 215 Nm of torque, offering quick acceleration but may have slight hesitation during initial take-off. These engines are derived from Rover technology and are generally reliable, but they are prone to carbon buildup or ignition coil issues as they age. I recommend changing the oil every 5,000 km to maintain performance, especially when a used car—check for unusual noises or oil leakage signs, as these can affect driving smoothness.

As someone who has driven the Roewe 550, I can say the 1.8T engine feels exhilarating when accelerating on highways, with quick power response during overtaking. However, fuel consumption is relatively high in daily city traffic, often exceeding 10 liters per 100 kilometers. The naturally aspirated version is much smoother, offering gentler acceleration but more comfortable for long-distance driving with lower engine noise. During my ownership, I found regular crucial—for instance, frequent air filter changes can reduce vibration issues. Overall, this engine's durability is decent; it required no major repairs over five years, though it occasionally had slower starts in cold conditions. Considering its price, it offers good value for money, making it suitable for family commuting.

Having worked on many Roewe 550 models, its 1.8L engine commonly exhibits minor issues such as spark plug wear or belt slack causing abnormal noises, with an output of around 133 horsepower. During , it's important to use 5W-30 viscosity oil to prevent carbon buildup. The turbocharged version is more prone to turbo lag issues, so it's recommended to inspect the turbo system every two years. Reliability is average, with owner feedback indicating possible oil leaks after 70,000 to 80,000 kilometers, but this can be resolved by replacing the gasket at a low cost. Daily maintenance is straightforward—keeping the cooling system clean to avoid overheating.

The Roewe 550 was launched in 2007, initially featuring a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine as its main offering, which was later upgraded to a 1.8T version for enhanced power. These models are still commonly found in the market. The early engines had relatively low fuel efficiency, but post-2010 improvements and optimizations reduced fuel consumption by approximately 10% and improved noise control. Compared to other models from the same brand, the 550's engine is more focused on balancing daily driving needs. For maintenance, it is recommended to use full synthetic oil to extend its lifespan. Historically, it has utilized technologies from multiple OEMs, delivering stable performance overall though not top-tier.

Compared to same-class models like the Focus, the Roewe 550's 1.8T engine delivers similar power output with 160 horsepower being adequate, though fuel consumption is slightly higher at around 9 liters per 100 km, making urban driving feel a bit strained. I recommend opting for the turbo version for its high cost-performance ratio and quick acceleration response, but long-term use requires attention to turbo cooling. costs are moderate, with spark plug and filter replacements being straightforward, and reliability is above average. When purchasing new or used, check for smooth engine idling to avoid vibration issues.


