
The engine model of the Southeast DX5 is 4A91, which is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine. It has a maximum horsepower of 121PS, a maximum power of 89kW, and a maximum torque of 148Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The front suspension of the Southeast DX5 is a MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a multi-link independent suspension. The Southeast DX5 belongs to the small SUV category, with body dimensions of 4406mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1680mm in height, a wheelbase of 2615mm, a fuel tank capacity of 45L, and a curb weight of 1300kg.

The SEAN DX5 is powered by a 1.5T turbocharged engine from Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi, with two specific versions available. At its initial launch, it used the 4A91T model, which was the mainstay for the 2019 model year, delivering 156 horsepower paired with a CVT transmission for smooth driving. Later, with the introduction of the China VI emission standards, it received an upgraded engine—the 4A95TD model, maintaining 156 horsepower but with technological improvements, making the entire lineup compliant with China VI B. This engine is characterized by its ability to generate torque at low RPMs, making city overtaking quite effortless, and it also has low maintenance costs. By the way, while SEAN is now managed by Fujian Benz, the engine technology still relies on Mitsubishi's established foundation.

I've studied the powertrain configuration of the DX5. It comes with only one engine option across the entire lineup: a Mitsubishi technology-supported 1.5T. The 2019 model used the 4A91T engine, while post-2021 models were upgraded to the 4A95TD version—both featuring aluminum cylinder blocks with turbochargers. Both deliver 115kW of power, paired with either a 6MT or CVT transmission. In real-world driving, the turbo kicks in around 2,000 rpm. While highway acceleration at higher speeds feels slightly weak, the fuel efficiency is genuinely impressive. I remember helping a friend inspect a used car last time and noticed that vehicles produced after December 2019 had their engine model changed to 4A95TD on the nameplate—something to watch for when buying used.

I drove my colleague's Soueast DX5, which comes with two generations of the 1.5T engine. The older 4A91T model has a maximum power output of 156 horsepower, while the newer 4A95TD, though maintaining the same horsepower, adopts direct fuel injection technology, reducing fuel consumption by about 0.6L. This engine shares lineage with Mitsubishi's earlier 4G series, making parts readily available, and an oil and filter change costs just over 300 yuan. However, the engine is a bit noisy during cold starts, but it quiets down after warming up. Most DX5 buyers choose it for its proven reliability in the three major components, as the Mitsubishi engine has stood the test of time.


