JAC S5

JAC S5 at a glance

JAC (Jianghuai Automobile) is a state-owned carmaker from Hefei, Anhui province, known for light trucks, vans and passenger cars. Its earlier SUV, the JAC Rein, was based on the first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe and built under licence. When that arrangement ended, JAC developed the S5 itself as its successor, positioned above the smaller Refine S3. JAC's background is described in the history of JAC Motors.

The S5 was previewed by the JAC Eagle SII concept at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, and the production car followed in Guangzhou in November 2012. At launch in China it cost between 89,800 and 135,800 yuan. In China it competed with the Great Wall Haval H6, the Geely Emgrand X7 (GX7) and the BYD S6.

Eagle, Refine and the Hyundai link

JAC's earlier SUV, the Rein, was a licensed version of the first Hyundai Santa Fe. With the S5, JAC moved to its own platform, and Hyundai's design influence remained visible in the styling. Soon after launch the car moved from the Eagle name to JAC's Refine sub-brand, alongside the smaller Refine S3. The facelifted Refine S5 cost between 89,500 and 139,500 yuan in China, close to the original Eagle S5 prices.

S5 styling and body

The S5 has an assertive front with a large grille, high bumper and wide air intake, while its side profile and rear lights have often been compared with contemporary Hyundai SUVs such as the ix35 and Santa Fe; reviewers also saw hints of the Audi Q5 in the rear bumper. Wide plastic cladding runs along the lower body from the front bumper to the rear. Export cars ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, and the spare is a space-saver on a steel rim. A facelift, introduced with the Refine name, brought new front bumpers.

S5 petrol and turbo engines

JAC offered different engines for China and for export markets, and published figures vary between sources. The main versions:

According to export data, the 2.0 reaches 180 km/h and takes about 8.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h, with consumption of about 7.1 L/100 km at a steady 90 km/h. The 2.0 turbo reaches 190 km/h and uses about 7.7 L/100 km at the same speed. Chinese-market cars could be ordered with front-wheel drive or 4×4; export cars were front-wheel drive. ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution was standard, and power steering was hydraulic, with a ZF electric system listed for some versions.

S5 size and luggage space

The longer length figure applies to the Chinese Eagle S5; export cars are listed at 4,430 mm. With the rear seat backs folded, the boot floor is flat but the loading sill is high.

S5 cabin and trim levels

JAC's Italian design team worked on the interior. The dashboard appears to float, and the instruments sit in two deep dials with blue lighting and a colour trip computer screen. Materials include leather, synthetic leather, fabric, aluminium-look trim and glossy plastic. The seats are comfortable but flat, with little side support, and the driver's seat has electric adjustment. There is enough space for four adults.

Typical export equipment included:

• Push-button engine start.
• Leather steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, with audio controls on top versions.
• Air conditioning or climate control, electric windows all round, heated electric mirrors.
• Audio system with CD, MP3, USB, AUX, iPod and Bluetooth, and a touchscreen on top versions.
• Rear parking sensors and, on some versions, tyre pressure monitoring and navigation.
• Up to six airbags; the 2.0 turbo added ESP, hill-start and descent assist, leather upholstery, memory seats and a sunroof.

Reliability and buyer notes

The S5 sold mainly on price and equipment. Reviewers praised the space, the equipment for the money and the ground clearance; they criticised the flat seats, the choice of only a manual gearbox in export markets, front-wheel drive only and modest resale values. When buying a used S5, check the service history, the clutch, the condition of the turbocharger on turbo versions and the operation of the electronic equipment, and confirm parts availability in your country before buying.

Rivals: how the JAC S5 compares

The S5 competed with other Chinese compact SUVs, from the Haval H6 and Emgrand X7 to the smaller Lifan X50, and with the Korean Hyundai Tucson, which was more refined but more expensive. Other SUVs from China are collected in the Chinese cars section.