Haima S5

Haima S5 at a glance

The S5 sat below the larger Haima 7 in the brand's crossover range. According to the old 1cars text, it was first shown at the Guangzhou motor show in autumn 2013, before the production car's debut in Beijing in 2014. Haima's history is told in the history of Haima, and its models, from the Haima 2 to the Haima M3 saloon, are in the Haima catalogue.

First-generation engines and gearboxes

According to the old 1cars text, the 1.6-litre engine is an inline four-cylinder with 16 valves, variable valve timing, multipoint fuel injection and a variable-geometry intake manifold. With this engine the S5 reaches 165 km/h and uses about 7.3 litres per 100 km on average. The turbocharged engine also has 16 valves, multipoint injection and variable valve timing.

Platform, chassis and safety equipment

The old 1cars text says the S5 uses an upgraded platform derived from the Mazda Tribute, already used for the Haima 7. Brakes are discs on all four wheels, ventilated at the front, and the steering has electric power assistance. ABS with brake-force distribution and brake assist are standard, with stability control and an electronic differential lock as options, according to the same source.

Exterior design

According to the old 1cars text, the S5 has a three-level front lighting arrangement: large headlights at the top, LED daytime running lights and indicators in the middle, and fog lights low in the bumper. A wide chrome-trimmed grille, black plastic cladding around the body that protects against stones, a tall side window line and a compact tail complete the look. Wheels are 16 or 17 inches in diameter.

Interior and boot

The old 1cars text describes a five-seat cabin with good adjustment ranges for the seat and steering wheel and enough rear space in both legroom and headroom, although the front seat cushions are rather flat. The touchscreen sits deep in the dashboard, which makes its side areas harder to reach. Media controls are placed below the screen, flanked by air vents, with the hazard-light switch between them and the air-conditioning controls lower down. The glovebox is large, and the boot has a full-size spare wheel and tools under the floor.

Second generation (2018–2019)

The second-generation S5 was launched at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show. It is an extensive facelift of the first car, with new front and rear styling, on the same platform. Its range was broader than before.

Haima 6P plug-in hybrid

In 2021 Haima introduced the 6P, a plug-in hybrid based on the second-generation S5. It combines a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with permanent-magnet electric motors and a seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Its quoted fuel consumption is 1.38 litres per 100 km, and the battery uses CATL NCM811 cells with an energy density of 142 Wh/kg.

Haima S5 timeline

Driving and running costs

According to the old 1cars text, the S5's suspension is soft and comfortable, which makes journeys relaxed, and the 1.6-litre engine is economical, with average consumption of about 7.3 litres per 100 km. The turbo version gives much stronger acceleration thanks to its 223 Nm of torque, but the old 1cars text notes that the claimed figures remained modest for the class.

Rivals: how the Haima S5 compares

The old 1cars text compared the S5 with crossovers such as the Kia Soul and the Subaru XV and claimed that its boot is larger than theirs. Its strengths, according to that text, are a stylish design, a comfortable suspension, low running costs and reasonably powerful engines. Its weaknesses are uneven build quality, a limited choice of equipment levels, a simple cabin and limited comfort for three adults in the rear seat. All-wheel drive was not offered.