Roewe i5 goes through a facelift

Simplicity and affordability have made the 4.6-meter long Roewe i5 one of the most popular models of the Chinese carmaker. Now, two and half years since debut, the compact gets its first update.

This comes with a much angrier façade, including a storied grille and LED headlights in the standard spec. Taillights and the rear bumper have been slightly redesigned.

Things look much livelier in the cabin, which is largely new. There is a wireless charger, a 12.3-inch Zebra Zhixing Venus infotainment touchscreen sitting above the air vents, and a dashboard with altered graphics. The top spec improves upon this with fake leather and pinstripes. The trunk holds 512 liters of luggage.

The tech stays stock. The 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine rated at 120 PS (118 hp / 88 kW) still hooks onto a five-speed stick shift or CVT. You may pay extra to get a 169-PS (167 hp / 124 kW) turbo with the same displacement and CVT only.

You can buy a pre-facelift Roewe i5 in China starting from $10,600, and the new one looks like it might pack a slight premium. Sales will begin in the second quarter of the year.

On a related note, the i5 has a twin in China, an electric station wagon named the Ei5 (see video). That model will also undergo a facelift and a rebranding soon.