Haima S5

The Haima S5 is Haima Automobile’s "foundational blockbuster", having once played a pivotal role in the compact crossover SUV (5-seater urban family SUV) segment. Serving as a landmark milestone in Haima’s in-house R&D journey, the S5's defining trait during its initial lifecycle (2014–2018) was its forward-looking, aggressive "tiger shark" sporty styling, coupled with a class-defying mechanical setup rarely seen at its price point: a punchy 1.5-litre turbo engine paired with four-wheel independent suspension. As China’s passenger car market rapidly pivoted towards new energy vehicles (NEVs) and intelligent green mobility, the Haima S5 strategically shifted its focus away from the hyper-competitive domestic market. Capitalising on its second-generation revamped architecture, it now serves as a high-value ICE and plug-in hybrid (Haima 6P) export flagship, shipped in large volumes to key international markets across the Middle East (including localized CKD assembly in Iran), Southeast Asia (such as the Philippines), and Latin America. Internationally, it continues to reap steady export dividends for value-driven Chinese crossover SUVs, backed by exceptional mechanical durability across its core running gear and stellar resilience against extreme heat, sun, and harsh road conditions.

Model Overview 

Positioned as a youthful, stylish, and high-performance urban compact SUV, the classic domestic Haima S5 was originally tagged with an official price tag ranging from RM69,800 to RM109,800 (whilst commanding a solid mid-range price of 879,000 to 1,149,000 Pesos/local currency in overseas export markets). Its core unique selling proposition (USP) lies in delivering "class-above mechanicals and democratised value": offering global urban buyers a multi-link independent rear suspension, a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine pushing up to 163 PS, a comprehensive Bosch Electronic Stability Control (ESC) suite, and a 360-degree panoramic camera system at a price point undercut even by B-segment non-national SUVs. It precisely caters to budget-conscious first-time car buyers and overseas families who demand rugged mechanical reliability, high-speed chassis stability, and generous cabin space utilisation.

Development History 

From its initial breakout success spearheaded by the iconic "tiger shark" front fascia to its second-generation sharp redesign, followed by the Haima 6P PHEV green transition and its enduring global export footprint, the Haima S5 has witnessed the complete evolution of Chinese SUVs from domestic ICE competition to global export success:

The "Tiger Shark" Era and Sales Peak (2014–2017): In 2014, the first-generation Haima S5 made its debut at the Beijing Auto Show. Its aggressive, predatory "tiger shark" front fascia stood out instantly amongst the more conservative Chinese domestic rivals. Capitalising on this momentum, Haima introduced the "High Power" and "Youth" editions, powered by the efficient 1.5T + CVT powertrain. Monthly sales regularly breached the 10,000-unit mark, cementing the S5 as the core pillar of Haima’s ICE stable.

Second-Generation Redesign and Overseas Expansion (2018–2020): The second-generation Haima S5 received a comprehensive generational overhaul. Penned by premier Italian design house LDA, the redesigned model showcased an imposing starlight chrome front grille flanked by sleek split-type LED headlights, riding on a 2,630 mm wheelbase. As the Chinese domestic market landscape shifted, the model spearheaded Haima’s aggressive export drive, establishing itself as a popular Chinese contender in key overseas markets such as Iran (via a strategic joint venture with local giant IKCO) and the Philippines.

Haima 6P PHEV Transition and 2026 Export Lineup (2021 to Present): Entering the 2026 strategic cycle, the Haima S5 lineage continues to demonstrate robust export vitality. Developed on the second-generation platform, the plug-in hybrid Haima 6P features a 1.2-litre turbo engine paired with dual electric motors and a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), delivering a frugal fuel consumption figure of just 1.38 litres per 100 km to target overseas green vehicle tax-incentive markets. Concurrently, the 2026 overseas ICE range (including the Haima S5 Elite and Noble trims) remains a resilient force globally, maintaining its stronghold in the budget ICE passenger car sector thanks to its robust, fuel-tolerant, and heat-resistant engine engineering. 

Market Performance 

The Haima S5 remains a proven workhorse with a significant car population across global emerging markets and specific export territories. While Haima Automobile is pivoting towards hydrogen energy and tailored commercial smart mobility in China, CKD assembly operations and bulk vehicle exports of the Haima S5 continue to generate healthy revenue streams. In the CIS region and parts of the Middle East (such as localized production at the Khorasan plant in Iran), the S5 is widely utilised for daily family commutes and long-distance intercity travel, credited to its high-rigidity unibody monocoque, high-output air conditioning system capable of rapid cabin cool-down even under 50°C ambient heat, and generous ground clearance—serving as a solid testament to the ruggedness, reliability, and value-for-money appeal of traditional Chinese ICE vehicles.

Core Technologies 

In terms of exterior dimensions, the second-generation and export-spec Haima S5 models maintain the profile of a practical urban compact crossover. Measuring 4,358 mm in length, 1,823 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height, with a well-proportioned 2,630 mm wheelbase, the vehicle pairs nimble city manoeuvrability and effortless parking with an efficient interior layout that maximizes passenger legroom.

Its core mechanical powertrains, independent chassis architecture, and equipment specifications are detailed below:

Diverse & Efficient Haima Powertrains (Front-Wheel Drive / FWD): 

1.6L Classic Naturally Aspirated: Powered by a 1.6-litre inline four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 87 kW (approx. 119 PS) and 160 Nm of torque, mated to a heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission (5MT)—making it a bulletproof, fuss-free workhorse choice favoured in remote and colder export regions.

1.5T High-Output Turbo (Core Mainstream): Powered by Haima’s 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine (HMA GN15-TF), developing a healthy 108 kW to 120 kW (approx. 147 to 163 PS) and 210 Nm to 223 Nm of peak torque across 1,800–4,000 rpm, paired with either a 6-speed torque-converter automatic (6AT) or an efficient CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). 

Haima 6P Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Equipped with a 1.2-litre turbo engine, permanent magnet synchronous dual electric motors, and a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). Delivering seamless acceleration, it completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in just 7.5 seconds. Powered by high-energy CATL battery cells, it offers substantial all-electric driving range with an impressive official depleted-battery fuel consumption rating of just around 1.38 litres per 100 km.

Class-Rare Four-Wheel Independent Suspension Setup: 

Featuring a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension (equipped with large-diameter front and rear anti-roll bars). In a price segment under RM100,000 where torsion beam rear setups are standard fare, the Haima S5 punches well above its weight. Tuned by veteran Japanese chassis engineers, the multi-link rear suspension rapidly absorbs and isolates uneven ruts and broken road surfaces. Whether during 120 km/h highway cruising or spirited cornering on winding roads, the chassis provides commendable body control, lateral support, and refined bump absorption. 

Versatile 5-Seater Cabin & Digital Cockpit:

The cabin adopts a practical 5-seater layout upholstered in eco-friendly dual-tone leather (with overseas top-spec variants offering multi-way powered adjustment and two-stage seat heaters for the front seats). Boot space is rated at 320 litres in standard configuration, which expands significantly when the 60:40 split-folding rear seats are folded flat, easily swallowing a bulky folding stroller or three standard check-in luggage bags.

The cockpit embraces a contemporary digital interface. The dashboard features soft-touch microfiber leather upholstery with contrast stitching and silver wing-shaped accents, complemented by a full LCD trip meter and a 7-inch to 10-inch floating high-definition central infotainment touchscreen. The multimedia unit seamlessly supports smartphone connectivity, a Micro SD card slot, and high-output dual USB ports, laid out in an ergonomic centre console, with higher variants upgraded to a 6-speaker surround sound system.

On the safety and equipment front, the Haima S5 offers generous specifications: standard anti-pinch dual-mode panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control (with rear air vents and full-time cabin air filtration), keyless entry with push-start ignition, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror on higher trims. Passive safety is anchored by an H-SAFE high-strength cage body-in-white and up to 6 SRS airbags (including front and rear curtain airbags). Active safety is comprehensive, featuring Bosch’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESC/ESP) integrating Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Traction Control (TCS), whilst higher trims add a class-above 360-degree dynamic panoramic parking camera system. With its dependable independent chassis and solid safety suite, the Haima S5 delivers a reassuring, stable drive for practical families worldwide.

Future Plans 

Under Haima Automobile’s overarching strategy focusing on "accelerating deep transformation into hydrogen and new energy mobility" alongside "deepening foreign trade and export capabilities", the manufacturing expertise and localized overseas supply chains built around the Haima S5 serve as a vital springboard for the brand's international presence. Over the next two years, as Haima further consolidates its CKD assembly networks in Southeast Asia and the Middle East (including Iran and the Philippines) and strengthens localized spare parts support, the Haima S5 series will continue to serve as a high-retention, durable ICE and plug-in hybrid (6P platform) pillar—consistently driving international trade volume and reinforcing consumer trust as the brand prepares to introduce next-generation clean energy mobility solutions abroad.