Affordable Chinese SUV with 27 inches of multimedia real estate goes on sale

The third generation of the Roewe RX5 is already available in China starting from 117,900 Yuan (petrol) and 153,900 Yuan (hybrid). Unusually for a sub-$20k car, it comes equipped with a giant 27-inch central display.

Powering the petrol version is a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine rated at 188 PS (185 hp / 138 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft), working in tandem with a seven-speed preselection DCT. It burns through 6.9 liters of gasoline every 100 kilometers in mixed mode, which translates into 34 MPG for our US-based readers. The top speed doesn’t exceed 190 km/h, or 118 mph.

The hybrid variant comes labeled ‘eRX5’ and combines the same engine with a single electric motor. A ten-speed automatic transmission carries a total of 245 PS (242 hp / 180 kW) and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque to the wheels. The top speed is barely higher at 200 km/h (124 mph), but the average fuel economy is vastly improved with 3.3 liters per 100 km in mixed cycle (71 MPG).

In its third iteration, the Roewe RX5 gains size and now measures 4,655 x 1,890 mm x 1,664 mm L/W/H (182 x 74 x 65 inches). The wheelbase is also marginally longer at 2,765 mm (108 inches). The curb weight of the lightest spec is 1,840 kilograms, or 4,056 pounds.

The manufacturer emphasizes that the outdated first-gen RX5 will remain on sale at least until the year’s end, while the second generation will linger in production for another two years or so to provide an affordable alternative to everyone not interested in the Gen.3.

On a related note, earlier reports suggested that the 27-inch display inside could move laterally by at least 30 cm (12 inches), so that you could push it to the front passenger seat. The photos so far do not reveal such a feature, and the company stays silent about it, too. On the other hand, you can clearly see video cameras built into the front fenders, acting as a backup for the side mirrors.