KAIYI E5

Inside, the Kaiyi E5 features a sporty-looking cabin with integrated sportive seats, which offer good support and ergonomics for all occupants. This sedan can effectively accommodate four passengers. However, adding a third passenger at the back might be a bit of an issue due to its pretty bulky middle tunnel. To compensate for this, the E5 offers a generous trunk space for its class. 

Upfront, you are greeted by a 10.25-inch central infotainment control screen, which is connected to a 6 loud-speaker sound system. Its cockpit has that performance-oriented vibe. Drivers are given a multifunction steering wheel that is good-to-the-touch, a sporty gear lever, and a 7-inch color LCD instrument display. For more convenience and functionality, this compact sedan also comes with a mobile wireless charger, a rear air outlet, and power windows.

The Kaiyi E5 doesn’t look like its price point at all. Its sharp, modern design resembles some new-gen Japanese cars of today. It displays a confident-looking glare courtesy of its trapezoidal LED headlights with DRLs. It also comes with fog lamps for increased visibility, especially at night. It also sports upper and lower grilles with a classy chrome pattern as well as sharp boomerang-shaped air vents underneath.

Its side profile appears clean and premium, accentuated by sharp character lines and sporty-looking 17-inch aluminum wheels. Aside from these, its confident, modern personality translates to its rear. Its back end is illuminated by fierce-looking LED taillights and further enhanced by a dual exhaust system, which adds a sporty touch to its overall appearance on the road. 

In terms of dimensions, the Kaiyi E5 measures 4,666 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,483 mm in height. This compact sedan comes with a 2,700-mm wheelbase. 

In terms of suspension, the Kaiyi E5 utilizes a combination of a MacPherson Strut independent-type at the front, while a Multi-Link at the rear. This sedan handles turns or corners pretty well even at high speeds. It also has decent absorption of bumps and uneven concrete pavements. Meanwhile, in the city, it is maneuverable and responsive. 

The Kaiyi E5 is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers a maximum power output of 115 kW (154 hp) and a maximum torque of 230 Nm. This sedan runs on a continuously variable transmission system. It is also equipped with two drive modes: Eco and Sport.

For its price point, the Kaiyi E5 feels lively and smooth on the highway. It is capable of overtaking slower vehicles on free-flowing expressways. Thanks to its turbocharged engine, it has a good amount of power and torque on tap. In terms of fuel consumption, this sedan is very economical even when you are passing through bumper-to-bumper traffic on a daily basis. Overall, this sedan is a practical daily driver and a respectable weekend high-speed cruiser.

In terms of safety, the Kaiyi E5 comes with a 360-degree around view monitor, six airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, child-protector rear door locks, as well as cruise control. 

This sedan utilizes front ventilated disc brakes and rear solid disc brakes. Its braking setup is supported by a brake assist, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability program, and hill hold control among others.

In my opinion, the Kaiyi E5 is arguably among the locally-available compact sedans that offer the highest value for money. For a price point under the 1M mark, you already get plenty of cabin room, premium tech and safety features, as well as a respectable performance both in the city and on the highway.