The Roewe 360 Plus 1.5, introduced in 2017, represents a significant iteration within the Roewe 360 series, a compact sedan primarily aimed at the Chinese domestic market. Positioned as a mainstream offering, the 360 Plus sought to provide a balance of affordability, practicality, and modern features. This specific 1.5-liter, 116 horsepower variant served as a core model within the lineup, appealing to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and ease of driving over outright performance. It built upon the foundation of the original 360, offering subtle styling updates and improvements to the interior. The 360 Plus competed directly with other domestically produced sedans like the Geely Emgrand and Chery Arrizo, as well as entry-level offerings from joint ventures like Volkswagen and Honda.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Roewe |
| Model | 360 |
| Generation | 360 Plus |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 (116 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 142 Nm @ 4500 rpm (104.73 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 15S4C |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 482 l (17.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4579 mm (180.28 in.) |
| Width | 1804 mm (71.02 in.) |
| Height | 1490 mm (58.66 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2660 mm (104.72 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission SSG |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Roewe 360 Plus 1.5 utilizes the 15S4C engine, a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a relatively simple design, featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain and multi-point fuel injection. While not a particularly advanced engine, it was designed for reliability and fuel efficiency. The 15S4C produces 116 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 142 Nm (104.73 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. The transmission is a 5-speed manual transmission, designated as SSG (presumably a simplified shift gear). This transmission was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and simplicity, contributing to the overall affordability of the vehicle.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5-liter engine and 5-speed manual transmission combination in the Roewe 360 Plus delivers adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration is best described as leisurely, with a 0-60 mph time estimated to be around 11-12 seconds. The engine feels somewhat strained at higher speeds, and overtaking maneuvers require careful planning. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel economy rather than performance, meaning the engine operates at relatively low rpm at cruising speeds. The manual transmission is light and easy to operate, but lacks the precision and feel of more sophisticated gearboxes. Compared to potential higher-output variants (which were not widely available), this 1.5L version prioritizes fuel economy and a smoother, less demanding driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Roewe 360 Plus 1.5 typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features for its price point. These included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and dual front airbags. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system with a touchscreen display, rear parking sensors, and a sunroof. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple and functional dashboard layout. The overall interior design was aimed at providing a comfortable and practical space for passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The Roewe 360 Plus utilizes a front-wheel-drive chassis with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provides a comfortable ride quality, but doesn’t offer particularly sporty handling characteristics. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The steering is power-assisted, providing light and easy steering feel. The vehicle rides on 16-inch wheels with 205/55 R16 tires. The chassis and braking system were designed to provide a safe and reliable driving experience, prioritizing comfort and affordability over performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Roewe 360 Plus 1.5 was generally well-received in the Chinese market as a practical and affordable compact sedan. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but noted its lack of performance and somewhat basic interior. Compared to other trims in the 360 Plus lineup, the 1.5-liter version offered the best fuel economy and lowest price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Its fuel economy of 5.9 l/100km was competitive with other vehicles in its class. However, the lack of advanced features and limited performance meant it wasn’t as appealing to buyers seeking a more refined or engaging driving experience.
Legacy
The Roewe 360 Plus, including the 1.5-liter variant, has established a reputation for reasonable reliability and low running costs. The 15S4C engine is known to be relatively durable, and parts availability is generally good in China. On the used car market, the 360 Plus 1.5 represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking an affordable and practical compact sedan. While it may not be the most exciting vehicle to drive, it offers a comfortable and reliable transportation solution. Its simplicity and lack of complex technology contribute to its long-term durability and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice among first-time car buyers and those seeking a dependable daily driver.
