Taiwanese company unveils Europe-bound sedan

The Luxgen5 Sedan will debut at the Moscow Motor Show later this month.

A Taiwan-based company called Luxgen has just lifted the veil off of the Luxgen5 Sedan, a mid-size car that is scheduled to make its first appearance in the European Union before the end of the year.

The Luxgen5 was presented as an all-electric concept dubbed Neora at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show in China. In its transition from a show-bound concept to a showroom-bound production vehicle the car has changed quite a bit and only the original silhouette remains more or less intact.

Aesthetically the Luxgen5 borrows styling cues from Honda and Hyundai, giving it a rather discreet appearance that could go unnoticed almost anywhere in the world.

The car's interior is simple and uncluttered. The instrument cluster is digital and features a heads-up display that is similar to the one found on several members of the Peugeot lineup.

The infotainment system is controlled via a large touch screen that is mounted in the middle of the dash. It lets the driver surf the internet, make phone calls, send text messages, change the stereo settings, access vital information about the car and even check the weather report all on the go.

Unlike the Neora concept that it draws inspiration form the Luxgen5 is powered by one of two four-cylinder gasoline-burning engines. The first is a 1.8-liter unit that makes 152 horsepower and 169 lb-ft. of torque. It is bolted to a five-speed automatic transmission and is equipped with a Garrett turbocharger.

The second engine is rated at 172 horsepower and 188 lb-ft. of twist thanks to its displacement of 2.0 liters. Also equipped with a Garrett turbocharger, it sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Luxgen has not disclosed any pricing information but the sedan's base price will likely hover in the vicinity of â,¬20,000, or roughly $24,600.

The Luxgen5 Sedan will make its European debut at the Moscow Motor Show that will open its doors later this month. Luxgen plans to gradually expand to countries within the European Union over the next year but its complete lack of image and its lineup's lack of a diesel engine spell tough times are ahead.

At the time of writing Luxgen does not plan on selling the Luxgen5 Sedan in the United States.