The Hong Guang nameplate may not mean much to most
of us, but with more than 4.5 million vehicles sold, it’s one of the most
popular in China. Now, the family has welcomed the Hong Guang Plus, a minivan aimed
exclusively at the local market, which will go on sale in October with a
yet-to-be-disclosed price.
Made by the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, the people
carrier is 4,722 mm long, 1,840 mm wide and 1,810 mm tall, and has a 2,800 mm wheelbase. This makes it the largest
member of the Hong Guang lineup and slightly smaller than the Honda Odyssey.
On the outside, the Hong Guang Plus sports angled
lines said to have been inspired by a Chinese traditional ceremonial vessel,
with the familiar grille at the front, a floating style roof, vertical
taillights and clean tailgate. Customers will be able to select between four
exterior colors: Polar White, Jet Black, Celestine Blue and Sterling Silver.
For the interior, the automaker has chosen a
minimalistic approach, with very few buttons and a wide-angle display for the
infotainment system. It also boasts leather upholstery, glossy trim and a lot
of storage spaces, as well as air conditioning, reversing camera, cruise
control and others.
Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged four that
produces 150 PS and 245 Nm of torque between
2,200 and 3,900 rpm, and is paired to a six-speed manual transmission.
GM’s Hong Guang Plus will soon be challenged by the
Volkswagen Viloran, another large people carrier aimed at the People’s Republic
market.
