Pre-orders for the new Hongqi H5 are already running starting from 170,000 Yuan (US$ 25,400). Unlike its Mazda6-derived predecessor, the second generation runs on a proprietary chassis that preserves the old “transverse engine + FWD” formula. Wheels can be 17 or 18 inches large. The car is 4,988 x 1,875 x 1,470 millimeters long, wide and tall with 2,920 mm separating the axles, making it 43 mm longer and 30 mm wider than the first generation. The interior is hardly any larger than before, but benefits from higher-quality trim materials, the company points out.
A vertical touchscreen display sits on the
center console along with a row of physical buttons. A HUD and limited voice
command support are also provided. The front seats offer the massage feature,
while the rear ones have no special features available.
Buyers get to choose between three power
options. The first one is a 1.5-liter turbo engine mated to a seven-speed
pre-selector transmission for 156 PS. The second one is a
2.0-liter engine partnered up with an eight-speed A/T for 224 PS. Finally, there is a 1.5-liter hybrid with a system output of 190 PS. The latter runs on an electromechanical CVT box designed by FAW,
the corporate parent of Hongqi. Charging from a wall socket is not an option.
Despite the relatively moderate pricing and FWD architecture, the H5 follows the same design guidelines as other Hongqi vehicles targeting the elite officials of the China Communist Party. It has the mandatory red flag on the hood and a radiator grille frame that looks like spread wings.
