Hongqi has opened its pre-order books for the HQ9 minivan, which stretches the definition of ‘mini’ and starts at a cool 400,000 CNY (US$ 59,000). Live sales will start in autumn. The van has a single-space construction and runs on a simple FWD platform powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot rated at 252 PS. The transmission is eight-speed automatic. A plug-in hybrid is expected to join the lineup later on.
At 5,222 mm long and 2,005 mm wide with 3,200 mm between the axles, the HQ9 is a
giant in its class. One of its primary competitors, the Toyota Alphard, is
noticeably smaller.
Exterior highlights include a massive
front grille with vertical bars, chrome bits all around and 18-inch wheels. The
interior accommodates seven people and has a pair of captain’s seats with
plenty of comfort features in the second row. Even the base trim level already
includes a panoramic sunroof, a digital dashboard, a large infotainment
display, all-around cameras and adaptive cruise control.
