Hongqi has released official images of the
production version of the new Hongqi H5 sedan. The H5 debuted on Shanghai Auto Show and will hit the Chinese car market soon. It comes with an
impressive and very shiny grille, and the red flag ornament stands proudly on
the bonnet.
The Hongqi H5 is based on the Mazda 6 Atenza that is
made in China by FAW-Mazda. FAW, or First Auto Works, is also the owner of the
Hongqi brand. Hongqi added a new front, a new rear, a slightly different
interior, and new badges; and a new car was born.
Initially there will be only one engine available;
the good old FAW 1.8 turbo with 178 Hp and 250 Nm. Later on a 2.0 turbo and a V6
will be added to the lineup. Price for the 1.8 turbo will start at 188.900
yuan. The Hongqi H5 will be positioned below the Hongqi L7. There is some
overlap with the Besturn B90, which is based on the previous generation Mazda
6. Besturn is another brand owned by FAW.
The dashboard is FAW designed and has no
similarities to the Mazda. The traditional Golden Sunflower badge in the middle
of the wheel. Hongqi has been using this badge on steering wheels and wheels
since the late 1950’s.
The touch screen stands atop the center stack. Graphics
are great but the screen has an odd shape; it is wide but not high enough,
leaving little space for, for example, the map of the navigation system.
Cr : Carnewschina
