Hongqi has started accepting reservations for its HS3 model. The mid-size crossover SUV may be the luxury carmaker’s most affordable vehicle to date, CarNewsChina believes, even though the exact pricing info is pending in mid-July.
The HS3 debuted at this year’s Shanghai
show. It was 4,655 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,668 mm tall with 2,770 mm
between the axles, making it 100 mm shorter than its closest sibling
– the HS5. Once it reaches the international market, the model will compete in
the same segment as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Design-wise, the entry-level Hongqi sports
a rather monumental-looking front grille, boomerang-shaped headlights and
unusual c-pillars. Buyers can choose from multiple exterior finishes including
two-tone ones and specify wheels up to 18 inches large. Inside, a 12.3-inch
display is provided for the dashboard and a 12.6-inch one fills the role of the
infotainment system.
In its most basic spec, the Hongqi HS3
utilizes a 1.5L turbo engine with 169 PS and 258 Nm of torque. A seven-speed DCT lets it accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and max out at 195 km/h. The other option is
a 2.0L turbo mated to an eight-speed AT and producing 251 PS along with 380 Nm of torque. This version takes 7.2 seconds to
launch and maxes out at 220 km/h.
