This pretty white sled is the new Hongqi H5, a mid-size sedan for China’s iconic Hongqi brand. It looks more daring than any other Hongqi, and it has one of the largest grilles we have ever seen on any autmobile.
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The Hongqi ‘Red Flag’ ornament on the bonnet.
The Hongqi H5 is based on the Mazda 6 Atenza, made in China by the FAW-Mazda joint venture. FAW, or First Auto Works, is also the owner of Hongqi.
The engine however is not a Mazda unit, but a 1.8 turbo with 178hp and 250nm, mated to a 6-speed automatic. This engine is very old, based on an ancient Volkswagen design and used in many other FAW products.
The L5 was recently launched on the Chinese car market. Price starts at 149.800 yuan and ends at 195.800 yuan.
The handwritten Hongqi name on the wheel’s center.
The interior is very nice with a partially digital instrument panel, a free-standing 12 inch touch screen, and lots of black leather and light wood.
The rear end is a bit heavy on the eye, due to the high boot and the truly gigantic light units. But overall design is neat, almost sporty, and that surely is a first for Hongqi.
The H5 is the first of a new generation of mass-market Hongqi cars. A new full-electric SUV will be added to the lineup soon, followed by a crossover. But will the H5 attract enough buyers? It looks good enough, and that grille!, but the old engine and Mazda roots might put some people off.