Here we have two great Audi-based Hongqi’s. I saw them during a very long bicycle ride from the east of Beijing to the west in May 2010. They were parked in front of an office building and they were both in great shape.
The CA7180A2E was the ‘basic’ Hongqi. It started life in 2001 and died in 2003. This sort of very short production runs was normal for Hongqi in those days. It was available in two luxury-levels, called ‘Mingshi’ and ‘Shiba’. Ours is a Mingshi. Engine is a CA4GE Audi-unit with 70kw. The CA7180A2E was priced between 158.000 and 169.000 rmb. The 1-logo on the grille is of First Auto Works, the owner of the Hongqi brand.
The sporty alloys were standard. The car-wide light unit was unique for the CA180A2E. This Hongqi was rather popular with private buyers, unlike most other Hongqi cars, which were mainly bought by the government.
Third-brake light behind the window. The Hongqi name in handwriting, looking very stylish! Note the ABS badge on the right. ABS was still a special tool to have then so many new China-made cars had that sort of badges.
The CA7182MT3 was the luxury Hongqi and named ‘Shijixing’. It was still based on the Audi 100 but got a new Hongqi-designed front and back. The biggest change was the engine.
Out went the Audi unit and in came a 2.o Nissan V6 (VG20) with 92kw. Production started in 2000 and lasted until 2005. Yes, the CA7182MT3 arrived earlier than the CA180A2E, and outlived it. Price started at a steep 249.800 rmb. Even today some of these great cars are still around, but they are fast getting very rare.
Note the changes at the back. Seems subtle but it is really a whole new design, with fins for an extra touch of luxury! The alloys are standard examples.
The badge on the right is missing the 一 for 一 汽轿车, First Auto Sedan, short for First Auto Works Sedan, which was then a sub-division of First Auto Works. It doesn’t exist anymore, the Hongqi brand sits now directly under FAW. On the left the full designation CA7182MT3.