Sales of the Hongqi HS3 crossover in China are set to start in mid-July, positioning the new compact model as the most accessible entry point within the premium brand’s lineup. Industry observers note that this move could broaden Hongqi’s appeal among buyers who want luxury touches at a comparatively lower price point. The information comes from carnewschina.com, which has been tracking the model’s rollout and market strategy as it unfolds.
The Hongqi HS3 made its first public appearance at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year, signaling a compact SUV designed to balance style, technology, and efficiency. The vehicle measures 4655 mm in length and sits on a wheelbase of 2770 mm, values that translate into a practical footprint for urban wear and family duties alike. Under the hood, the HS3 offers two turbocharged powertrains: a 1.5-liter engine producing 168 horsepower and a larger 2.0-liter unit delivering 252 horsepower. Power is routed through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission in the smaller engine configuration, and through an eight-speed automatic in the more potent setup. Performance figures reflect a clear split: the 1.5T version accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in about 9.9 seconds, while the 2.0T variant achieves the sprint in approximately 7.2 seconds, underscoring Hongqi’s intent to fuse spirited performance with everyday practicality.
The HS3’s equipment roster highlights a strong emphasis on comfort and connectivity. A panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, and a pair of 12-inch displays dominate the dashboard to provide a single, integrated interface for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. For convenience, there are dual wireless charging pads, a keyless entry system, adaptive cruise control, and seats that offer both power adjustment and ventilation. These features align with current expectations for premium compact SUVs and are likely to bolster the HS3’s appeal in markets that prize technology integration alongside traditional luxury cues.
In a parallel expansion, the Hongqi brand announced a regional presence in Russia during the summer, with four models arriving in local Hyundai showrooms. The distributor for these efforts is listed as the company “FAV – Eastern Europe,” indicating a strategic move to place Hongqi more directly in front of Eastern European customers. The plan includes establishing a warehouse dedicated to spare parts and consumables in the Moscow region, which would help support service and maintenance for Hongqi vehicles and reassure potential buyers about long-term ownership costs in the market. This development reflects a broader push to build regional support networks that can sustain growth outside the brand’s traditional strongholds. These actions illustrate Hongqi’s broader ambition to broaden its footprint in diverse markets while maintaining a focus on aftersales resilience for new models.
Previously, an online outlet highlighted a notable development in the pickup segment of the Russian market, reporting on a vehicle nicknamed KingKong due to its size and capabilities. This reference underscores ongoing interest in large utility vehicles within the region and helps contextualize Hongqi’s global strategy, which includes a range of body styles and performance configurations designed to meet varied consumer needs. The overall picture suggests Hongqi’s intent to position itself as a global premium option offering a blend of advanced engineering, thoughtful design, and robust aftersales infrastructure for sustained customer satisfaction [industry brief, 2024].