A big black Hongqi CA7180A2E sedan, seen on the road near my home in east Beijing. The good Hong’ was dusty and a bit dirty, but otherwise in a good shape, standing on its original wheels.
[table id=59 /]
The Hongqi CA7180A2E is based on the Audi 100 that was manufactured in China by the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture. FAW, or First Auto Works, is also the owner of the Hongqi (Red Flag) brand.
The CA7180A2E had a short run, it was only made from 2001 until 2003. There was also a stretched variant which was called the Hongqi CA7180 A2EL1. Power came from an Audi 1.8 liter four-cylinder petrol with 93hp, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Price for the CA 7180 A2E in 2001: starting at 158.000 yuan and ending on 169.800 yuan. The are really cheap second hand these days but that is mostly because they can’t legally drive inside Beijing anymore due to the ever stricter environmental regulations.
The interior looked a tad worn out. Fake wood on the doors, steering wheel, hand brake lever, and hear lever. Radio and seat covers are after-market.
The rear end with a full-width light unit. Shiny pipe tip is after market too, but it doesn’t look bad, giving a tiny bit of sportiness to the CA7180A2E.
Badges with the full designation were normal in those days. Today is is very rare on passenger cars, but still quite common on pickup trucks and other commercial vehicles.
The handwritten Hongqi badge on the boot lid.
Have you seen a similar Hongqi in China? Show us! You can now upload images in the comments below.