Here’s a Hongqi HS3 SUV, as seen on the road in south Beijing. The HS3 is a popular gasoline-powered SUV. The traditional Hongqi hood ornament runs from the hood into the middle of the grille.
About Hongqi
Hongqi (红旗, Red Flag) is one of China’s oldest and most famous car brands. It is best known for its gigantic state limousines and parade-inspection cars. However, in the last 10 years, Hongqi has transformed into a much larger consumer-focused brand, with a wide lineup of ICE/HEV/PHEV/EV vehicles.
The strategy has worked. Hongqi is now a top 20 brand. In August, it sold 37.239 cars, good for 16th place in the brand sales list, ranking above better-known new brands like Xpeng (17), Li Auto (19), Xiaomi (20), and NIO (34). So, Hongqi is doing well. What about the HS3?
The Hongqi HS3
The Hongqi ES3 is a subcompact SUV, launched in 2023. Do not confuse it with the similarly named but otherwise unrelated Hongqi E-HS3. The ES3’s design is quite nice, with a giant traditional Hongqi grille mated to a modern streamlined body. The darkened light units match nicely with the darkened windows and the black roof.
Specifications of the Hongqi HS3
The Hongqi HS3 is a front-wheel drive ICE car. Size: 4655/1900/1668, 2770. Hongqi offers two engines:
- 1.5 turbo (35 TD): 169 hp and 258 Nm. 7-speed DCT. 195 km/h, 0-100 in 9.9 seconds. Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100 km.
- 2.0 turbo (45 TD): 252 hp and 380 Nm. 8-speed automatic. 220 km/h, 0-100 in 7.2 seconds. Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100 km.
The car in the photos is the top-of-the-line 45 TF model. Many Chinese car makers use the TD abbreviation. It has nothing to do with diesel. Instead, it stands for Turbo Direct injection. Hongqi still has a red font for its TD badging! Back in the 2000s, almost every brand had red badges on turbocharged cars.
Interior
Hongqi interiors mix luxury with minimalism. It looks a tad old-school, with large leather seats and small windows. But at the same time, it is a truly modern cockpit without any buttons or switches in sight. All the interaction happens via the big 12.6-inch infotainment screen.
The rear with a wide third-brake light and the Hongqi name in handwritten characters below the window. The Hongqi ES3 45 TD costs 172.800 yuan ($24.155), and that is a good deal for an SUV of this size and kind. The ES3 competes with cars like the Chery Tiggo 8, the Haval Raptor, and the Geely Xingyue L.