The Hengrun HRS1 is an all-electric micro SUV launched by Hunan Hengrun Auto Co., Ltd. (known as "Hengrun Auto"), serving as the brand's key offering in the passenger car segment. Established in 2014 and headquartered in the Xiangtan Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hunan, Hengrun Auto boasts a total investment exceeding RM3,000,000,000 and holds complete vehicle production qualifications for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles (including new energy vehicles). The HRS1 first debuted in June 2021, followed by a facelift in 2022, primarily targeting short-distance urban commuting and logistics in lower-tier markets with an official recommended retail price ranging from RM68,800 to RM89,800.
The Hengrun HRS1 is positioned as an all-electric micro SUV, measuring 3,560 mm in length, 1,610 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height, with a 2,250 mm wheelbase. Built on a 3-door, 4-seater layout, it has a kerb weight of 1,020 kg and a laden minimum ground clearance of 185 mm. The car highlights "affordability and practicality" as its core selling points, catering mainly to buyers in third- and fourth-tier cities as well as suburban areas for daily commuting, short trips, and light commercial needs. Available data also indicates deployments in B2B municipal fleet sectors, such as dedicated sanitation vehicles.
The exterior styling of the Hengrun HRS1 adopts a distinctive, rugged "boxy" profile. The front end sports a blanked-off grille—a signature cue for EVs. The front bumper features a chunky profile flanked by LED daytime running lights and front fog lamps, lending it an off-road-inspired aesthetic. The headlamp clusters utilise halogen units with manual levelling adjustment.
Along the sides, straight character lines and a symmetrical profile deliver a squarish and compact stance. Roof rails are fitted up top to enhance cargo utility. The rear styling is relatively clean, with a rear window wiper exclusive to higher-grade trims. Overall, the HRS1’s design prioritises functionality and utility, featuring basic exterior fit and finish that trails the design standards of mainstream passenger car marques.
Inside, the cabin adopts a straightforward, practical design approach. The steering wheel is moulded in plastic, though a multi-function unit is optionally available on selected variants. Notably, it features a full LCD digital instrument cluster—a rarity in this price bracket. The centre console houses a touchscreen infotainment unit supporting a reverse camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone screen mirroring. In terms of upholstery, the Classic variant gets faux leather, whereas the Elite variant comes with leatherette-and-fabric combination seats. Air conditioning is a manual setup with no rear vents.
The Hengrun HRS1 is powered by a rear-mounted single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 32 kW (approx. 44 PS) and 140 Nm of torque. Juice comes from a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack (supplied by Great Power) with a capacity of 28.16 to 28.2 kWh, delivering an NEDC-rated pure electric range of 305 km. Official rated energy consumption stands at 9.2 kWh/100 km.
Drive is sent via a single-speed EV reduction gearbox (fixed ratio). The vehicle's top speed is rated at 102 km/h, with an official 0–50 km/h acceleration sprint clocked at 10 seconds. On the charging front, standard AC charging requires 12 hours, with no mention of DC fast charging capabilities in published specifications. Overall, the powertrain setup is modest and tailored strictly for low-speed urban commutes, offering little practical usability for long-distance highway cruising.
The Hengrun HRS1 employs a rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, which is typical of micro EVs in this class. Suspending the vehicle is a MacPherson independent setup at the front and a 5-link non-independent solid axle at the rear. Stopping power is handled by front disc and rear drum brakes, paired with a mechanical handbrake. It rides on 205/70 R15 tyres without a spare tyre.
For drive modes, only an Eco mode is provided. Driving aids include Hill-Start Assist (HSA), but electronic stability control (ESC/ESP) is notably absent. The chassis is tuned with load-bearing capacity in mind, and reports indicate that a commercial van derivative is available for urban delivery logistics.
In terms of in-car technology, equipment on the Hengrun HRS1 remains strictly entry-level. The central touchscreen supports touch inputs and integrates a reverse camera, Bluetooth telephony, and OEM smartphone screen mirroring. Built-in GPS navigation is available as an option on higher-spec trims. Audio is piped through a 2-speaker setup, accompanied by a single front USB port.
Convenience equipment includes manual air conditioning, front power windows (front only; no rear power windows), central locking, and a remote key fob. The front seats feature manual slide and recline adjustments, while the one-piece rear bench folds down to expand boot space from 345 litres to 1,645 litres. Overall, equipment is kept basic to satisfy primary commuting needs, omitting amenities such as powered seat adjustment, seat ventilation/heating, or a sunroof.
Safety kit on the Hengrun HRS1 is bare-bones. According to published specifications, it lacks both driver and front passenger airbags, with side and curtain airbags also missing. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS with digital display) is standard across the range. For active safety, it only gets an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), leaving out Brake Assist (BA/EBA), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
On the advanced driver assistance front, the HRS1 does not feature any Level 2 or higher ADAS capabilities. Driver aids are limited to a reverse camera and rear parking sensors (on selected variants), with no Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), or Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). While its safety equipment aligns with early-2020s budget micro EV standards, the complete absence of airbags represents a stark drawback compared to contemporary domestic rivals like the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV and Leapmotor T03.
The Hengrun HRS1 has largely remained a niche, marginal player in the market. Since its 2021 debut, sales numbers have been absent from mainstream sales charts, with monthly deliveries lingering at negligible levels. Consumer feedback is similarly scarce, with only single-digit owner reviews recorded on platforms like PCauto. Among the few logged reviews, some owners commend its value-for-money proposition and powertrain delivery, while others highlight higher-than-expected energy consumption.
In terms of market competitiveness, the HRS1 faces uphill competition in the RM60,000 to RM90,000 price band. Key contenders include micro EVs such as the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV, Changan Lumin, Geely Panda Mini, and Leapmotor T03, as well as entry-level petrol-powered compact SUVs. Against these rivals, Hengrun Auto lags significantly in brand equity, dealership footprint, and aftersales coverage. Founded in 2014, Hengrun Auto commands negligible clout in the passenger car space, relying primarily on municipal commercial vehicles for its core business.
As of 2025, the Hengrun HRS1 has received no further major updates, remaining on sale with its 2022-spec configuration. Serving as Hengrun Auto’s initial foray into the passenger vehicle arena, the model failed to achieve volume scale, leaving the brand largely unnoticed in the wider market. For buyers, the Hengrun HRS1 stands as a clearly defined yet mediocre entry-level micro electric SUV. Ultimately, its presence reflects the ruthless competitiveness of China’s NEV landscape—where dominant marques capture the lion's share of the market, leaving virtually no breathing room for fringe players.
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