Hongqi HS3

The Hongqi HS3 is a premium A+ segment crossover SUV meticulously engineered by FAW Hongqi for the younger generation, urban families, and trend-conscious international buyers. As a strategic breakthrough model representing "accessible genuine luxury" with the most compact footprint, most youthful positioning, and boldest Guochao heritage styling in Hongqi's SUV stable (HS Series), it successfully breaks away from the brand's traditional image of stately, executive-focused "big cars," seamlessly fusing signature marque prestige with sharp sporty styling and high-tech digital intelligence.

The Hongqi HS3 not only consistently drives strong sales volumes in the fiercely contested domestic RM100,000 to RM150,000 bracket (on-the-road post-rebates), but its international journey has proven equally stellar. Serving as Hongqi's core compact electrified and petrol vanguard pushing into the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc.), Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and progressively making inroads into Southeast Asia, it has readily won over young global elites and cosmopolitan families.

Model Overview 

The official recommended retail price for the Hongqi HS3 ranges from RM145,800 to RM195,800 (supported by attractive trade-in packages and limited-time promotional offers at dealerships). Across overseas Middle Eastern markets, pricing sits around the RM100,000 to RM123,000 UAE Dirham (AED) bracket.

Its core market strategy centres on "segment-busting value, class-above space, and accessible luxury": priced to lock horns directly with established rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda ZR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Lynk & Co 01. In real-world specifications, however, it punches well above its weight with a class-leading 2,770 mm wheelbase that rivals D-segment SUVs, a segment-rare range-topping 2.0T + Aisin 8AT powertrain, and a robust 9H high-rigidity safety cage that meets C-NCAP five-star standards, delivering a distinct generational edge in cabin space, performance, and premium refinement.

Overseas and Domestic Milestones 

From a domestic style icon to a global export spearhead, the Hongqi HS3 rolled out its youth-focused product portfolio worldwide in record time: 

Debut of the "Trendiest Hongqi" (2023–2024): Serving as the first production SUV to adopt Hongqi's new youthful design philosophy, the HS3 officially debuted at the Changchun Hongqi Fan Festival. Penned under the creative direction of former Rolls-Royce design director Giles Taylor, the SUV introduced a gloss-black floating roof, "flying wing" headlamps, and dynamic two-tone paint schemes, instantly captivating style-conscious young professionals at launch.

PHEV Electrification and GCC Certification (2024–2025): In tandem with electrification and global expansion, the HS3 expanded its domestic line-up with a dedicated hybrid-engine PHEV (plug-in hybrid) variant, quickly capturing market share. Simultaneously, hot-weather and sandstorm validations for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) were completed, alongside the integration of a GCC-tailored E-Call emergency response system, paving the way for full-scale launches across key regional hubs such as Dubai (UAE) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). 

2026 Model Year Upgrades (2026 to Present): Moving into 2026, the Hongqi HS3 has sustained robust sales momentum internationally through premier dealership networks like the UAE's Al Tayer Motors. The 2026 model year introduces upgraded connectivity, featuring full native support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on export variants. Meanwhile, the domestic version received major OTA enhancements to refine ADAS responsiveness, firmly cementing its status as the go-to accessible luxury SUV for the young demographic.

Market Performance 

The Hongqi HS3 commands high road presence among young drivers at home and abroad. Domestically, it has become a prime pick for newlywed couples, urban executives, and young graduates seeking a versatile vehicle for daily commutes and weekend outdoor getaways. Overseas—particularly in the Middle East and Central Asia—its prominent bonnet-to-grille red illuminated spine badge (a massive head-turner on the road) and ultra-powerful dual-zone tropicalised climate control have successfully poached buyers from mainstream Japanese and Korean C-SUVs who demand distinctive styling, plush leather upholstery, and cutting-edge digital infotainment.

Key Specifications & Technology 

In terms of exterior dimensions, the Hongqi HS3 measures 4,655 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,668 mm in height, riding on an expansive 2,770 mm wheelbase. This endows the cabin with class-beating rear legroom on par with larger mid-size SUVs.

Key powertrain, cockpit, and safety specifications include:

Dual Powertrain Line-up (FF Front-Wheel Drive / 4WD All-Wheel Drive): 

1.5T Executive Commuter: Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 124 kW (169 PS) and 258 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). Combined fuel economy under the WLTC cycle stands at an economical 6.8 L/100 km, seamlessly blending pep with efficiency.

2.0T Performance Flagship: Powered by a high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating 185 kW (252 PS overseas specification) and 380 Nm of peak torque. Power is channelled through a durable Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission (Aisin 8AT), completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.9 seconds, with range-topping variants boasting an on-demand all-wheel-drive system. 

PHEV / HEV Electrified Variants: Incorporating Hongqi's proprietary dedicated hybrid engine with a dual-motor series-parallel system, offering pure-electric urban commuting alongside an exceptionally long overall cruising range.

9H4M Safety Cage and Health-Focused Cabin:

High-Strength Architecture: Fully engineered to meet C-NCAP 5-star crash safety standards and C-IASI "Good" (G) top-tier ratings. It features a rigid 9H4M cage body structure, with high-strength steel making up 64% and ultra-high-strength hot-stamped steel accounting for 17% of the frame. 

Comprehensive Airbag Coverage: Equipped with up to 6 SRS airbags, including front, side, and full-length curtain airbags as standard across the range. 

Healthy Cabin Ecosystem: Crafted with 100% compliant eco-friendly interior materials, supplemented by an active Air Quality System (AQS) and a negative ion generator.

Dynamic Guochao Digital Cockpit:

The cabin preserves Hongqi's signature symmetrical dashboard layout, spiced up with bolstered sports bucket seats and vibrant contrast stitching.

Dual Digital Displays: Fitted with a 12.3-inch full-digital LCD instrument cluster alongside a 12.6-inch portrait curved central touchscreen. It runs on Hongqi's proprietary operating system with support for full-lifecycle over-the-air (OTA) updates, while overseas variants feature factory-integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Premium Amenities: The driver's seat offers up to 12-way power adjustment with memory, three-stage heating, and seat ventilation. A massive panoramic glass sunroof with an auto-closing shade on vehicle lock comes standard, while higher grades add a 10-speaker bespoke surround sound system, 40W Qi wireless fast charger, and 253-colour dynamic ambient lighting for an upscale sensory experience.

Comprehensive ADAS Safety Suite: 

Equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, featuring SACC (Senior Adaptive Cruise Control) and a 360-degree high-definition surround-view camera.

The active safety suite packs over 10 functions, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and Door Open Warning (DOW), with automated E-Call standard across the board for GCC export models.

Future Outlook 

As the global automotive landscape accelerates towards electrification, FAW Hongqi will continue expanding the green-energy portfolio of the Hongqi HS3 lineup worldwide. Moving forward, PHEV (plug-in hybrid) and HEV derivatives will serve as the vanguard to deepen market penetration across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Backed by continuous cloud-based OTA updates for smart driver aids, and anchored by the winning formula of competitive pricing, advanced technology, and signature luxury craftsmanship, the HS3 is set to firmly establish the contemporary appeal of Chinese premium SUVs on the global stage.