Wuling Hongguang PLUS

Model Overview

The Wuling Hongguang PLUS is a wide-body commercial MPV rolled out by SAIC-GM-Wuling under the Wuling marque, officially launched in October 2019. Built on Wuling's all-new CN150 front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform, it is positioned above the classic Wuling Hongguang. Guided by the core philosophy of being "newer, stronger, and larger", it is geared towards sole proprietors, extended families, and dual-purpose commercial-passenger users. As an upgraded offering in the Wuling Hongguang lineup, the Hongguang PLUS delivers notable enhancements across dimensions, powertrain performance, and safety equipment. The 2021 model currently serves as the main retail variant, offering 1.5L naturally aspirated and 1.5T turbocharged powertrains, alongside 2-seater, 5-seater, 7-seater, and 8-seater configurations, with official retail pricing ranging between RM67,800 and RM75,800.

Design Language

The Wuling Hongguang PLUS incorporates a "parallel rectangular, minimalist and rugged" styling concept, sporting a clean, squarish, and upright stance that effectively sheds the budget workhorse image long tied to the Wuling Hongguang. The front end gets a classic "Ding"-vessel-inspired gloss grille integrated with projector headlamps, complemented by a contemporary floating roof aesthetic for an upmarket touch. Down the sides, straight, crisp character lines and a prominent beltline lend it a solid, muscular profile. Over at the rear, it keeps Wuling's signature vertical combination lamps, while a tailgate spoiler and a high-mounted third brake light deliver a more modern appearance.

Overall dimensions stand as one of the key selling points of the Hongguang PLUS. It measures 4720mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1810mm in height, with a generous 2800mm wheelbase. Its 1840mm width gives it a clear spatial edge within its segment, earning its official "wide-body commercial MPV" designation. Both front and rear tracks come in at 1606mm, aiding straight-line highway stability.

Inside, the cabin continues the parallel rectangular motif. Mid-to-high-spec variants receive an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen smoothly integrated with the lower air-conditioning console, lending a tech-oriented ambience. It features a three-spoke steering wheel with tilt adjustment. In terms of upholstery, the Standard variant uses durable fabric seats, whereas the Comfort variant offers optional leather trim. The overall interior execution is straightforward, functional, and well-tailored to its utilitarian brief.

Powertrain Performance

The Wuling Hongguang PLUS is available with two engine choices: a 1.5T turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol unit. Both come paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox sending drive to the rear wheels (FR layout).

1.5T Variant: Powered by a 1.451L turbo engine churning out 108kW (147hp) and a peak torque of 250Nm, with maximum pulling power accessible across 2200–3400rpm. Official combined fuel consumption is rated at 8.2L/100km (MIIT cycle), alongside a 170km/h top speed. The engine serves up torque on par with a mainstream 2.4L naturally aspirated engine from as low as 2200rpm, ensuring effortless standing starts and punchy uphill pulling power.

1.5L Variant: Powered by a 1.485L naturally aspirated engine delivering 73kW (99hp) and 140Nm of peak torque, posting a combined fuel economy of 7.5L/100km and a top speed of 120km/h. This entry-spec option prioritises running costs and basic fuel efficiency.

The vehicle is fitted with a 53-litre fuel tank and runs on minimum RON 92 petrol. Both engine options fully comply with China VI b emissions standards.

Chassis and Handling

The Wuling Hongguang PLUS features a monocoque chassis built on the new CN150 front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform, which offers high structural modularity and adaptability. Ride and handling are handled by front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rugged rear leaf spring solid axle setup. The rear leaf springs are purposefully tuned for load-lugging, effortlessly accommodating heavy cargo or fully laden passenger runs. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) delivers light, effortless steering input, making tight urban parking and narrow alleyway manoeuvres fuss-free. Stopping power comes from front disc and rear drum brakes, paired with 16-inch wheels wrapped in 205/65 R16 tyres. An underbody-mounted full-size spare tyre comes fitted as standard.

Cabin and Equipment

Utilitarian cabin space is the headlining strength of the Wuling Hongguang PLUS. Thanks to the 2800mm wheelbase and wide 1840mm body, shoulder room and legroom are remarkably generous. Versatile cabin options include a 2-seater panel van, 5-seater, 7-seater (2+2+3), and 8-seater (2+3+3) layouts. In the 7-seater Comfort variant, individual second-row captain seats offer fore-and-aft sliding and backrest recline; the 8-seater utilises a conventional 2+3+3 bench setup. The load bay features a flat floor, and the third row supports both split-folding and forward-tumbling, liberating an expansive maximum cargo capacity of up to 4102 litres.

Cabin equipment differences between the trims are structured as follows:

The Standard variant gets utilitarian basics like single-blower manual air-conditioning, black exterior door handles, and a grained black front grille. Across-the-board standard kit includes a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ABS with EBD, speed-sensing auto door locks (on Comfort), and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. Higher-spec variants add smartphone screen mirroring, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and a front centre console storage box equipped with USB ports.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, safety features on the Wuling Hongguang PLUS differ markedly by trim level. The Comfort and higher trims come equipped solely with a driver’s airbag; no front passenger airbag is available anywhere in the range. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), rear ISOFIX anchor points, and sliding door child locks are standard on all trims. The Comfort variant adds speed-sensitive automatic locking and crash-sensing automatic door unlocking.

For active safety, ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are standard across the range. Higher-spec 1.5T models gain active driver aids, including Brake Assist (BA/EBA/BAS), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Rear parking sensors come standard on the Comfort variant, with the reverse camera available via smartphone connectivity. Cruise control also comes standard on the Comfort variant.

It is worth noting that some third-party motoring portals have erroneously listed automated parking, hill descent control, and driver knee airbags on the Hongguang PLUS spec sheet. These listings are factually inaccurate and contradict official manufacturer specifications.

Based on customer feedback and reliability tracking on CheZhiWang, reported issues on the Wuling Hongguang PLUS have included body panel corrosion, roof water ingress, sluggish power delivery, manual gearbox noise, clutch judder/chatter, and cabin NVH resonance. These complaints mainly centre on early 2019–2021 production batches, which used car buyers should note during pre-purchase inspections.

Market Performance and Reception

The Wuling Hongguang PLUS has maintained relatively muted market momentum since its debut. In February 2023, it recorded 592 deliveries, accounting for just 0.9% of total Wuling brand sales. By February 2026, monthly volumes continued hovering in the mid-hundreds. Compared to the classic Wuling Hongguang range's historic peak of over 80,000 units a month, the PLUS model has clearly fallen short of sales targets.

Key factors behind its subdued uptake include: a higher retail price point (starting at RM67,800, noticeably above the standard Hongguang); stiff competition from budget C-segment SUVs like the Haval M6 and Jetour X70; slightly ambiguous positioning that straddles the commercial and passenger sectors without dominating either; and the uphill climb of moving the brand upmarket when local buyers still largely perceive Wuling as a no-frills workhorse builder.

Owner reviews highlight notable strengths: massive, usable cabin volume (1840mm wide body with up to 4102L of boot space), punchy low-end torque on the 1.5T variant for effortless highway cruising and hill climbs, light EPS steering, and strong value-for-money within the RM60,000–RM80,000 wide-body MPV bracket. Conversely, commonly cited shortcomings include: sparse baseline safety (no airbags on lower trims and no front passenger airbag at all), mediocre NVH suppression with noticeable wind and road roar at cruising speeds, intermittent build quality defects like surface rust or water leaks on specific batches, and lacklustre performance from the naturally aspirated 1.5L unit under full payload.

Key segment rivals include the Wuling Journey, Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi, and JAC Refine M3. The unique edge of the Hongguang PLUS lies in its wide-body dimensions, torquey 1.5T turbocharged engine, and highly adaptable seating configurations, securing its solid niche among commercial-cum-family utility vehicles in the RM60,000–RM80,000 price range.

Summary

As a step-up model in the Wuling Hongguang family, the Wuling Hongguang PLUS delivers meaningful upgrades in physical footprint, engine performance, and platform rigidity. Its 1840mm wide-body footprint, 2800mm wheelbase, and vast 4102-litre load capacity give it a distinct practical advantage over conventional compact commercial vans, while the 1.5T turbo engine effectively cures the classic model’s lack of pulling power. Nonetheless, its RM67,800 to RM75,800 price bracket thrusts it directly into a highly congested SUV and MPV price territory, making upmarket migration challenging.

For small business owners and family users needing maximum cargo practicality and decent engine torque on an approximate RM70,000 budget, the Wuling Hongguang PLUS remains a solid option. The 1.5T Comfort variant is the recommended pick, as it adds vital essentials such as the driver airbag, reverse camera, and cruise control. Prospective buyers are advised to inspect body paint and sealing condition, evaluate transmission engagement during the test drive, and verify aftersales support coverage before committing.