Bold design meets luxury and comfort in the new HONGQI HS5
Gulf Insider Test Drives the HONGQI HS5 4WD Deluxe Edition
It was time to celebrate the new year with a new car on the road as we got to test drive one that’s got a lot of heads turning – the HONGQI HS5. The luxury SUV is the product of a rich automotive history dating back to the 1950s. HONGQI was in fact the first independently manufactured vehicle in China.
Gulf Insider got to take the HS5 out for a spin, picking it up from Zayani Motors and making our way to the lush surroundings of Al Bander Resort in Sitra. What we loved about the SUV most was how light it was to drive. It absorbs bumps pretty well – thanks to good suspension while giving you the on-road power that you need.
Five driving modes for different terrains and a host of driver assistance features are only some of the benefits that come with an HS5. The four-cylinder engine allows you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr in less than 9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 210 km/hr while experiencing a robust 223 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque. The model comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a mileage of 13 km/litre.
HONGQI has made some great strides in the automotive market outside of China. Recently they made a bold move by hiring one of Rolls Royce’s lead designers to join their brand. This was evident in what caught our eye first – the aesthetic DNA of the Rolls Royce in HONGQI’s front grille that depicts a waterfall. The HONGQI emblem, a bold streak of chrome, runs along the bonnet and the middle of the grille.
The lighting design on the outside looks stunning and illuminates like an eagle hitting the sky. The LED lights or the “Wings of Hongqi” brighten up as you walk closer to the car. The sharp and stylish-looking electric exterior mirrors complete the ensemble of the HS5.
No stone is left unturned when it comes to comfort; the interiors of HONGQI HS5 prove that. The 12-way adjustable driver’s seat comes with an aviation-grade side foldable headrest which can be adjusted in four different ways, providing extra grip and comfort while driving the HS5. The well-heated and ventilated seats are diamond-stitched and rendered very comfortable with Nappa and Alcantara suede leather finishes. The multi-function steering wheel brings great convenience to the driving experience.
The door panel boasts a premium look, which is available on the 4WD deluxe edition of the HS5, which we got to test drive (thanks to Zayani Motors). A beautiful quilted pattern runs along the door panel with carbon touches and chrome features. The interior of the HS5 comes with 253-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof that adds a touch of elegance to the driving experience.
The HONGQI HS5 is an impressive driver’s car and truly reflects the brand’s continuous evolution in the area of automotive excellence. Book your test drive of the HONGI HS5: contact Zayani Motors on 1770 3703.
