A good effort from China's oldest manufacturer, but a confused package that's overly focused on rear passengers
Hongqi (Red Flag) made its debut in 1958, making it China's oldest manufacturer. Originally intended to provide transport for the top echelons of government, its cars were based on an old Chrysler design and produced in limited numbers.After years of confused direction, Hongqi is now being refocused both on its roots as a government car supplier and on the private luxury sector. The H7 is the first of the range to make it to market and aims to win sales from the Audi A6L.Based on the Toyota Crown platform, the H7 comes with a choice of three engines. The 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre V6s are Toyota units, the former only available for government purchasers, and there is also a 2.0-litre turbo engine from Hongqi's parent company, FAW. After two months of exclusively government-based sales, the H7 was launched to private buyers in May this year. On offer is luxury egalitarianism – the car is only available in black, while both the dashboard and leather upholstery are light grey.
A good effort from China's oldest manufacturer, but a confused package that's overly focused on rear passengers
Hongqi (Red Flag) made its debut in 1958, making it China's oldest manufacturer. Originally intended to provide transport for the top echelons of government, its cars were based on an old Chrysler design and produced in limited numbers.After years of confused direction, Hongqi is now being refocused both on its roots as a government car supplier and on the private luxury sector. The H7 is the first of the range to make it to market and aims to win sales from the Audi A6L.Based on the Toyota Crown platform, the H7 comes with a choice of three engines. The 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre V6s are Toyota units, the former only available for government purchasers, and there is also a 2.0-litre turbo engine from Hongqi's parent company, FAW. After two months of exclusively government-based sales, the H7 was launched to private buyers in May this year. On offer is luxury egalitarianism – the car is only available in black, while both the dashboard and leather upholstery are light grey.