SAIC-GM-Wuling has taken the covers off the Wuling Hong Guang S3 at Auto Shanghai 2017. Wuling’s first SUV, it aims to tap into one of China’s fastest-growing vehicle segments. The Hong Guang S3 will also allow Wuling to take advantage of China’s best-selling nameplate. Last year, around 640,000 Hong Guangs were sold in China.

The Hong Guang S3 is developed on the same platform as its sibling, the Hong Guang MPV. Positioned as a compact seven-seater, it has a 2,800mm wheelbase, along with a length of 4,654mm, width of 1,731mm and height of 1,777mm (which rises to 1,790mm with the optional roof rack). This supports a comfortable interior.

The exterior of the Hong Guang S3 is characterised by a single-frame intake grille while the body is accented by a floating roofline. Black-painted headlights with a unique lens structure add a premium feel while offering outstanding long-range visibility by concentrating the light beam without blinding other drivers. The Hong Guang S3 also features A/B combination LED tail-lamps. Fog lamps and LED daytime running lights are integrated on the sides of the bumper.

The Hong Guang S3 has two engine options – a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine.

The Hong Guang MPV was introduced in 2010. Three years later, the Hong Guang S MPV joined the lineup, followed by the Hong Guang S1 MPV in 2015. Over the years, nearly 3.2 million units of the Hong Guang model range have been sold and are popular among small and intermediate enterprises, as well as private entrepreneurs, for personal and business use.