SAIC GM Wuling rolls out Hong Guang S1 MPV in China

SAIC-GM-Wuling has introduced the Wuling Hong Guang S1 MPV in the China market. Three variants of the third generation Hong Guang family are available – the 1.5L MT Standard, 1.5L MT Comfort and 1.5L MT Luxury. They are priced between RMB 60,800 (Rs 6.18 lakh) and RMB 69,800 (Rs 7.10 lakh).

Highlights of the new vehicle are enhanced space and comfort, new exterior styling and interior design, and fuel economy and safety technology.

The Hong Guang S1 is 100mm longer and 40mm wider than the Hong Guang S, measuring 4,500mm in length, 1,721mm in width and 1,730mm in height. In addition, its wheelbase has been extended 10mm to 2,720mm. It has 250 litres of space while carrying seven people. Its 4/6 split third-row seats increase cargo capacity to 3,450 litres when carrying two people.

The Hong Guang S1 is powered by a 1.5-litre P-TEC DVVT engine that develops 109bhp and 147 Nm of torque. SAIC-GM-Wuling says the MPV’s optimised driveline system not only ensures power required for daily driving, but also helps deliver fuel economy of 6.6 litres/100 km. A dual mass flywheel, which is usually used in high-end passenger cars, connects the engine and transmission for smoother gear shifting and decreased vibration.

The larger 8-inch multimedia display in the Hong Guang S1 has a simple, clear and smooth user interface that is similar to Win8 OS. Functions such as Bluetooth phone, GPS navigation, HDMI phone connectivity and a USB audio player are also on offer. Additional features include dual-zone independent climate control and third-row USB charging ports.

On the safety front, the vehicle gets dual airbags, ultra-high-strength thermoformed steel panels and four-point reverse radar.

The Hong Guang S1 will be sold at 2,800 Wuling and Baojun dealers nationwide after its launch. These facilities cover over 90 percent of Chinese cities.