The Germans have had their run off the Chinese luxury sedan market for a few years now, and it seems the local produce is slowly, but surely fighting their way into this segment. First we had the Roewe 750, it delivered good looks, luxury and performance on a budget, as did the MG7, now the Hong Qi C601 is ready to do the same.
The Hong C601 was launched at the 06 Beijing auto show as a concept car, but as all concept cars are, it was a bit whacky. Hong Qi have taken out the whackyness, and added in some sexiness for good measure, and its come out looking rather fine!
The C601 is built off a platform that is much like the Audi A6, but updated for 08 - First Automobile Works (FAW) is Audis joint venture partner in China, and FAW own Hong Qi, thus technology was shared in exchange for a mass market to sell Audis too (and we’re sure Audi made a lot of this deal) FAW has JV agreements with VW, Mazda, and Toyota, so we’re sure that their future own brands of cars, such as the Besturn will also have some excellent technology under them, but in the meantime, let us look at the Hong Qi C601, the 3 series killer.
Make sure you check out yesterdays posting of the Hong Qi SUV!
We will keep you updated on this motor as and when we get more information!
It is till A6 then.
An A6, with Audi RS alloys and rear lights very similar to the new A4, A5.
What I forgot to mention, is that it will be priced in the 200,000rmb reigon, the cheapest A4 starts at 250k rmb.
The C6 could run away with this segment, if they play their marketing cards right!
If the build quality is up to Audi standards then yes, but if the quality is lacking then perhaps the savings made in the list price won’t be enough for some??
Another Red Flag special!
Reminds me of the newer Mercury offerings….especially the front.
Based on the build quality of the current Hong Qi models dont hold on to your hat expecting anything near Audis build quality. In fact there are not many makers that can match Audi in quality anywhere, certainly not in PRC.
Excluding the Audi 100 clone, how is the Toyota badged Hong Qi (Crown?) ? I have never had the pleasure of a Honq Qi version, but surely the quality must be the same as the Toyotas, as I presume they come down the same line?
Its far better than the 100 clone, but still not as good as a Jap built Toyota, never look at new cars -always look and compare after a year or more with some reasonable klicks passed, thats the teller. Conversely however Audi will admit that their Chinese FAW built models are as good if not better than their home builts - herein lays that Chinese dichotomy!!!
Is it a FAW problem?
Whats the quality like on your Besturn?
The Besturn is not mine, but a loner from FAW. The quality ranges from good to very good, better than I expected and would rate a 7 out of ten for fit and finish. I would love to see it after a year of average to hard miles though, they gave it to me new so my comments are only based on the last 2 months. Amongst all of the Chinese designed and built cars Ive driven it would have to rate at the top so far. Its handling is average to good, but ok for Chinese drivers and Chinese roads, same with the power and performance, not startling but adequate.
Another question:
Which Chinese made SUV do you like?
Dog Tucker,
The HQ1 is scheduled for 09.
Its apparently a self developed car.
Thanks Ash and a Happy New Year!- no doubt I will be seeing some of the HQ1 as you call it shortly. BTW in answer to yr Chinese made SUV - none! The Hover is as close as I got to liking one - but debatably Chinese designed. The wee Tigo is shortlived fun, but once again Chinese??