Raising The Flag For Hongqi – Test Driving The H7
Most Chinese car brands have a history of less than a decade with one very notable exception, Hongqi (Red Flag). Founded in 1958 as China’s first car brand, its roots are in building cars for the top echelons of the political leadership. When First Automobile Works (FAW), the owners of Hongqi, got hold of the designs for the third generation Audi 100 as part of the joint venture agreement, they thought the sky was the limit. Armed with a Chrysler engine, they set about sullying the Hongqi name with cars being used as taxis and producing even a pickup truck version.
The H7 is about claiming the heritage back. Launched in March, sales were initially only to government departments and of the three engines available, the 2.5 litre V6 is exclusively for official procurement. In May, the 2.0T and 3.0l V6 versions went on sale to the public.
Externally the H7 is conservative in the manner favoured by Chinese consumers and the German competition. This car is squarely aimed at vehicles like the Audi A6L and BMW 5-series. One striking feature though is the raised red fin on the bonnet showing that it is clearly a Hongqi. Whilst generally well put together, the boot is extremely heavy to close and the doors also need more force than the competition.
Inside, there is an obvious attention to luxury, however the top of the dashboard is easily scuffed and the veneer is fake wood. The large touchscreen infotainment system is mounted at a height suitable for easy use by the driver and, as can be expected on our regal trim 2.0T test car, most toys such as DVD, rear view camera with aiming grid, etc. were included although surprisingly, there was no USB connection.
Rear seat passengers get both seat heating and cooling whereas curiously, there is only heating in the front. Whilst the car can accommodate three in the back, it is aimed more as a two seater with a large fold down armrest complete with controls for the seats and an entertainment system. There is also a fridge hidden behind the armrest. In addition, passengers also get a massage function that can be electrically adjusted. The rear passenger can move the front passenger seat for extra legroom but rear screens are not an option.
Coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the two litre turbo engine lacks urgency when driven in the normal drive mode. Drop it into sports mode and it changes up at around 5000 revs rather than below 4000 in drive. It can also be used semi-manually but there are no paddle shifts.
For a Chinese car the H7 has well weighted steering but, thanks to largely straight roads, handling could not be fully tested. In the front seats the ride was not a problem but the rear seats are too flat and do not provide much support making it not as comfortable as a 5 series.
FAW claim the H7 is self-developed but Internet sources show the platform is based on the Toyota Crown and the V6 engines are also from Toyota. However the 2.0T is their own. Undoubtedly, the H7 is a sterling effort with many commendable points and goes a long way to restoring prestige but it doesn’t quite match the German competition and is more realistically an alternative to cars like the Buick LaCrosse. Plus, in a move that no doubt Henry Ford would approve, it is only available in black. Prices range from RMB 299,800 to 479,800.
