Here's what the Hongqi HS3 cabin looks like

Hongqi Philippines has launched the HS3 not too long ago.

After making its debut at Manila International Auto Show 2024, the compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) has spiced up the segment by offering a rather opulent option to the sporty-oriented saturated category.

Outside, it gets plenty of elegant curves and flowing lines that make it stand out from a division filled with models that don aggressive and snappy designs. But, can the same be said about the Hongqi HS3 cabin?

That said, we take a quick look at what’s inside the Hongqi HS3 — to help car buyers eyeing the compact SUV make a better buying decision.

Sustainable leather

The interior of the Hongqi HS3 is swathed with sustainable leather — imitation leather to be precise.

For the uninitiated, faux leather is made from a plastic base and is treated to get a similar texture as the real animal hide. On that note, it is more sustainable and is cruelty-free.

The said material is applied to the Hongqi HS3’s seats. Speaking of which, the said seats are equipped with technologies that lean towards comfort and convenience. Listed below are the said features:

Driver’s seat	Front passenger’s seat	Rear seats
Six-way electronic adjustment	Four-way electronic adjustment	Back angle adjustment
Memory function	Heating	Proportional fold
Heating	Ventilation	Pull-down armrest
Ventilation

 

In addition, the steering wheel of the Hongqi HS3 is also wrapped in leather with perforation for improved grip and better airflow, although the company’s literature did not make it clear whether or not it is made of natural hide or fake leather. Our guess is the latter.

Leather material is also used to cover the central armrest and portions of the door trims. They add a dash of luxury and help the passengers achieve an elevated level of comfort.

Intelligent screens

Part of the allure of being inside a Hongqi HS3 is its large screens.

Facing the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Here, the person sitting behind the wheel can check relevant driving information, which is listed below:

• Time
• Speed
• Revolutions per minute
• Gear
• Fuel level

The said screen legibly displays numbers and details that can easily be understood by the driver while focusing on the road ahead.

Accompanying the instrument panel is a 12.6-inch infotainment system with a vertical orientation. The aforementioned screen can display native applications as well as help the driver with navigation among others.

The driver can also view some of the compact SUV’s advanced driver-assist technologies, which we have listed here:

• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Blind spot detection
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Rear collision warning
• Lane change assist
• Hill start assist control
• Hill descent control

The audio from the infotainment system is directed to an eight-speaker sound system that delivers decent auditory experience.

Controls for the air conditioning system can also be accessed from the infotainment unit.

It also serves as an around-view monitor, which will be helpful when squeezing in tight traffic or when getting in and out of narrow parking spaces.

Other notable features

The Hongqi HS3’s cabin also gets other notable features, which could draw some car buyers into switching to this Chinese alternative.

These features include the following:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Keyless start and stop function
• USB sockets
• Wireless charging

The panoramic sunroof is large enough that it almost encompasses the entire dome. It is good for passengers who like to be one with nature. While most Filipino vehicle owners won’t use the said feature under the scorching sun, others would probably take advantage of it while gazing at the stars.

The USB sockets are also a good addition as having a total of four outlets ensures that no one in the family will run out of battery when taking on long or short journeys. Per Hongqi Philippines, the locally available model of the compact SUV has two ports at the front (one USB type A, one USB type C) and two similar outlets at the back.

In addition, those sitting at the front can enjoy wireless charging via a dock that juices up smartphones with 15 watts of power.

Variants, pricing

In the Philippines, the Hongqi HS3 is offered in a single variant that is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission system.

The compact SUV produces some 166 horsepower with 258 Newton-meters of torque. It is said to accelerate from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in 10 seconds.

Price of the Hongqi HS3 can be had upon request.

Final thoughts

The Hongqi HS3 offers would-be owners a luxurious interior that presents features one will only get from range-topping variants of its rivals.

It comes with an abundant amount of leather that gives the cabin an air of sophistication. Further, the screens help create an ambiance of intelligence as the compact SUV does away with most of the physical buttons in exchange for digital controls.

However, only time can tell whether or not this design will stand the test of time as physical buttons tend to be more durable and reliable in the long run.

On that note, car buyers who want a vehicle that comes with all the bells and whistles could probably find what they’re looking for in the Hongqi HS3.

Also read: 

Hongqi reveals four-car lineup in PH, opens flagship dealership in BGC

Cabin check: what’s inside the Hongqi e-HS9