Chinese automaker Wuling will be expanding its Hongguang lineup with a serial hybrid version. The upcoming third generation of the compact van will thus be available in ICE, EV and hybrid flavors, reports Car News China citing data from a patent database.
The vehicle will utilize a 1.5-liter petrol engine rated at 99 PS (98 hp / 73 kW) to generate electricity on the go. The electric motor specs are unknown at this point. The spec sheet mentions an 8.5-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack rated at 43 km (26 miles) of electric range. For the all-electric Hongguang, the company promises us around 300 km (186 miles) of range.
The old generation of the van is known as the Hongguang S and has been around for six years now, priced between 46,500 and 60,900 Yuan on its domestic market. Compared to it, the new generation looks drastically different with its smoother body outlines and a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic. The headlights were reshaped and the radiator grille made room for a solid panel in the EV version. The hybrid version has the same panel, but perforated for air inflow.
Sized 4,515 x 1,725 x 1,790 mm large, the Hongguang Mk3 is only marginally bigger than Mk2. It does have quite a bit of added wheelbase length, though, going from 2,720 straight to 2,850 mm.