Is the Wuling Hongguang PLUS fuel consumption high when fully loaded?
4 Answers
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has announced a combined fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km for the Wuling Hongguang PLUS. The Wuling Hongguang PLUS is equipped with a 1.5T engine, and the fuel consumption is generally around 8L/100km. The power performance is quite strong, so the fuel consumption is bound to be slightly higher. Road conditions affect fuel consumption: Poor road conditions or bumpy surfaces that require the vehicle to operate in low gears for extended periods will inevitably increase fuel consumption. Using the trunk as storage increases fuel consumption: Treating the trunk as a storage space and cramming it with unnecessary items increases the vehicle's weight. It's important to note that vehicle weight is directly proportional to fuel consumption. For every 10% reduction in weight, fuel consumption decreases by a corresponding percentage.
I've been driving the Wuling Hongguang Plus for over a year, often fully loaded on long trips. With five people and some luggage, the car struggles noticeably at startup, requiring deeper throttle input to move. Fuel consumption increases significantly compared to when empty—around 7-8 liters per 100 kilometers when unloaded, but jumps to about 9-10 liters when fully loaded. In city traffic jams, it's even more fuel-hungry, sometimes nearing 11 liters. The high wind resistance is also a factor; this rear-wheel-drive vehicle has a tall body, and the engine roars during acceleration. Routine maintenance like regular oil changes and maintaining proper tire pressure can save some fuel, but consumption is indeed higher when fully loaded, so planning routes in advance helps save money.
As an automotive modification enthusiast, I understand the powertrain of the Wuling Hongguang Plus. It is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine producing less than 100 horsepower. When fully loaded, the increased weight puts more strain on the engine, leading to a 10%-15% rise in fuel consumption. Official data shows an unladen fuel consumption of around 7.5L/100km, while real-world tests under full load range between 8.5-10L. The vehicle's high center of gravity and poor aerodynamic coefficient make it consume more fuel when climbing hills or overtaking at high speeds. Optimization methods include gently pressing the accelerator to avoid sudden acceleration and using low-viscosity synthetic oil to improve efficiency. Regularly checking spark plugs and air filters can also reduce additional burdens.
Compared to the Changan Oushang A800, the Wuling Hongguang Plus has slightly higher fuel consumption when fully loaded. The Hongguang's unloaded fuel consumption is around 7L, while fully loaded it's approximately 9-10L/100km, whereas the Oushang might be controlled at 8-9L. This difference could be due to the Hongguang's rear-wheel-drive structure, which prioritizes load capacity—capable of carrying over 500kg of cargo—at the expense of some fuel economy. However, the Hongguang is more affordable, offers larger folding rear seat space, and is cost-effective for fully loaded trips. Though its fuel consumption is higher, it's durable. For long-distance hauling, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding high speeds can help save on fuel costs.
