What are the differences between the new and old models of Wuling Hongguang S?

[SiennaLynn]

The differences between the new and old models of Wuling Hongguang S are as follows: 1. Front fog lights: The new model is equipped with front fog lights, while the previous Hongguang S basic model did not have them. With fog lights now available on the new Hongguang S, driving is safer. 2. Roof rack: The new Hongguang S comes with a roof rack across all variants, making the vehicle look more stylish and elegant. The previous Hongguang S basic model did not include a roof rack. 3. Different wheel materials: The aluminum alloy wheels on the new Hongguang S are also a highlight, being particularly attractive and stylish. The previous Hongguang S basic model used steel wheels. 4. Different engines: The new Wuling Hongguang S is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, which is more fuel-efficient than the old model.

[Lopes]

The differences between the old and new Wuling Hongguang S are quite noticeable. The old model's rounded front-end design had been used for years, while the new version features a hexagonal grille paired with slim LED daytime running lights, giving it a much sharper look. The interior changes are even more significant—the old model had a strong plastic feel, whereas the new one adds piano black trim and stitching details, with diamond-patterned seats, resembling the interior of a 100,000-yuan car. The biggest gap is in smart features: the old version only had a radio, while the new one comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, smartphone connectivity, and a multifunction steering wheel. Both use a 1.5L engine, but gear shifts are smoother in the new model, reducing bumpiness. The cargo area depth has also increased by 80mm in the new version, making it more practical for hauling. The price increase is modest—the old base model started at just over 40,000 yuan, while the new entry-level version is slightly above 50,000 yuan, making the upgrades well worth it.

[McEverly]

I've driven two generations of the Wuling Hongguang S, with the new model mainly featuring changes in details. The older version came with halogen headlights across all trims, which weren't bright enough at night, while the new higher trim directly upgrades to LED, making nighttime driving much safer. The biggest difference when sitting inside is that the older version didn't even have fixed cup holders, whereas the new model's door panel storage can fit a 1.5-liter water bottle. The driving experience differs in engine tuning—the older model felt sluggish below 2000 RPM, while the new one delivers noticeable torque starting at 1500 RPM, making it easier for hauling cargo or climbing hills. The most practical upgrade is the electrically adjustable rearview mirrors; the older version required manual adjustment, which was especially troublesome in rainy weather. Safety features have also improved significantly—the older base model didn't even have ABS, while the new one comes standard with tire pressure monitoring. Fuel consumption remains similar, averaging around 7 liters per 100 km in urban-rural areas. When choosing, focus on comfort features—a difference of a few thousand yuan can greatly impact the overall experience.

[JosephineMarie]

The main differences between the old and new Wuling Hongguang S models are in these aspects. Exterior-wise, the new model features a more three-dimensional front fascia with added chrome strips in the fog light area, while the old design is more conservative. In terms of space, the new model has a slightly adjusted wheelbase (5mm longer) with more generous headroom in the third row, though the trunk space remains similar. Both use a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, but the new model's transmission gear ratio has been optimized - it runs 300 RPM lower at 60 km/h, making long-distance driving quieter and more fuel-efficient. The most notable configuration difference is that the new model comes standard with EPS electronic power steering (versus the old model's mechanical hydraulic system which requires more steering effort). Interior materials feature more soft-touch surfaces in the new model compared to the old model's predominant hard plastics. Maintenance costs are basically the same. We recommend choosing the new model as its upgrades are clearly visible.

[DeAugust]

As a veteran owner of the Hongguang S looking at the new model, the differences are quite substantial. The chassis now uses more high-strength steel, and the door closing sound feels more solid. The most noticeable improvement is the air conditioning - the old model's rear seats cooled slowly, while the new version adds independent rear vents. The seat upgrade is visibly apparent: the new model features second-row independent seats with armrests, whereas the old version had bench seating. For operational features, the old model required key ignition while the new one comes with keyless entry for added convenience. Safety-wise, the new model comes standard with dual airbags compared to the old base model's single airbag. The old reverse radar had simple beeping alerts, while the new version includes distance display. The tire specs also increased slightly from 185/70R14 to 195/65R15 for better grip. But the most worthwhile upgrade in my opinion is sound insulation - the new model's 2mm thicker windshield makes highway driving much quieter.

[VanGavin]

Let me compare the practical differences between the old and new Wuling Hongguang S. The older model tended to develop rear axle noises after two years of use, while the new version has improved suspension bushing structure, offering much better bump absorption on rough roads. The rear windows in the old model could only open slightly, whereas the new version allows two-thirds downward movement for much better ventilation. USB ports - the old model had just one in the front row, while the new version provides one for each of the three rows, eliminating charging conflicts during family trips. Even the wipers got upgraded - the old model had non-adjustable intermittent settings, while the new version offers four adjustable speeds for better control in light rain. The rear door threshold is 30mm lower in the new model, making loading bulky items easier. Fuel consumption tests show the old model averaged about 8.5L/100km in city driving, while the new version maintains around 7.9L, likely due to optimized engine management programming. The lighting control stalk changed from rotary knob in old model to lever-style in new version for better ergonomics. These upgrades really show their thoughtful design in daily use.