
The main differences between Wuling Hongguang V and Wuling Hongguang S are as follows: 1. Different vehicle positioning. (1). The market positioning of Wuling Hongguang V is a microvan. (2). The market positioning of Wuling Hongguang S is a mid-size SUV. 2. Different body dimensions. (1). The length, width, and height of the 2019 Wuling Hongguang V are 4425mm, 1670mm, and 1860mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2850mm. (2). The length, width, and height of the currently available Wuling Hongguang S are 4655mm, 1735mm, and 1790mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2800mm. 3. Different powertrains. (1). The 2019 Wuling Hongguang V is equipped with a 1.5L engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. (2). The currently available Wuling Hongguang S is equipped with 1.5L and 1.5T engines, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. 4. Different available models. (1). The currently available Wuling Hongguang V includes the 2019 model, with both China V and China VI versions, using front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration. It includes both passenger and cargo versions, with the cargo version having only two seats and a fully enclosed rear design. The passenger version includes 5-seat and 7-seat models. (2). The currently available Wuling Hongguang S includes the 2018 and 2019 models, with both China V and China VI versions. 5. Different selling prices. Wuling Hongguang V is cheaper than Wuling Hongguang S, with a price difference of approximately 20,000 to 30,000 yuan between the base and high-end models.

As someone who frequently helps friends choose cars, I understand the distinct positioning differences between the Hongguang V and Hongguang S. The Hongguang V's engine is located right under the seats, with a flat-nose design that saves space—its short front end resembles a van, making the rear cargo area incredibly convenient for loading goods. Just slide open the side door, and you can easily fit two-meter-long items. On the other hand, the Hongguang S has its engine in the front compartment, giving it a more traditional MPV appearance. It features independent air conditioning vents and armrests for the second-row seats, making family weekend trips more comfortable—kids won’t fuss in the back. The difference is also evident in the tire sizes: the Hongguang V uses 165 narrow tires for fuel efficiency and durability, while the Hongguang S comes with 175 wider tires for better stability at high speeds.

Last time I accompanied my relatives to a 4S store for a test drive, I found that the Hongguang V and Hongguang S have completely different handling experiences. The Hongguang V has a high chassis, excellent visibility, and a small turning radius, making it particularly agile when navigating through narrow alleys in the market. However, it bumps severely on rough suburban roads, and sitting in the back row for a long time can cause back pain. The Hongguang S uses a spiral spring suspension, which filters vibrations much better—when going over speed bumps, it just goes 'thud' without any loud rattling. The interior layouts are also different: the middle-row seats in the Hongguang V can be folded forward to free up space, while the Hongguang S features independent middle-row seats with sliding rails, and the backrests can be reclined to form a bed.

I drove the Hongguang V for three years delivering goods, and its rear layout is quite different from the Hongguang S. The Hongguang V has a completely flat cargo floor, allowing handcarts to be pushed directly in when unloading, with the side door width nearly 1.3 meters. The Hongguang S features a hatchback-style rear door, which limits the opening height, but it comes with independent headrests and three sets of seat belts in the rear. In terms of safety features, the Hongguang S is more comprehensive: ABS+EBD is standard across all models, and the high-end version even includes a rear parking radar. For transporting materials, I would choose the Hongguang V, but for picking up clients or taking elderly family members to the hospital, the Hongguang S's power windows and sound insulation padding are clearly more refined.

Small supermarket owners prioritize practicality when choosing a vehicle. The Hongguang V has an empty fuel consumption of 6 liters, which increases to over 7 liters when carrying a ton of cargo. Its leaf spring rear suspension offers strong load-bearing capacity, and the thickened tires are resistant to punctures. The Hongguang S maintains a fuel consumption of around 7 liters year-round, but struggles when the load exceeds 800 kg. In terms of cargo space, the Hongguang V excels: with a vehicle length of 4.4 meters, its cargo compartment depth is 2 meters, whereas the Hongguang S only offers 1.5 meters under the same length. However, the Hongguang S features power-adjustable rearview mirrors and intermittent wipers, making driving in the rain more convenient. For converting into a camper for travel, the Hongguang S’s seats can be flattened to sleep two people.

The experienced mechanic at the repair shop told me that these two models have different priorities. The LAR engine in the Hongguang V is located under the seat, requiring seat cushion removal for spark plug replacement, but the oil filter is easily accessible. The L2B engine in the Hongguang S is in the front compartment, making maintenance more convenient, but the belt tensioner pulley is prone to noise. The Hongguang S uses an Aisin transmission for smoother operation, while the Hongguang V's transmission has stiffer gear shifts. In the used car market, a three-year-old Hongguang V retains about 45% of its value, whereas the Hongguang S can reach 55%, as family cars generally hold their value better. For heavy hauling, choose the Hongguang V with its durable steel plate chassis; for frequent highway driving, opt for the Hongguang S's streamlined design with lower wind resistance.


