
Siwei brand cars are actually the Dongfeng Honda CR-V. The Siwei model was first launched in Shanghai on April 18, 2007. Siwei is the unique name for the CR-V in China, and among similar vehicle models, this series is particularly popular among young car owners. Since its release, the Siwei brand has primarily featured three models: 1. 2.0 Automatic Classic Series; 2. 2.4 Automatic Luxury Series; 3. 2.4 Automatic Premium Series. More relevant details are as follows: 1. In terms of vehicle power, the Siwei mainly adopts two power configurations, equipping the vehicles with 2.0L and 2.4L I-VTEC four-cylinder engines and a 5-speed automatic transmission, which can meet the needs of more car owners during normal driving. 2. In terms of vehicle safety features, this model is equipped with sensor-side airbags, vehicle stability assist system, ABS, and other systems, which can minimize the risk of injury to passengers and drivers to the greatest extent.

When veteran drivers mention the name 'Siwei,' it reminds me of stories from the dealership back in the day. Actually, 'Siwei' was the early name for the Honda CR-V, a transliteration used when it was first introduced to China in 2004, before it was uniformly called the CR-V. This car has an exceptionally solid chassis—it doesn’t bounce around on rough roads, and the trunk can fit three suitcases with room to spare. I remember one owner got confused by the name, thinking it was some new brand, only to realize when spotting the 'H' logo on the steering wheel. Even now, you can still find the first-generation models with 'Siwei' badges in the used car market. They still drive smoothly, though the fuel consumption is a bit higher than newer models, averaging around 9 liters per 100 km.

Last week, I was helping a friend check out used cars, and he pointed at an old SUV asking, 'What brand is this Siwei?' I told him it's actually the Honda CR-V, which was given a localized name when it was first produced domestically. It's similar to how the Camry was renamed from 'Jiamei,' or the Land Cruiser was rebranded as 'Landkruiser.' This car's 2.4L naturally aspirated engine is incredibly durable—I've seen some that have run over 300,000 kilometers without major overhauls. The space design is brilliant, with rear seats that can fold completely flat to turn into a double bed. The newer hybrid models are much more fuel-efficient now, but many old owners still fondly remember the name 'Siwei,' probably because it carries a nostalgic charm.

Back when I was into car modifications, I studied nameplates and discovered that the 'Siwei' was actually the first-generation domestically produced Honda CR-V. In 2004, when Dongfeng Honda introduced it, they used a transliterated name, with the rear badge directly displaying the characters 'Siwei.' At the time, this car was considered quite upscale, with the 2.0L version selling for over 200,000 yuan. The most impressive feature was its four-wheel-drive system, which didn't slip when climbing hills in the rain. It wasn't until the 2008 facelift that the uniform 'CR-V' name was adopted. Nowadays, you occasionally see old car clubs still calling themselves the 'Siwei Team,' a nostalgic name that really captures the era.

Relatives often ask about the quality of the Siwei when buying a car. I said, 'You mean the Honda CR-V!' This car is an evergreen in the compact SUV category. The name 'Siwei' was probably chosen for auspiciousness—'Si' sounds like 'Si' (meaning 'this'), and 'Wei' comes from 'mighty.' It drives really steadily, with a ground clearance of 210mm, making it great for rural dirt roads. However, the first-generation headlights were halogen, while the new models have much brighter LED headlights. As for drawbacks, the older models had average sound insulation, and wind noise was noticeable at high speeds. But the resale value is astonishing—a ten-year-old car can still sell for 40,000 to 50,000 yuan.


