What is the reason for the discontinuation of Wuling Hongguang S3?
2 Answers
Wuling Hongguang S3 has not been discontinued yet, and brand new Wuling Hongguang S3 models are still available at major 4S dealerships. Below is a detailed introduction to the Wuling Hongguang S3: 1. Exterior: The I-shaped front grille gives the Hongguang S3 a spirited look, while the inclusion of LED daytime running lights reduces its 'utilitarian' appearance, making it look less plain. The rear is designed to be more boxy to maximize cargo space, which helps balance both passenger comfort and cargo-carrying purposes. 2. Interior: The interior design of the Wuling Hongguang S3 is significantly better than that of typical microvans. It features a two-tone brown and black color scheme, and the center console includes a floating touchscreen, enhancing the overall sense of premium quality. Most notably, Wuling has invested considerably in material quality, with soft leather wrapping on the dashboard and door panels, providing a comfortable tactile experience. 3. Powertrain: The Hongguang S3 is equipped with two engine options: a 1.5L and a 1.5T. The more powerful 1.5T version is highly recommended, as it delivers a maximum output of 147 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. While the power may not be considered exceptionally strong, it is more than sufficient for daily family use. One downside is that the Wuling Hongguang S3 is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission, and the lack of an automatic transmission option is somewhat disappointing.
I think the main reason for the discontinuation of the Wuling Hongguang S3 is the fierce market competition. When this car was launched in 2017, it was quite popular due to its affordable price and spacious interior, making it suitable for families. However, within a few years, many better and more cost-effective SUVs emerged in the market, such as the Haval H6 and BYD Song Pro, leading users to shift towards them. The sales of the S3 kept declining, so the automaker naturally had to adjust its strategy. Additionally, with the rise of new energy vehicles, Wuling itself introduced models like the Xingchen hybrid version, making the older S3 seem outdated. A friend of mine used to drive an S3, and he mentioned that the fuel consumption was relatively high in the later stages, and the rear seat design wasn’t very comfortable. Perhaps the manufacturer also felt that investing in upgrades wasn’t cost-effective and decided to focus on developing new products instead. In short, the automotive market changes rapidly, and discontinuing models is a common strategy for automakers to maintain competitiveness.
