The Wuling Hong Guang which will come to India next year has been launched in China. Priced between 3.07-4.17 lakh rupees, the new kid on the blocks appears to beat much of the competition black and blue.
This "compact business vehicle" in China is sold with two petrol engines - 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter engine. These engines are lifted from Chevrolet's line-up and are seen on the Beat and the Aveo here in India. The Hong Guang is a product of the three-way joint venture between Wuling Auto, SAIC (Shanghai Auto) and General Motors.
The Hong Guang's chassis was adjusted and optimized by Lotus Engineering in the United Kingdom. They laid emphasis on comfort and safety, two compulsory requirements of any SUV/MPV sold anywhere in the world.
The Wuling Hong Guang is expected in India with the 1.3-liter Fiat Multijet engine in the second half of 2010. The vehicle is expected with Chevrolet's bow-tie and Tavera brand name.
If the Chinese market prices are anything to go by, we should have a Wuling Hong Guang diesel at an ex-showroom price of not more than 5 lakh rupees.