Hongqi HS3: real reviews from owners - is it worth buying a Chinese premium?

Introduction: Why is Hongqi HS3 attracting so much interest?

The Chinese auto industry is steadily gaining momentum, and Hongqi HS3 is one of the clearest examples of how a brand with a long history is trying to compete with European and Japanese giants. This mid-size crossover is positioned as a premium car, but with a price tag that is often lower than its counterparts. Volvo, Audi or Lexus. It is this combination—“premium at a mass market price”—that attracts the attention of buyers.

However, marketing promises do not always coincide with real operating experience. In this article we have collected reviews from real owners of Hongqi HS3 (2022–2026 years of production), analyzed typical problems, strengths and those nuances that are silent in salons. If you are considering buying this car, here you will find honest, unvarnished information.

We will pay special attention to such aspects as engine reliability, build quality, fuel consumption and service — these are the topics most often discussed by owners on forums and social networks. And at the end of the article you will find comparison table with main competitors and FAQ on the hottest issues.

First impressions: what do owners say after the purchase?

Most buyers Hongqi HS3 admit: the appearance of a car is its main weapon. The design in the “neoclassical” style with a massive radiator grille, chrome elements and LED optics really sets the crossover apart from similar “Europeans”. Here's what the owners write:

• 🚗 "The car looks more expensive than it's worth" - the most common comment. Many note that HS3 in a parking lot can easily be confused with Audi Q5 or Volvo XC60, especially in dark colors.
• 💺 "The salon is impressive only at first glance". The leather is of high quality, soft plastic, but the ergonomics let us down: the climate control buttons are inconveniently located, and the multimedia system is sometimes glitchy.
• 🔊 "Premium sound insulation" - Almost everyone notes this plus. At a speed of 120 km/h the cabin is as quiet as a Mercedes GLC.

However, after just a month of use, many begin to notice first mistakes. For example, plastic squeaks in cold weather (a typical problem for Chinese cars) or slow operation of the rear view camera. Some owners complain about uneven gap between hood and fenders - this indicates problems with quality control at the plant.

Engines and transmission: reliability or lottery?

Hongqi HS3 Available with two petrol engines:

• 🔥 1.5T (169 hp) — basic version, most popular in Russia. Turbocharged engine with system Miller Cycle, promising efficiency.
• 💨 2.0T (224 hp) — a top-end modification that comes paired with all-wheel drive. This engine was developed jointly with Bosch.

Reviews about 1.5T are divided into two camps:

• ✅ "Dynamic and economical" — owners praise the engine for its responsiveness at low speeds and consumption in the city of about 9–10 l/100 km.
• ❌ "Oil zhor and vibrations" - some complain about oil consumption before 1 l per 5,000 km and vibrations at idle after 20,000 km.

C 2.0T the situation is better, but there are nuances here:

• ⚡ "Powerful, but gluttonous" — acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds is pleasing, but consumption in the city reaches 13–14 l/100 km.
• 🔧 "The DSG-7 box sometimes jerks" - especially noticeable when driving slowly in traffic jams.

Important point: engine warranty - 5 years or 150,000 km, but service centers Hongqi Not everywhere yet, and spare parts can take 2-3 weeks. This is critical if you live outside of major cities.

What oils do owners recommend for 1.5T?

Most use original oil Hongqi 5W-30 (article SN/GF-5), but some switch to Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 — it holds viscosity better under high loads. Important: it is better to reduce the replacement interval to 7,000–8,000 km, especially if you drive around the city.

Suspension and handling: comfort vs. reliability

Hongqi HS3 built on a platform FAW, which also underlies Bestune T77. The suspension here is classic for a crossover: MacPherson strut at front and multi-link at rear. On paper this sounds good, but in practice there are nuances:

• 🛣️ "Soft, but not sporty" — the car absorbs potholes well, but at speeds above 140 km/h it appears to “swim” along the lane.
• 🔩 "Knocks after 15,000 km" — many owners complain about extraneous sounds in the front suspension. Most often to blame stabilizer links or bushings.
• ❄️ "Behaves predictably in winter" - with all-wheel drive (2.0T AWD) the car feels confident in the snow, but summer tires 235/55 R19 prone to hydroplaning.

Typical problems that owners mention:

⚠️ Attention: If you hear crunching sound when turning the steering wheel in place - This is a sign of wear on the outer CV joint. Replacement will cost 12,000–15,000 rubles with work, but original spare parts are difficult to find.

For comparison, the table below shows the average prices for suspension repairs Hongqi HS3 vs. competitors:

Knot	Hongqi HS3	Volvo XC60	Haval H9
Replacing stabilizer struts (pair)	8 000–10 000 ₽	12 000–15 000 ₽	6 000–8 000 ₽
Replacing shock absorbers (front)	25 000–30 000 ₽	40 000–50 000 ₽	20 000–25 000 ₽
Wheel bearing repair	15 000–18 000 ₽	20 000–25 000 ₽	12 000–15 000 ₽

Conclusion: suspension HS3 inexpensive to repair, but short-lived. If you plan to drive on bad roads, be prepared to spend on maintenance after 30,000–40,000 km.

Interior and ergonomics: luxury or imitation?

Interior Hongqi HS3 is an attempt to combine Chinese luxury with European functionality. On the one hand, there is ventilated leather seats, wood paneling and ambient lighting. On the other hand, many little things irritate:

• 🪑 "The seats are nice but uncomfortable" — lateral support is weak, and on long trips the back begins to hurt.
• 📱 "Multimedia slows down" - system on Android Auto It often freezes, and wireless charging works every once in a while.
• 🔧 "Plastic creaks after a month" — especially noticeable in cold weather when the interior is warming up.

The owners also note unthought-out little things:

• 🚪 Door cards are easily scratched (just use the key to hook them).
• ☕ Cup holders are too small - standard mug 0.5 l doesn't fit.
• 🔌 Socket 12V positioned so that the phone's power supply interferes with gear shifting.

Critical moment: for some owners, after a year of operation, the ceiling trim above the rear seats begins to “peel off”. This is a sign that the glue is of poor quality - repairs will cost 15,000–20,000 rubles.

For comparison, here is how owners rate the salon compared to competitors:

Parameter	Hongqi HS3	Geely Atlas Pro	Haval Jolion
Quality of materials	8/10	7/10	6/10
Ergonomics	6/10	7/10	8/10
Shumka	9/10	7/10	6/10

Service and spare parts: what awaits the owner?

The main headache for owners Hongqi HS3 - this is shortage of spare parts and services. As of 2026, there are only about 30 official dealers in Russia, and they are concentrated in large cities. Here's what the owners say:

• 🔧 "TO-1 costs 15,000–20,000 rubles" - it’s cheaper than Europeans, but more expensive than Haval or Geely.
• ⏳ "We have to wait 2-4 weeks for spare parts" - This is especially true for electronics (sensors, control units).
• 💰 "Original spare parts are overpriced" - for example, the front bumper is 50 000–60 000 ₽, whereas Kia Sportage - about 30,000 ₽.

Some owners find a way out by using analogues from Bestune or FAW, but this is a risk - not all parts fit perfectly. For example, brake pads from Bestune T77 may creak, and shock absorbers may fail faster.

⚠️ Attention: If you live in a region where there is no official service Hongqi, be prepared for the fact that warranty repairs will have to be done at your own expense, and then reimbursed through the dealer. This process may take up to 3 months.

Average prices for consumables (original vs. analogs):

Spare part	Original (₽)	Analogue (₽)	Note
Brake pads (front)	8 000	3 500 (TRW)	Analogues can creak
Air filter	2 500	800 (Mann)	Fits without modifications
Spark plugs	4,000 (set)	1 200 (NGK)	It is recommended to put the original

Typical problems and how to avoid them

Analyzing reviews from owners, we identified 5 most common problems Hongqi HS3 and ways to prevent them:

1. Oil zhor in 1.5T

   🛢️ Reason: The turbine “eats” oil due to poor-quality seals.

   🔧 Solution: Change oil every 7,000 km and use only original (Hongqi 5W-30). Some owners add an additive Liqui Moly Oil Additiv - this helps reduce consumption.

2. Plastic creaks in the cabin

   🔊 Reason: Low quality glue and plastic.

   🔧 Solution: Treat problem areas with silicone grease (WD-40 Specialist). If the creaking is strong, you will have to disassemble the panel and re-glue it.

3. DSG-7 box jerking

   ⚙️ Reason: Faulty mechatronics or solenoids.

   🔧 Solution: Reset adaptations via diagnostics (VCDS or Launch X431). If it doesn’t help, prepare for repairs (from 80 000 ₽).

Another common complaint is problems with electronics:

• 📵 "The rear view camera turns off in the cold" — warming up the interior or replacing the cable helps.
• 🔋 "The battery runs out after a week of inactivity" - high leakage current is to blame (the norm for HS3 - up to 50 mA, but it often happens 100–150 mA).

Owners recommend using a scanner to diagnose electronics. Launch CReader VIII - it supports protocols Hongqi and costs about 15 000 ₽.

Is Hongqi HS3 worth buying in 2026?

To summarize, we can say that Hongqi HS3 - this is a car with character. It is suitable for those who:

• 💰 Looking for premium looks for a reasonable price (from 2.5 million ₽ for a new car).
• 🛣️ Drives mainly along good roads (the suspension doesn't like off-roading).
• 🔧 Ready to put up with service shortcomings and possible delays with spare parts.

But if you need trouble-free car for 5+ years, better look to the side Volvo XC60, Toyota RAV4 or even Geely Atlas Pro - they are more reliable and easier to maintain.

For clarity - comparison Hongqi HS3 with main competitors:

Parameter	Hongqi HS3 2.0T	Volvo XC60 B5	Haval H9 2.0T	Geely Atlas Pro
Price (new, ₽)	2 800 000	3 500 000	2 600 000	2 400 000
Fuel consumption (city)	12–14 l	10–12 l	13–15 l	11–13 l
Reliability (according to reviews)	7/10	9/10	6/10	8/10
Maintenance cost (average)	18 000 ₽	25 000 ₽	15 000 ₽	12 000 ₽

If you still decide to buy Hongqi HS3, here 3 Key Tips from experienced owners:

1. Take the car only with a full warranty package (5 years or 150,000 km).
2. Set a budget for additional sound insulation (especially if you live in a cold region).
3. Find proven service, which works with Chinese cars - this will save you nerves and money.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Hongqi HS3

🔹 How long does a 1.5T engine really last?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 7,000–8,000 km, original consumables), the engine runs 200,000–250,000 km without capital. However, for some owners, after 80,000 km, oil zhor and vibration - this depends on driving style and fuel quality.

🔹 Is it possible to install gas on Hongqi HS3?

Officially FAW does not recommend HBO, but some owners use 4th generation at 1.5T. Important:

• Use gas injectors Valtek.
• Configure the ECU via Alientech KESS.
• Prepare for increased gas consumption 10–15% compared to gasoline.

Installation cost - 60 000–80 000 ₽.

🔹 Which tires are better for HS3?

Owners recommend:

• 🌨️ Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (235/55 R19) or Michelin X-Ice Snow.
• ☀️ Summer: Continental ContiPremiumContact 6 or Pirelli P Zero (but they are noisy).

Important: avoid studded tires - suspension HS3 does not tolerate vibrations well.

🔹 What is the real ground clearance of the Hongqi HS3?

According to the passport - 190 mm, but in practice:

• With a full load, the ground clearance is reduced to 170–175 mm.
• Front bumper is low - when driving onto a curb 20 cm you can get hooked.

For comparison: Toyota RAV4 real ground clearance - 200–205 mm.

🔹 Is it worth taking a used HS3?

Buying used Hongqi HS3 - this is lottery. Risks:

• 🔧 Hidden problems with the turbine (check compression!).
• 📵 Faulty electronics (especially cameras and sensors).
• 💰 No service history — many owners save on maintenance.

If you take it, then:

• Only with mileage up to 50,000 km.
• With full diagnostics Launch X431.
• The price should not exceed 70% off a new car.