Chinese buyers will have another SUV to choose from with the debut of the Wuling Hong Guang S3, born from the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture. And after looking it over, a couple of us think Wuling has re-introduced the Pontiac Aztek.
No, it’s not identical looking, but the overall shape evokes the Aztek, a vehicle so harshly shamed in its time, it almost wasn’t fair. Or maybe it was. Opinions still differ on whether the Aztek was seriously ahead of its time or flat out ugly. With that said, the Hong Guang S3 is certainly not a looker, comparisons or not.
The large body, which houses room for six passengers and a driver, sits atop rather tiny wheels for a vehicle of this size with a mashup up various SUV design cues. But, hey, it’s got a floating roof, so that’s trendy. Inside, Wuling touts the bountiful storage spaces and a “sense of luxury” with a quartz clock and striping.
Despite us poking fun, it will likely be a smash hit in China. The SUV and crossover craze isn’t limited to the United States anymore. The Hong Guang S3 will go on sale with a starting price of RMB 56,800 ($8,552 USD), while a fully loaded model will fetch RMB 81,800 ($12,317 USD).
Comments
Ugly yes but Aztek ugly no.
Has more of a Vibe like vibe.
Doesn’t look like a Aztec at all
The second I read Pontiac Aztec, it made me think of the U-body. It’s hilarious; if China had the same safety regulations as the U.S, there would be no way GM would be able to get away with using a platform that debuted in 1989. To give GM credit, the platform was updated and upgraded multiple time through it’s life.
Sean: the Aztec, as produced, was an abomination, pure and simple. Now the design concept was indeed ahead of its time, beautifully proportioned and very well suited for an active lifestyle!
Maybe I have been staring at this computer screen to long today but I don’t see an Aztec , when I first got a glance at this SUV I thought it was a Chevy . Something about the grill design , upper and lower , remind me of a Nox .
A few weeks ago I read an article that claimed that the millenials are looking at used car sites like AutoTrader and Cars.com for the Aztecs . They liked that it doesn’t look like all the cookie-cutter models available these days and that they like the interior for its configuration .
I think the rear wheel opening looks a tad like an Aztec.
Looks more like the current Equinox to me, not so much the Aztek.
Either way, not gonna win any style awards, but the interior looks pretty interesting.
Yes!! It even wears the old Chevrolet corporate face. And it has slab sides.
I don’t see Aztec. I see Nox and Ford Escape.
Not bad, considering people drop 40k on Subis; which you can rarely find one older than 10 years old.
It looks better than the Aztec by a long ways even if it is a bit frumpy looking.
someone poured their heart and soul into this one and you hurt their feelings