Words and photos by Monch Henares
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| The Hongqi HS3 Luxury at the Highlands, Tagaytay |
Driving the 2023 Hongqi HS3 Luxury Compact SUV was the perfect way to make the most of my time with family, especially with my siblings Patty, Bobby who is visiting from California, Jingle who flew all the way from Austria, and my partner Arabelle. Our city adventures took us through the bustling streets of Metro Manila, where the HS3 proved to be a stylish head-turner and comfortable companion. With its sleek yet compact design, navigating through traffic felt effortless, and the smooth ride made every trip enjoyable. The spacious interior, complete with ergonomic sports seats and ample legroom, allowed us all to travel in comfort, transforming even the most routine drives into fun and relaxing experiences. We all could not help but notice the HS3's cloud-like soft and limousine-feel ride even though we were five passengers full.
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| The Hongqi HS3 Luxury at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) |
One of our favorite destinations was Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a vibrant hub of modern architecture, stylish cafes, and endless entertainment. Cruising through the area in the HS3 was a treat, especially with its panoramic sunroof, which bathed the cabin in natural light and gave us a stunning view of the city skyline. Finding parking in BGC can be a challenge, but the SUV’s 360-degree panoramic camera system made maneuvering into tight spots a breeze. Whether we were hopping out for coffee or strolling around High Street, the HS3 was always ready to make our city drives effortless and enjoyable.
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| The luxurious cockpit |
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| Front cabin space |
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| Spacious rear cabin |
Beyond its good looks, the HS3 delivered an impressive tech experience. At night, the customizable ambient lighting sets the perfect mood, making our city drives feel extra luxurious. The dual high-definition screens—featuring a 12.6-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster—kept us connected and informed throughout our journey. Whether it was adjusting the airconditioner settings, playing music, or just admiring the crisp display, the infotainment system made every drive more interactive. However, the only downside is the lack of Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, which may be a disappointment for those who rely on seamless smartphone integration for navigation and entertainment.
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| Clear and informative instrumentation |
While city cruising with my siblings was a highlight, my solo drive to Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club for the 2nd JBL Cup was an adventure of its own. Taking the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine variant, which delivers 169 horsepower, I experienced just how smooth and capable the HS3 was on open highways and winding mountain roads. My average fuel consumption was 14 km/l, not bad at all. Despite the uphill climbs, this SUV remained steady and responsive, making the long drive feel effortless. Arriving at the Midlands Golf Club, I was greeted by breathtaking views of Taal Lake and the lush green fairways. Packing all my golfing gear was no issue at all, thanks to the generous cargo space, which made it the perfect ride for a day on the course.
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| 1.5-liter turbocharged engine variant, which delivers 169 horsepower |
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| Large cargo area |
Of course, safety was a top priority, and the HS3 delivered on that front as well. With advanced driver-assist features like Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Autonomous Emergency Braking, I felt secure whether I was navigating busy streets or cruising down the expressway. The automatic parking assist was another lifesaver, especially in unfamiliar parking areas, making even the tightest spaces easy to manage.
The 2023 Hongqi HS3 Luxury Compact SUV proved to be a stylish, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and highly capable vehicle that elevated both my city adventures and long road trips. Whether I was exploring BGC with my siblings or taking a solo drive to Tagaytay, the HS3 made every journey feel refined and effortless. With its blend of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology, it’s a ride that delivers more than just transportation—it enhances every moment on the road.
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| Spacious room for 5 passengers and a full load of baggage |
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| My family, well only half of it. |
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| The Hongqi HS3 Luxury at The Midlands, Tagaytay |
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