Wuling Hongtu
Small van with windows all around and rear sliding door
Overview
ManufacturerSAIC-GM-Wuling
Also calledWuling LZW 6381
Wuling Journey
Wuling Sunshine (Singapore)
Wuling N200
Chevrolet N200
Production2007–2012
DesignerJames C. Shyr
(2010; exterior; 2011; interior)
Body and chassis
ClassMicrovan
Body style5-door, 5- to 8-seater minivan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine1.1 L LXA I4
1.2 L LAQ I4
Transmission5 speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Length3,860 mm (152.0 in)
Width1,570 mm (61.8 in)
Height1,860 mm (73.2 in)
Chronology
PredecessorChevrolet Combo

The Wuling Hongtu is a five-door, five- to eight-seater Microvan made by SGMW (SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile), a Chinese joint venture of SAIC with Liuzhou Wuling Motors Co and the American automotive company General Motors. Unlike the company's earlier Mitsubishi-based products, the Hongtu is an independent development. Codenamed LZW 6381B3, the Hongtu is also marketed as the Wuling Journey and Sunshine (the cargo version - confusing, as there is another car called the Wuling Journey and Wuling Sunshine in other markets) in Singapore, and Chevrolet N200 (Latin America, North Africa, Middle East).[1]

Specifications

See caption
Rear view of Hongtu
Front-three-quarter view of a small passenger van with door mirrors, flush headlights, front fog lamps, body-coloured bumpers, rear-sliding door, and hubcaps that has "420,600.-" written on the windscreen
Wuling N200

The LZW 6381B3 Hongtu is equipped with Wuling's own B-series four cylinder engine of 1.2 litres displacement (engine code LAQ). Its 86 PS (63 kW) at 6,000 rpm is enough to propel the 1,095 kg (2,414 lb) car to 135 km/h (84 mph).[2] The Singaporean market Sunshine and Journey receive the modelcode LZW 6381C3, the one-letter difference denoting its being equipped with the older 1.1-litre LJ465Q3-1 engine, which is based on the thirty-year-old Suzuki F10A. With only 53 PS (39 kW) on tap, the Sunshine/Journey's top speed is barely over 105 km/h (65 mph).[3]

Suspension is independent by MacPherson struts in front, with either leaf springs or coil springs in rear depending on the equipment level. Brakes are discs up front and drums in the rear, and only a five-speed manual transmission is available. Safety features such as airbags and ABS brakes are available at extra cost.[2]

Sales in Latin America began in July 2008, as the car entered the Peruvian market under the name of Chevrolet N200. The N200 receives another grille and prominent Chevrolet badges. Since August 2009, the Chevrolet N200 is sold through GM's distribution network in markets in Latin America, Africa, and Arab countries.[1]

Motorsports

Small passenger van with alloy wheels driven at speed around a traffic cone
The Journeyman at Autotest Round 4 held at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal

A Wuling Journey in Singapore christened The Journeyman[4] undertook multiple grassroots motorsports events around Singapore and Malaysia. The entrant to these events took the spectators by storm that a microvan could be on par with the other participants. A group of fans who labelled themselves as the Journeyfans will always show their support for the vehicle at events.

References

  1. ^ a b Li Fangfang (2009-08-14). "Wuling minis go global under GM Chevrolet brand". China Daily. Retrieved 2010-12-02.
  2. ^ a b "Wuling Hongtu". SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile (SGMW). Archived from the original on 2010-08-08. Retrieved 2010-12-02.
  3. ^ "Showroom". K B Auto Pte Ltd. Archived from the original on 2012-03-15. Retrieved 2010-12-02.
  4. ^ "The Journeyman 旅程人". The Journeyman 旅程人. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
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