The Wuling Hong Guang V 1.2L Is One Of GM’s Cheapest New Vehicles At $6,135

The SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture has launched a new vehicle in China under the Hong Guang brand, which sells over 4.5 million cars annually in the local market cheekily dubbed the V 1.2L.

It may not have the most appealing name or looks to be frank, but it will lure  buyers with its very attractive starting price of only RMB 42,900, equal to $6,135 at the current exchange rates, which goes up to RMB 46,900 ($6,707) for the range-topping variant.

Available in three versions, including a commercial model, it is powered a tiny 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. According to the Chinese car maker, the lump is “powerful” but we wouldn’t take their word for it since it only produces a modest 75 HP (76 PS / 56 kW) and 81 lb-ft (110 Nm) of torque.

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“With outstanding stability, power and fuel economy, it meets the China 6B emission standard”, the company explained, adding that it features a five-piece leaf spring non-independent rear suspension, besides the ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and electric power steering.

It rides on a 112.2 in (2,850 mm) long wheelbase, which matches that of the latest BMW 3-Series sedan (no comparison between the two). The carmaker promises it can offer up to 152 cu-ft (4,300 liters) of cargo space, which can be easily accessed from the side too, with the sliding door that has a width of over 27.5 in (700 mm). Furthermore, Wuling said that the back floor is around 20 percent lower than the competition, which makes the loading and unloading of large/heavy cargo easier.

Wuling Hong Guang also made a point to note that it prototype models covered 24,855 miles (40,000 km) of “comprehensive road tests” in extreme cold and heat.