FACT spent the day in the all-new Ousado, a creation sure to make its mark in the luxury sedan segment.

This month, thanks to the team at Al Mana Motors, FACT magazine got behind the wheel of the allnew HONGQI Ousado. Having already experienced the opulent HONGQI H9 and the hugely capable HONGQI H5 on previous test drives, we had high expectations for the brand’s latest lavish offering.

Exterior

Our first impression was that the designers applied the now familiar design concept of the HONGQI family DNA while managing to endow the four-door luxury saloon with a personality all its own. At the front end, a bold chrome grille with 12 vertical rods announces the car’s arrival, with the striking red line HONGQI logo running from halfway down the bonnet, to the centre point of the prominent grille. This feature is flanked by angular LED headlights and sleek, vertically stacked fog lamps.

At the sides, the considerable length of the Ousado is underscored by the flawlessly sculptured body lines. Measuring no less than five metres and with a wheelbase close to three metres – this is no small saloon. Further adding to the luxurious appeal exuded by this first-class car are the 18-inch HONGQI customised alloy wheels, the shark fin radio antenna, the high-quality door handles and the red HONGQI badges near the front doors.

Shifting our attention to the back end, we instantly noticed the cross-through rear light that bestows this model with a real sporty feel. This undertone of athleticism is further enhanced by the chromed dual-exhaust pipes neatly integrated into the rear apron.

Interior

Upon keyless entry, we were welcomed by a perfect blend of space, comfort, aesthetics and technology. The supportive, Active Motion front seats with lumbar control and memory function provided the perfect vantage point from which we could fully appreciate the effort put into creating a luxury vehicle of this standard.

During the day, the panoramic sunroof provides plenty of natural light while at night, the ambient interior lighting helps to create a relaxing yet lavish environment – both revealing the mastery of the cabin’s design.

No matter where we looked, our eyes were met by high-quality materials, finishes, and trims. All seating throughout the vehicle features temperature control, along with bespoke thread-work that looks to be hand sewn. Thanks to the ample length of the vehicle, rear-seat passengers can enjoy almost a full metre of leg space. Adding to the comfortable and convenient nature of the Ousado are the multi-zone climate control and power windows.

The Ousado’s largest-in-class luggage compartment features a power rear liftgate and provides 573-litres of storage, a capacity that can be greatly increased with the rear seats folded down.

Infotainment & Technology

This latest offering from HONGQI is not just a pretty face, it has been fully equipped with the latest technology to set it above its would-be competitors.

The responsive infotainment system is operated through a 12.6-inch, tablet-like display mounted on the centre console and a clean-looking digital cluster. This system is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Ousado is also fitted with wi-fi, AUX, hands-free, an SD Card, a USB connection and Bluetooth.

Further aiding the driver is the state-of-the-art Head-Up Display that provides information without eyes needing to be taken off the road.

Additional noteworthy features include the premium Dynaudio, 12-speaker sound system complete with subwoofer and the convenient wireless charging pad.

Performance & Safety

The all-new Ousado houses a high-performance, aluminium, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine coupled with an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission. The potent powertrain produces 224hp and a maximum torque of 340Nm. We managed to push the new saloon from 0-100km/h in a respectable 7.8 seconds. Despite the power on offer, the Ousado delivers a fuel-efficient performance of 6.6-litres per 100km in Eco mode.

With four modes to select from – Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom – the Ousado offers a versatile on-road driving experience. As we effortlessly cruised around Qatar, we appreciated the car’s acoustic technology that blocks out almost all exterior sounds, providing a relaxing environment to watch the miles soundlessly roll by.

HONGQI have included a full suite of driver assistance and safety features in their all-new offering. These include, but are not limited to, lane departure warning, blind spot sensor, tyre pressure monitor, a hill assist system, intelligent cruise control, collision avoidance, stability control, park assist, ABS brakes, brake assist, ISOFIX points, a built-in 360° camera and nine airbags.

Our Verdict

HONGQI are improving every year with their premium car offerings, and if the brand’s current trajectory is maintained, it will soon establish itself a global reputation of producing cars that are amongst the finest on the roads today. ✤

GO: CALL ALMANA MOTORS 5578 4448 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A LUXURY TEST DRIVE OF YOUR OWN.