Shanghai (ZXZC)- FAW Group has decided to delay selling the H5, a medium-sized sedan model, until April at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, according to local media.

The Hongqi H5 was unveiled at the Shanghai International Auto-Expo in April last year and was originally planned to hit the market in December, 2017. The decision of delay was made by Xu Liuping who thought that the sales increase must be backed by a strong dealership network. He postponed the sale of H5 which may result from the lower-than-expected development of the dealership network.

Previously, FAW group planned to expand the dealership network to 100 nationwide by the end of March, 2018.

The H5, based on the Mazda Atenza platform, adopts the design idea of Hongqi B-concept in its exterior. It retains the large-sized straight waterfall type intake grille of Hongqi family and added slim LED headlight clusters. With dynamic fastback lines, the H5 made a fusion of classic feeling and modern designs.

As a luxury medium-sized model, Hongqi H5 measures 4,935mm in length, 1,840mm in width and 1,470mm in height and boasts a wheelbase of 2,870mm.

As to the interior, the H5 features a free-standing liquid crystal display (LCD) and a new-designed steering wheel which deliver a sense of youth. It is reported that the new model will provide 3 color choices of interior, including black, brown and white which is decorated with two types of trims, making of solid wood or painted with piano lacquer.

Hongqi H5 is powered by a 1.8 twin-turbo engine which can deliver a maximum power output of 178hp with a peak torque of 250Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is expected to go on sale at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in April with presale price ranging from RMB 160,000 to RMB 200,000.

Currently, the sales of Hongqi are majorly driven by H7 who serves for the 13th NPC and CPPCC. However, the deliveries of H7 only reached 4,665 units in 2017, decreasing 3.12% compared to 4,800 units handed over in 2016.