New photos of the Hongqi H5, a new mid-size sedan for China’s famous Hongqi (Red Flag) brand. The H5 will launch later this year, price will start at a steep $30,000. The H5 is based on the Mazda 6 Atenza that is made in China by the FAW-Mazda joint venture. FAW, or First Auto Works, is also the owner of Hongqi.

Lone engine is a 1.8 turbo with 178hp and 250nm, mated to a 6-speed automatic. This engine is very old, based on a Volkswagen design an used in many other FAW products. Further in the future Hongqi might add a 2.0 turbo and a hybrid to the lineup, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet.

The Hongqi H5 will be positioned below the Hongqi L7. There is some overlap with the Besturn B90, which is based on the previous generation Mazda 6. Besturn is another brand owned by FAW.

The interior is nice with loads of leather and the Golden Sunflower badge on the steering wheel.

Analog dials with a colorful TFT in between.

The ‘box with a fancy gear-lever handle. Very popular among Chinese car makers at the moment. Haval started the trend a year ago, and now we see them everywhere.

IT doesn’t look bad but it could do with a bit more color. Beige seats or some wood, some alu bits perhaps.

Interestingly, Hongqi has also released an official picture of the door-armrest. They are apparently really proud of it, but I can’t really see why.

Spoiler integrated in the boot lid. Big Hongqi name tag between the lights. Pipe tips with the real pipes clearly visible.

There comes the grille.