I just took the new HSK test yesterday in Beijing. I took level 3 and level 4 - the 2 intermediate level tests.

I have been using the beginner level practice tests from this website to prepare for it, and I bought a book with full length old HSK sample tests. In general, they did a good job of preparing me.

From a vocabulary standpoint, the new HSK is a breeze. The levels of 3 and 4 were really different, especially on listening. Level 3 they spoke more slowly, and repeated everything twice. The level 3 characters I had to write from memory were SUPER easy - 家, 会, 花, 讲 and one other.

Even though I took both levels of listening and reading, I only had to take 1 speaking test - the intermediate level. The center I took the test at didn't administer it well. So in my opinion it was tough, and confusing. I didn't know when to start, how much prep time I had, etc. In the end, the preparation time was enough, but the questions were not easy.

My biggest surprise from the whole thing was time. I think they have added an element of time stress to the test. Taking full length practice tests from the older versions of HSK, I always had plenty of time at the end. This time it was not the same, I ran out of time and had to struggle to answer all the questions.

I hope some of this is helpful. I was really anxious about the new test and didn't know what to expect from it. I'll find out in a month how it all went.