Ask people about the Changan brand and only few will know of its heritage, or that it previously had models on Southern-African soil. Having taken somewhat of a hiatus, the brand is now back, aiming to grab the entire market, from the entry-level e-hailing or student car, all the way to a relatively well-priced EV, and a new bakkie, driven by a new power solution.
Who is Changan?
What surprised many, including myself, was to find out that Changan has been in existence since 1862, making it older than the likes of Google, Microsoft, Apple, and most other well-known car manufacturers around the world. Today, it also carries a very strong reputation within China itself. Now, it is ready to not only test the waters across the Indian Ocean, but to also grab key markets.
Brought over in collaboration with a Saudi firm, namely Jameel Motors, Changan will initially bring five models to the market, although sources have told us that if the Chinese market is anything to go by, we might see ten times this soon. Changan also already operates through 22 dealerships within South Africa.
Let’s see what Changan initially plans on bringing into Southern-Africa:
Changan Alsvin
Measuring in at 4390mm in length, which makes it some 400mm longer than many of its e-hailing sedan competitors, the Alsvin (now in its third generation) is very well-priced to take the local market by storm. Two trim models will be available, either in a 1.4-litre CS 5-speed manual variant (R238 000), which develops 74kW and 135Nm. Its fuel consumption is also pretty good, sitting at a claimed 5.8L/100km.
The second variant will be an automatic trim, thanks to a 5-speed DCT gearbox, accompanied by a somewhat livelier 1.5-litre engine, delivering 78kW and 145Nm. The fuel economy for this model is, however, claimed to sit at 6.9L/100km. This model will sell for R271 200.
At this price point, not much can be expected from a new car, yet the Alsvin generously comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, leather-and-cloth upholstery, a 7-inch touchscreen, dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, ABS, and 390 litres of boot space.
Additionally, it is also sold with a 5-year/150 000km warranty.
The two bakkies: The Changan Hunter and Hunter REEV
Changan further made a bold statement by entering the highly competitive bakkie segment, with two main models, namely the base Changan Hunter, which is powered by a turbo diesel engine, as well as a REEV (Range-extending EV), which uses a petrol engine to power its two batteries.
The Turbodiesel model will be powered by a 2.0-turbo diesel engine, producing 110kW and 350Nm and will be sold as either a two wheel-drive manual (6-speed), or 6-speed 4×4. The former is priced at R449 900, while the 4×4 will be R569 900. This allows the Hunter to compete well with other Chinese bakkies.
It also boasts a reputable 226mm ground clearance and a reasonable fuel consumption, sitting below 8L / 100km for the rear-wheel-drive model and around 9L/100km for the 4×4.
Both models are also well-equipped, with the 4×2 being able to carry a payload of 1100kg, a 10-inch touchscreen, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-descent control, ISOfix child-seat anchor points, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera.
The 4×4 model will get larger 18-inch wheels, a rear differential lock, a smart key, automatic headlamps, a 12-volt socket in the load bed, and 6 airbags.
The 4×4 model is also stated to come with a 5-year / 150 000km warranty.
Meanwhile, the REEV model certainly drew most of the attention as it brings in a new way of driving. Its 2.0L petrol unit acts as a generator, rather than a propellor for the wheels. Rather, this acts as a generator for the two electric motors, essentially making this bakkie an EV, which can cover a claimed 1000km.
Range anxiety is also therefore eliminated as the 31.18kW battery can either be charged by filling up the petrol itself, or by charging at the closest charging station. It also has 200kW and 470Nm to boast, not necessarily making it the most powerful bakkie on the market, but rather the most efficient, whilst also reaching the 100km/h mark in a respectable 7.9 seconds.
Like its turbo-diesel sibling, the Hunter REEV model can also carry a payload capacity of 1000kg. The only negative of the REEV derivative seems to be the lowered 195mm ground clearance, mainly thanks to the electric motor on the rear axle.
Which brings us to the discussion on where this bakkie might be used. While not necessarily being built for rough rock-crawling adventures, the Hunter REEV is certainly built for a more luxurious urban living; a fact that is well-expressed by looking at the interior.
Compared to the turbodiesel Hunter, the Hunter REEV is much more luxurious inside, with a host of modern technologies such as a wireless charger, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports in both seating rows, and a standard 10-inch touchscreen with a host of minimalistic, yet well-placed buttons. We love the fact that Changan, like other brands, have not fallen victim to the “touchscreen only” dilemma.
Although we could not find this on the homologation unit, the Hunter REEV will also feature a Vehicle-to-Load function (either 3.3kW AC slow charge while the Hunter is locked and parked, or 22kW DC Fast Charge) which can charge large appliances for camping.
Starting at R799 900 and with a 5-year / 150 000km warranty and 8-year battery warranty, we think the Hunter REEV might just be a winning recipe in the lifestyle bakkie segment.
The Full-electric Deepal S07
Scheduled to join the Changan range in 2026, the Deepal S07 is powered by an 80kW battery, producing 160kW and 320Nm. It is also said to cover a 560km range, all while starting at a sub R1 million price tag (5 year / 90 000km maintenance plan and 8-year battery warranty).
At the Changan showcase, this Deepal drew a lot of attention, thanks to its luxurious looks and well-rounded finishes. Its aerodynamic design is finished with LED head- and taillights, LED daytime running lights, frameless doors and concealed door handles. Accompanying this are the 20-inch alloy wheels and heated electric folding mirrors.
Inside is where the Deepal S07 shines as its panoramic sunroof creates a more spacious feeling. It also has 10-way electric adjustable front seats, a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, a massive 14 speakers, augmented reality heads up display, a smart key remote, wireless charging, dual climate control, a HD parking camera, parking sensors and gesture control with voice commands.
Being a family-sized EV at just under five meters long, it has 445 litres of luggage capacity, complete with ISOFIX child anchor points.
The interior is also finished off in a luxurious leather-stitched finish.
We are eagerly anticipating the launch of this vehicle as this should sell well within the EV market.
Changan CS75 Pro
As part of its line-up, Changan is also entering the 7-seater SUV segment, and we have to say that it hit the nail on the head with this vehicle. Sold in two trim levels, namely the SS CS or SS CE, both models will be powered by a 1.5L (4 cylinder) turbo and 7-speed DCT gearbox, capable of 138kW and 300Nm. Pricing will also start at R429 900 (5-year / 150 000km warranty), which is quite competitive within the 7-seater segment.
Where the CS75 Pro wins, is with its luxury and third row space. Most vehicles in this segment tend to struggle with this, as the third row can only be used for short drives or shorter occupants. The CS75 Pro, seems to be able to fit considerably taller occupants, however, at the expense of losing rear luggage room space. The third row does, however, fold flat, when not being used.
As with the majority of other Changan products, the interior is also stylish and well-rounded, thanks to its 10.25-inch touchscreen, mobile phone mirroring, a 7-inch driver screen, a host of USB ports in the two front rows, a reverse camera with parking sensors, hill start and descent assist, and multiple airbags across the cabin.
The SS CS model additionally comes with a leather interior, and electrically ventilated and heated seats, an electronic sunroof. The driver’s screen is also upgraded to 10.25 inches, while adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking all helps to make the car safer and better equipped for the driver.
The CS75 Pro can surely be seen as a major contender within the family-SUV segment.
Overall, Changan rejoined the Southern-African market with the vision of catering for a wide market. With only five initial models, this brand certainly has an ambitious objective to find a market share within the most competitive segments.
More information will be provided upon testing each of these vehicles, yet Changan has already proven that it is here to disrupt the market.