CHANGAN Motor Philippines Inc. (CMPI), the official distributor of Changan vehicles in the Philippines, may have silently entered the local market in late 2020.
Still, the new player is determined to get a slice of the pie. Changan’s roster of models targets the industry’s myriad of sought-after vehicle segments. Interestingly, the price points are for that value-for-money everyone is looking for in a vehicle.
CMPI recently hosted a day tour event at The Farm in Batangas to present their models in the metal. Aside from following strict health safety protocols, every member of the media has undergone Antigen Nasal Swab Test to ensure all guests entering the resort premise is COVID-free.
CS75 Plus
Since the event was a mini drive event, CMPI assigned a specific model per media to converge at the resort. We were fortunate enough to have tested the sporty CS 75 Plus compact crossover. Tapped to compete with the likes of CR-V, RAV4, and Tucson, among others, this crossover is heavily-loaded with tech features to stir up the competition. Let alone the looks inside and out, exuding vibrance and sportiness.
Unmistakably, the aura is reminiscent of a Japanese luxury model in the same segment. Its pronounced front grille, keen-looking headlamps, along fog lamp dome outlines alone are already captivating. Looking at it entirely, one would agree that everything is on point. Inside is equally refreshing. Let alone its two-tone color motif giving that vibrant vibe. Highlighted inside is the impressive and seemingly united high-tech instrument screen panel and 12-inch touchscreen display infotainment— no typical analog gauges but purely high-definition display.
Motivated by a 1.5-liter Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDi) motor dishing out 175 hp with 265 N-m of maximum torque and mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, acceleration was smooth yet aggressive when summoned. The torque registration made us forgot that the engine, while turbocharged, has a relatively small displacement for the vehicle’s size.
Nevertheless, it didn’t disappoint at all. But more convincing was how it manifested smooth, comfy, and quiet drive throughout. Indeed, a perfect vehicle for daily urban and weekend out-of-town drives.
This sporty crossover has plenty of convenience and safety features. Aside from six airbags, there is an anti-lock braking system, traction control, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and 360-degree view camera. Moreover, the vehicle has cruise control, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system, and parking sensors, among others. The best part is the price of P1.229 million.
CS35 Plus
One of the models in the line-up presented was Changan’s entry to the popular subcompact crossover segment. Unlike its bigger sibling, the CS35 Plus has a more European vibe from that straightforward look with aligned headlamps and grille. Even so, that grille design is unique.
Highlighted inside is the 10-inch touchscreen display infotainment equipped with connectivity functions.
Motivation comes from a 1.4-liter TGDi engine generating 156 hp and 235 N-m of maximum torque mated to a seven-speed DCT transmission. This crossover offers safety and convenience features such as six airbags, reverse camera, reverse sensors, blind-spot camera and monitor, hill-descent control, hill-hold control, brake assist, electronic stability control, an electronic parking brake. Price starts at P999,000 for the standard model and P1.069 million for the premium one.
CS95 Plus
Tapped as the brand’s flagship crossover, the three-row/seven-seater crossover exudes luxury in every way. The premium vibe is very much evident inside and out. Chromed large grille with slim headlamps, panoramic roof, and strong character profiles are all imposing. Inside, everything is nothing short of premium. Passengers will enjoy plush materials and trims.
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, rated output is at 229 hp and 360 N-m of maximum torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Safety and convenience features are front/side/curtain airbags, brake assist, traction control, hill-hold assist, hill-descent control, 360-degree camera, and lane departure warning. Moreover, it has multi-terrain control and tire pressure monitoring system as well. The CS95 Plus retails at P2.178 million.
Alsvin
The most affordable among the group is Changan’s subcompact sedan—Alsvin. Exterior-wise, it is highlighted by the ‘Butterfly Wing’ front grill design. Its practical interior layout still has a sunroof, leather seats, and a seven-inch touchscreen display head unit with connectivity functions (DCT Platinum variant). Power-wise, it is fitted with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine providing 98 hp and 135 N-m of maximum torque for the five-speed manual variant. The other is a 1.5-liter motor producing 105 hp and 145 N-m of maximum torque for the five-speed DCT variants.
Safety-wise, the Alsvin comes with standard dual airbags and a reverse camera. The DCT, meantime, has hill-hold control and electronic stability control. Price points are P579,000 (1.4 MT), P639,000 (1.5 DCT), and P639,000 (1.5 DCT Platinum).
All Changan models come with a five-year or 150,000 mileage warranty (whichever comes first). Customers may visit any nearest Changan dealership to know more about available colors and features. Accessing CMPI’s website www.changanphil.com is another way to find out more.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino