Changan, a Chinese bread automotive manufacture with a rich history in the commercial space made an official debut in our market late last year and they did so with a bang by simultaneously introducing five vehicles to the fray. In each of the introduced vehicle, was a different body style showing just how committed this brand was in settling and potentially dominating the Mzansi market.
Now to back up that statement, they have brought in yet another fighter in the form of the UNI-S model. This is a stylish and modern midsize SUV that will look to bring a fight to the likes of the Corolla Cross, Volkswagen T-Cross, and even the Chinese Chery Tiggo Cross model. One model that comes to mind is the Haval Jolion, which really got the ball rolling for Chinese car manufacturers, which the UNI-S will have squarely in its target.
Just how do they plan to do this? Well, the typical Chinese strategy is offering feature-rich products and affordable pricing, which always tends to capture the attention of the people of Mzansi. But it doesn't end there, since Changan is under the helm of Jameel Motors, which is a large distribution organization in charge of introduce brands like Changan and the new energy brand, Deepal, to the South African market soon. This means that there is a plan to set up shop on a nationwide scale to ensure that there is a strong dealer network and parts availability, which isn't like digging for literal diamonds but rather easy to find.
The introduced Changan UNI-S vehicle is quite the looker, for sure. The front of the vehicle sports an integrated mesh-like grille with a honeycomb pattern that makes it look like an electric car. That centerpiece grille is flanked by large S-shaped LED lights with daytime running lights and a clean lower bumper.
The side profile is that of any other popular crossover/midsize SUV to what meets the eye : regular door handles, gloss-trimmed windowsills, and these good-looking 18-inch alloy wheels finish off the side profile attributes. The UNI-S will be available in five colors : Black, Putty Grey, Shadow Grey , Flourite Grey, and Moon White.
The rear also keeps up a modern look in terms of design, as can be seen with the presence of a lightbar layout LED taillight assortment that integrates an illuminated Changan emblem. Squint your eyes, and it kind of looks like an MG HS or a smaller Volkswagen Tiguan, which wouldn't be a bad thing at all since sometimes " imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Step into the interior, and it is a leatherette affair from the door panel and armrests to the dashboard, which of course features two massive screens : one 12.8-inch infotainment display and one 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster driver's display. Well, everything is then operated on the screen, which is a bit of a bother; however, the A/C controls still have dials, which is a plus.
Some more interior features are the microfibre leather upholstery and electric adjusted seats both for driver and passenger, rain-sensing wipers, smart high beam control, and heated, folding mirrors enhance everyday usability, automatic climate control, ABS, EBD, ESP and Traction Control. Hill Start Assist (HAS), Hill Descent Control (HDC) with auto hold, as well as front, side and driver / passenger airbags. Safety is also not compromised as you get intelligent driver assistance and interior refinement. The addition of advanced safety systems enhances both confidence and convenience on the road.
These include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) - with pedestrian recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go functionality, Integrated Adaptive Cruise (IACC), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA).
When choosing to go for the top of the range offering you unlock stuff like 19-inch alloy wheels, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) as well as Rear Collision Warning (RCW).
There are just three grades to choose from which are :
UNI-S CS - R389 900
UNI-S CL - R429 900
UNI-S CE - R489 900
Across all three grades, the UNI-S range is supported by Changan’s comprehensive aftersales programme. Every model includes a 5 Year / 150 000KM warranty, a 5 Year / 90 000KM service plan and 5 Year / 150 000KM roadside assistance.