WHAT’S with a charging pad that makes millennials happy? When I was “video-reviewing” Changan’s CS35 with my son Greg, who is now temporarily stationed in Singapore, he asked me stop at that spot below the infotainment system where is quickly and accurately spotted the wireless quick charging pad.
“That’ll work for my iPhone and Samsung,” he said as I moved the phone to cover all the niceties inside the compact SUV’s well-decked cabin. He then asked if it had Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and to my surprise, it wasn’t a turnoff. “As long as it had Bluetooth.”
When Changan bravely launched in the middle of the pandemic two and a half years ago, the CS35 on display was rather simple, though still fresh. The simplicity of the exterior design meant something in understanding the car’s price range then. When the latest CS35 was launched at Changan’s new HQ in Calamba, the value (not the price) of the vehicle went 10 notches up. Not only was the vehicle affordable, but it also had the looks to truly compete in the tight subcompact crossover segment.
There are three variants for the CS35–the Plus Lite (still feature-packed despite the name) at a thousand less than a million (P999K). There is the middle-of-the-ground Plus Hype which costs P1.149M and the top-spec Plus Luxe at P1.169M. Changes come from the add-ons like bigger wheels, rear air vents, adaptive cruise control, and so on. That being said, there seems to be more value for the Plus Luxe across the range because of the features-versus-price. This is the model we test drove racking up about 560 kilometers without needing a refill.
Now, that’s a lot to be said about the performance characteristics of the car. This one is always excited to get to places. The 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine has so much punch that delivering that power to the 18-inch wheels is entirely the job of the 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which I must add, does it very well. The engine isn’t noisy when at cruising speeds but declares itself on the go, with a grunt. To some, that is not good, but for me, it is a welcome gesture. Because despite the classy looks and the refined manners it can zip in and out of traffic or get up to the 100 kph speed limit quickly.
That power setup rates in at 158 hp and cranks out 260 Nm of torque. Some reviewers comment that isn’t smooth, but smoothness isn’t the function of the car, it is the function of the left foot. Imagine that in the whole line up you get the same performance-oriented drivetrains, that only the fineries like USB sockets and more sensors or a larger wheel separate the top end from the entry-level and it makes perfect sense. When this new Changan was launched every car in the line-up cost less than a million. Every decent speed-loving new dad would have been captivated by this compact SUV. But no one knew how to pronounce the name.
Along with the spritely performance comes a familiar ride–one that impressed me with the previous CS35–the ride quality and comfort. I am not sure if this is set up on the same chassis as the previous model but the driving habits are eerily familiar. The steering is precise, though some understeer is noticed at the tight twists in the old Talisay Road. Even with a full load of passengers and luggage (my usual dorm run to Ateneo) there was no bottoming out, no dribbling, and no bouncing along the jagged asphalt of the roads being reconstructed heading in between San Benito in Alaminos, Laguna, and Sto. Tomas in Batangas–about 10 kms, give or take a kilometer of alternating asphalt and cracked concrete being repaired.
This very direct and responsive handling works very well rather stiff platform. This combination in turn is flawless with the bigger wheels and tires. The result is constant fun at the Old Talisay Road (caveat: constant construction at the turns, so keep the speed swift but safe). It isn’t like a switchback kind of steering but it takes the corners well and delivers power when needed.
That being said, I also notice very little noise and harshness from the suspension though the larger rims and less meatier tires does make the road noise does creep in. Engine vibration is nil and so are the creaks and squeaks. However, at highway speeds there is a pronounced droning noise coming from the large sidemirrors which is neither disturbing nor even noticeable to the untrained ear. The infotainment system, with a large 8-inch screen that controls the aircon, but that’s just from the tires. Otherwise, the NVH is great considering the price point that this car is at, and considering that its chassis doesn’t make noise when going over bumps nor does it get that upset.
Exquisite defines what the CS35 is outside. It is European chic but retains a distinctly well Asian. Not Chinese (in the true sense of the word, as those familiar will know there seems to be a certain “cut” and mold to Chinese car designs, almost none of which is found on the CS35.
It is more German, in the way the radiuses were carved upfront and the distinct long tail light was prepared with a great amount of thinking. Not gaudy and garish and very unique and useful. (The drive back via the same Old Talisay Road with the Tagaytay fog settling down proved both the front spotlights and the long rear tail lights were functional and beautiful at the same time.
Inside it is spacious. Not everyone will fancy the two tone read and black treatment for the seats but will appreciate the materials and the build quality. I would have preferred a monotone of a shiny black and a gray with red accents but I didn’t design it. Changan was talking to its customers and this is the trend for them. There is enough legroom on all four corners except for the one who will sit in the middle seat. The dashboard is all digital with the displays bright and positioned to present the appearance of a continuous instrument panel.
The panoramic sunroof opens up as much as the roof can hide the sliding glass and the roof shade also retracts as far. That is a huge plus for the vehicle available throughout the model line-up. Then there are the six airbags–adding the side, and curtain bags to the usual front installations. A host of sensors makes for the warning system which includes front collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, which is also used in tandem with the reverse parking sensors, assistance systems, and active cruise control. Active safety is achieved with standard ABS with EBD. There is also an engine immobilizer, brake assist, hill hold control, hill descent control, a really useful tire pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX tethers, and much more.
There is a lot more to say about the CS35 and Changan. The most important to me is this. The organization, and more importantly the visionary behind the brand has already proven herself capable, of taking a fledging brand from zero to hero. And seeing all that I am seeing in Changan, I can place my bets on it being a top seller and soon a brand to contend with in the country. The CS35 will be one of several impressive weapons Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo will use, to slay the dragons. Again.
