CHANGAN Motor Philippines Inc (CMPI) has officially launched the 2022 CS35 Plus in a simple face-to-face media presentation last week. The new B-segment crossover, an upgrade to the model it launched barely a year ago has a sportier, stronger look and more technology in both safety, performance, and in-cabin comfort and convenience.
CMPI President Fe Perez-Agudo introduced the vehicle herself, stressing how the new normal will bring back cars on the road and bigger demands for safety, health and economy.
“We have been locked in for so many years, and now the opportunities for going out and going places have opened up. With that in mind, Changan offers a new way of traveling, with great value as the new CS35 Plus Lite is priced at only P898,000,” Agudo said, pointing out how quickly Chinese engineers have adapted and developed technologies in collaboration with the biggest names in the auto industry but also looking at trends that are quickly changing the car design landscape. Thus the new subcompact crossover receives some mechanical upgrades, gets a major body redesign, and significant technology updates.
The most immediate change is the front fascia now with a larger trapezoidal grille with a blacked-out finish replacing the chromed small horizontal grille in the previous model. To highlight the massiveness of the grille, the headlights are now thinner, with an aggressive stare. The horizontal slots that used to be the fog lamps are now bigger. Across the line-up there are a lot of black and red accents crisscrossing the front and sides of the SUV.
With the Mazda-esque front end, a matching theme is needed in the rear too. The taillights were slimmed and tailgate are connected by a black border that spans the thickness of the C-pillar. These give the CS35 Plus a much more modern design.
A 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed wet DCT generates 158hp and 260Nm of torque. Propping up the whole subcompact crossover is a newly tuned suspension that is smoother in the ride and more accurate in handling.
Inside, a 10-inch infotainment system, a smart keyless entry system with push-to-start ignition, a built-in wireless charging pad, remote engine start, and a tire-pressure monitoring system all come as standard. Top-spec variants get an added power liftgate. A new flat-bottom steering wheel, balances nicely with the sleeker aircon vents. A digital instrument panel, matches well with the automatic climate control panel. On the highest-grade version, the a unique two-tone red and black leather interior spells sportiness.
Mid- and top-spec variants are available with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, autonomous emergency braking with front-collision warning, a 360-degree-view camera, and a panoramic sunroof.
CMPI is currently offering the CS35 Plus at special introductory prices for all three variants. Note that the top-of-the-line Luxe trim isn’t available yet at launch, but CMPI has confirmed that the variant is set to arrive soon. You can check out the full price list below.
Changan calls its suite of intelligent safety systems Safe-Tech that boasts of smart driver aids like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, front collision warning, a 360-degree around-view camera system, and 6 airbags.
Available colors for the 2022 CS35 Plus are Draco Red, Timber Wolf Gray, and Wunderlust White. For peace of mind, the CS35 Plus comes with a 5-year/150,000 km mileage warranty and free PMS Labor for the first year/20,000 km, whichever comes first. The midrange CS35 Plus Hype costs P969K, the CS35 Plus Luxe P999K.
