Changan, yet another Chinese brand, is inbound to SA

Changan, yet another Chinese brand, is inbound to SA

There is a chance you have come across a car or truck with the name Chana, and no, it isn't Fourways Boet's nickname for his car. It’s a Chinese automotive manufacturer that first stepped foot into SA in 2007. Unfortunately, its local story was cut short due to the brand's liquidation in 2013, but it's back wearing the Changan badge with the help of Jameel Motors.

With decades of experience in the logistical challenge of vehicle imports and exports, Jameel Motors is no newcomer to the automotive industry. Its story began in the 50s with a particular speciality in importing Toyotas from its hub in Saudi Arabia. Drawing on their years of experience, Changan and Jameel Motors have seen an opportunity in our unique vehicle market and have decided to join forces.

Back to the brand in question, Changan. It is one of the big four automotive brands based in China and claims to be a leader in automotive innovation, a claim that is increasingly common among Chinese manufacturers. It is one of the more established manufacturers from the Far East and offers a promising fleet of vehicles, from SUVs and sedans to bakkies and new energy vehicles.

Interestingly enough, the brand's heritage reaches back further than most established brands in the world, and their story began in 1862 when Li Hongzhang set up a military supply factory. Fast forward a century, and the brand shifted direction towards its current domain and began the production of the Changjiang Type 46 Jeep.

Now the brand is on its way back to SA, and it has hinted at an intriguing lineup. Let's begin with the Alsvin, an affordable sedan to take on the likes of the Corolla Quest and Polo sedans. Realistically, though, it's more likely to go up against the Proton Saga. The Alsvin comes equipped with a 1.5-litre 4-cyl engine paired with a 5-speed auto or manual gearbox with an output of 78kW and 145Nm.

The second and more interesting offering is its bakkie addition, called the Hunter. This new double cab hints at a blend of Landtrek and JAC T9. In fact, the Peugeot Landtrek is based on the Hunter. Under the bonnet is a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 110kW and 350Nm. Fortunately, the Hunter will be offered with either a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The CS75 Pro, the SUV addition to the lineup, is the last possible model to arrive locally wearing the Changan name, and if looks are any indication, it appears to be a sensible SUV designed with family duties in mind. Changan states that it’s a blend of power and comfort. It comes with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that pumps out 141kW and 310Nm paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

Finally, there is a full-fat EV in the works wearing a different badge known as Deepal. This subsidiary is the brand's new energy division, and I must say, on looks alone, its S07 is incredibly striking. The S07 will be the first model to arrive from the sister brand, and its power figures are quite impressive. With the added advantage of instant torque, 160kW and 320Nm should make for a decently engaging drive. Also, it's claimed to have a 560km of range.

As for Changan, its portfolio includes 34 facilities and 14 production bases in 10 cities across six nations, so it's clear that it has the resources to up the Chinese automotive bar. With its sights set on South Africa, it has noted that our nation hosts what it considers to be a significant long-term investment opportunity due to South Africa's larger automotive market; in fact, it is the largest market on the continent.

So what do I think of Changan's arrival? Well, I don’t know if it’s a matter of too many cooks spoiling the broth, but I am worried that the sheer number of Chinese brands in South Africa now offers new clients an overwhelming and rather confusing buying experience, as there is just too much variety to choose from and not enough historical data on factors such as long-term reliability. However, Changan possesses a wealth of experience, leading me to anticipate a potential competitor to GWM and Chery rather than, say, MG and Jetour. But we will find out shortly.

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