Following a media launch route from the Radisson OR Tambo through the rolling elevations toward Hartebeespoort, the Changan UNI-S proved it isn’t just interested in matching spec sheets; it’s aiming for a level of poise that feels surprisingly un-budget.

Visually, the UNI-S is a looker that leans into a tech-forward design language. The front fascia is dominated by an integrated honeycomb mesh grille, flanked by sharp, S-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and light strip.

The side profile is clean, utilizing regular door handles and gloss-trimmed windowsills to maintain a sleek silhouette.

The rear of the vehicle is where the design feels most familiar; it is remarkably reminiscent of the Honda HR-V, but scaled up. The full-width LED lightbar and the specific placement of the Changan emblem evoke the premium, clean horizontal lines of the Honda, but with a more muscular, larger-SUV footprint. The stance is anchored by either 18-inch alloy wheels (CS and CL) or more aggressive 19-inch rims on the flagship CE. We’re driving the flagship CE in Flourite Grey for this First Drive.

For those looking to personalise, the UNI-S is available in five sophisticated hues: Shadow Grey and Putty Grey (leaning into the popular “Nardo” aesthetic), Flourite Grey, Starry Black, and Moon White.

Inside, the cabin quality is a standout feature that challenges its price tag. The upholstery – utilising microfibre leather in higher trims – feels premium and high-quality to the touch, lacking the synthetic plastic feel found in entry-level competitors.

The cockpit features a 12.8-inch infotainment display and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. The “AI Elf” voice assistant provides a reliable shortcut for managing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the flagship CE adds “surprise and delight” features like an electric panoramic sunroof that automatically closes when it detects rain. There’s a wireless charger in the centre, a large storage area and bridge compartment that houses all the USB ports.

Safety is handled by an expansive ADAS suite, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist. The standout, however, is the 540-degree panoramic camera system, which allows the driver to “see through” the chassis on the screen—making rocky turn-offs and tight parking significantly less stressful.

On paper, the UNI-S delivers 138kW and 300Nm from its Blue Whale 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. In practice, the experience deviates from the usual 1.5L tropes found in rivals from the Chery Group. During the climb toward Hartebeespoort, the engine lacked the strained, thrashy note often expected under load. It felt able and less grunty on uphills, maintaining a poised, smooth character on the straights.

The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission avoids the sudden surges that often plague DCT-equipped SUVs in this price bracket. It feels less like a budget alternative and more like a powertrain that has been genuinely tuned for South African altitudes.

A vehicle’s true character is often revealed from the back seat, and the UNI-S utilises a multi-link independent rear suspension that pays dividends on uneven surfaces. During the leg back from Hartebeespoort, spent as a passenger in the rear, the ride remained remarkably plush. The cabin insulation and seat comfort suggest a vehicle designed for long-distance family travel.

So, what’s the verdict?

The Changan UNI-S addresses the primary complaint of its segment: drivability. By delivering a smooth engine experience and a cabin that feels genuinely premium, Changan has moved the goalposts for what R400k can buy in Mzansi and I’m here for it.

Should you buy one? I’d say by all means go test drive one and experience it for yourself. If you’re looking to purchase within the sub R400 000 price point, this should be on your shortlist. We’ll share more on our longer test drive.

Pricing and Ownership

• UNI-S CS (R389,900): The foundation, with 18-inch wheels and a 12.8-inch screen.
• UNI-S CL (R429,900): The “intelligence” grade, adding leather and the full ADAS safety suite.
• UNI-S CE (R469,900): The flagship, with 19-inch wheels, an 8-speaker sound system, and an electric tailgate.

Each model is backed by a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan, providing a safety net that matches its mechanical confidence.

The Competition: Who Should Be Worried?

The Changan UNI-S enters a segment where buyers are spoiled for choice, but it targets three specific archetypes:

• The Tech-Value Leaders: It goes head-to-head with the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and the Haval Jolion Pro, but offers a more refined, less “frantic” engine experience.
• The Established Practicality: It challenges the Toyota Corolla Cross, offering a much higher standard of interior luxury and tech for a similar price point.
• The Style Seekers: By mimicking the premium rear aesthetic of the Honda HR-V while offering more space and power, I’d say it targets buyers who want “Lexus-lite” looks on a Changan budget.

The launch reinforces Changan’s “Driven to Evolve” brand positioning, emphasizing accessible technology and safety features typically reserved for premium segments. Four variants are available immediately through Changan’s South African dealer network.

Bold Design Language with Premium Touches

The CS75 Pro features a dynamic mesh grille, LED daytime running lights, and chrome detailing that create a commanding road presence. Sharp body lines and modern proportions position the SUV among more established competitors in exterior design execution.

The design language signals confidence through its proportions and lighting signature, helping the CS75 Pro establish visual differentiation in a crowded market segment. The styling approach balances contemporary trends with practical dimensions suitable for South African road conditions.

Family-Focused Interior with Versatile Seating

The cabin centers around a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system integrated into a driver-focused cockpit design. Premium features include electrically adjustable seats, an electric panoramic sunroof, and an electric tailgate for improved convenience.

Practical elements address family needs directly: third-row folding seats with cup holders, dual ISOFIX mounting points, and generous storage compartments. The seven-seat configuration provides versatility for larger families, while five-seat models offer expanded cargo capacity.

Interior materials aim for a premium feel without reaching luxury-segment pricing. The combination of soft-touch surfaces, digital displays, and thoughtful storage solutions creates a cabin environment that prioritizes daily usability.

Advanced Technology and Driver Assistance

Changan equipped the CS75 Pro with features typically found in higher-priced segments. A digital driver display works alongside the central touchscreen to provide comprehensive vehicle information. The 360-degree HD panoramic camera system enhances visibility during parking and low-speed maneuvering.

Intelligent voice control brings hands-free operation to climate functions, media playback, and navigation. The human-machine interface emphasizes intuitive operation without excessive complexity—a practical approach for multi-generational family use.

Stop-start functionality contributes to fuel efficiency during urban driving, while the dual-zone climate control ensures passenger comfort across all rows.

Blue Whale Engine Delivers Efficient Performance

The CS75 Pro utilizes Changan’s award-winning “Blue Whale” 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, producing 138kW and 300Nm of torque. Power routes through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), balancing responsive acceleration with claimed fuel consumption of 7.5 liters per 100km.

This powertrain configuration provides adequate performance for both urban commuting and highway cruising. The DCT’s dual-clutch design delivers quicker gear changes compared to traditional automatic transmissions, contributing to improved efficiency and responsiveness.

Changan tuned the CS75 Pro specifically for South African road conditions, addressing the need for reliable performance across varied terrain and altitude changes. The suspension setup prioritizes comfortable ride quality while maintaining vehicle stability during spirited driving.

Comprehensive Safety Package Standard

Safety features form a core component of the CS75 Pro’s value proposition. The SUV includes ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), multiple airbags, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking across all variants.

Electronic stability program (ESP) with traction control, hill hold assist, and hill descent control provide additional driver confidence on challenging terrain. These systems work collectively to maintain vehicle stability during emergency maneuvers or adverse conditions.

The 360-degree panoramic camera system, complemented by front and rear parking sensors, enhances situational awareness in tight spaces—particularly valuable for seven-seat configuration owners managing larger vehicle dimensions.

Competitive Pricing Across Four Variants

Changan structured CS75 Pro pricing to undercut established competitors while maintaining feature parity:

• CS75 Pro 1.5 DCT CS (5-Seater): R429,900
• CS75 Pro 1.5 DCT CS (7-Seater): R449,900
• CS75 Pro 1.5 DCT CE (5-Seater): R474,900
• CS75 Pro 1.5 DCT CE (7-Seater): R499,900

The pricing strategy positions the CS75 Pro below traditional segment leaders like the Toyota Fortuner, Mazda CX-8, and Hyundai Santa Fe, while offering comparable or superior technology features. Special introductory pricing rewards early adopters who help establish Changan’s market presence.

Young professionals and first-time SUV buyers represent another key demographic—consumers who want advanced technology and safety features but cannot justify established brand premium pricing. The CS75 Pro’s feature set addresses this gap directly.

Key Specifications: Changan CS75 Pro

• Engine: 1.5L turbocharged petrol (“Blue Whale”)
• Power: 138kW
• Torque: 300Nm
• Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch (DCT)
• Fuel Consumption: 7.5L/100km (claimed)
• Seating: 5-seat or 7-seat configurations
• Infotainment: 10.25-inch HD touchscreen
• Safety: ABS, EBD, multiple airbags, adaptive cruise, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 360° camera, ESP, traction control, hill hold/descent
• Warranty: 5-year/150,000km
• Service Plan: 5-year/90,000km
• Distributor: Jameel Motors

The move represents Jameel Motors’ first foray into the South African market, which stands as the largest automotive market in Africa with over 500,000 new vehicle sales recorded in 2024. The timing appears strategic, as South Africa’s new passenger car market saw an 18.3% year-on-year increase in January 2025.

Under the agreement, Jameel Motors will distribute both CHANGAN combustion engine vehicles and DEEPAL new energy vehicles. The company has emphasized that these vehicles are specifically selected to handle South Africa’s diverse terrain and road conditions.

Leading Jameel Motors’ South African operations will be Marinus Venter, who brings 18 years of experience with major automotive brands including Nissan and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Venter’s background spans after-sales, marketing, business planning, and customer service – experience that will be crucial as the company establishes itself in a market dominated by established players.

“I am honoured to join a business that is building on 70 years of automotive excellence, as we introduce CHANGAN and DEEPAL vehicles to South Africa,” Venter stated. “By leveraging Jameel Motors’ extensive experience and Changan Automobile’s renowned focus on safety, quality, and technology, I believe we can effectively meet the diverse automotive demands of South African drivers.”

Changan Automobile is no small player in the global automotive industry. As one of China’s four largest automotive groups, the company sold 2.7 million units in 2024 and maintains a presence in 70 countries. Its reputation for innovation is backed by a network of R&D centers spread across 10 cities in 6 countries, employing more than 18,000 engineers and technicians.

For Jameel Motors, which currently operates in more than 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia, the South African expansion represents more than just a new market entry. The company has committed to creating jobs and developing local dealerships, positioning its investment as a contribution to South Africa’s economic growth.

Jasmmine Wong, CEO of Mobility at Abdul Latif Jameel (Jameel Motors’ parent company), described the partnership as an opportunity to drive “long-term growth in the market and empowering drivers across South Africa with expanded and superior personal mobility choices.”

The agreement marks another step in Changan’s international expansion strategy as well. XIAO Feng, General Manager of Changan Automobile’s Middle East and Africa Business Unit, called the deal “a new milestone for our business in South Africa,” expressing confidence that the partnership would establish Changan as a key player in the South African market.

As established automotive brands face increasing competition globally, this partnership signals that South Africa’s automotive market is becoming an important battleground for international players looking to establish new footholds in growing markets.

With vehicles expected to be available for purchase in late 2025, consumers will have to wait to see if the combination of Jameel Motors’ distribution experience and Changan’s vehicle technology will successfully challenge the market’s current dynamics.