Changan Motors isn't exactly a brand-new entrant into the South African market. Previously, under the "Chang'an" name for the South African market, they manufactured passenger cars and commercial-use vehicles like small vans, light trucks, and even buses, whilst commercial vehicles were sold under the "Chana" brand name. Unfortunately, Chana was liquidated in South Africa in 2012. Now they're back with a bang in 2024 and are operating under the Jameel Motors Group.
Related: Jameel Motors reintroduces Changan Automobile into South Africa
Changan is no stranger to the automotive space; its origins date back to 1862. The company has joint ventures with Mazda, Ford, PSA, and Suzuki. They want to pioneer globally in this space with future-forward mobility solutions. Now, who is Jameel Motors exactly? They're an independent automotive distributor group that has operated for 80 years, hailing from Saudi Arabia, importing brands such as Toyota and Lexus initially and now they are expanding into other territories and distributing other famous brands such as BYD, Geely, commercial vehicles like Ford and Hino, and investments in Rivian, to name a few. They're active in over 30 markets, and this is their first venture into South Africa.
Let's get into the five vehicles available for sale now.
Changan Hunter Diesel
This will serve as the standard bakkie offering. The eagle-eyed will know that this is what Peugeot Landtrek is based on as part of the joint venture with PSA from 2019. The Hunter diesel can handle workhorse and daily duties.
Quick Facts
- 2.0 litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder for the range - 110kW / 350Nm
- Available in 2WD 6-speed manual or 4WD 6-speed Auto
- Only available in double-cab body style
- Payloads: 1100kg - 2WD Manual , 1020kg - 4WD Auto
- 226mm ground clearance
Quick Impressions
The Hunter Diesel employs innocuous styling with a stoic front end and familiar bakkie styling. Inside, the Hunter Diesel employs dark grey, harder plastic trim with silver accents. Our test drive showed that the engine was adequate for workhorse duties. Its power delivery is decent, and it's more of an agricultural diesel engine if you ask this writer, adding to the toughness aspect of it all. Ride comfort in the Hunter Diesel is good, even on rougher roads, and arguably one of the more comfortable ladder frame bakkies on the market. The 6-speed manual 2WD variant consumes 7.8 L /100km in diesel, while the 6-speed auto 4WD uses 9.1 L/100km. The 4WD variant sports a locking rear differential and low range, should you need to get into the rough and tumble.
Safety Features
NCAP Rating: (Not yet rated)
- 4 airbags (2WD) 6 Airbags (4WD)
- ABS, EBD, ESP
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring
- HDC, HAS, BA
- TCS
- ISOFIX
- Reverse camera with sensors
Pricing
| Model | Pricing |
| Changan Hunter Diesel 2WD Manual | from R449 900 |
| Changan Hunter Diesel 4WD Auto | from R569 900 |
The purchase price of the 4WD Auto variant includes a 5-year /90 000km service plan, which is optional for the 2WD manual.
Changan Hunter REEV 4WD
Here's one of the new energy vehicles Changan has been cooking up. It's a different take on the hybrid bakkie. Rather than the electrical system assisting the engine, the combustion component is a generator for the electrical system, thereby extending the vehicle's range. Hence, the REEV designation (Range Extended Electric Vehicle).
Quick Facts
- 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder Petrol engine, 31.18 kWh battery. Total power output: 200kW / 470Nm
- Transmission: Electric Drive. power to all four wheels
- 1000+km of claimed range, 145km of claimed EV-only range
- 1000 kg payload
- Multilink Rear Suspension
- Centre Locking Differential
- 220 mm of ground clearance
- Vehicle to Load discharge
Quick Impressions
It's clear by looking at the styling of the Hunter REEV that it is a heavily updated version of the Hunter diesel. The newer, more upmarket model features a step up in interior quality and finishes, although we'd opt for an interior that isn't beige. There are two electric motors on this vehicle, on the front and rear axles. You can adjust how you want the car to manage the electrical and combustion components. Power delivery is exceptional, with a gentle curve instead of an on-and-off switch. The management of it all is well controlled, from what we sampled in our brief test drive. You do tend to feel the weight of the battery pack lower down, but the road manners are good. The front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension give it confidence to match its powertrain. This REEV fares well for leisure activities, but the jury is out for more intense overlanding.
Safety Features
NCAP Rating : (Not available)
- 6 airbags
- ABS, EBD, ESC, ESP
- BA, HHC
- Emergency Brake Warning
- Trailer Sway Control
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Pricing
| Model | Pricing |
| Changan Hunter REEV double cab CE 4x4 | from R799 900 |
This vehicle's purchase price includes a 5-year /90 000 km maintenance plan and 8 8-year battery warranty.
Changan CS75 Pro
This will be the current mid-size family SUV offering. The CS75 Pro aims to be an executive offering that can handle family duties with ease. It offers a comprehensive package at an attractive price point that is similar to that of the Jetour X70 Plus, for example.
Quick Facts
- 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four cylinder - 138kW / 300Nm
- 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission, power to the front wheels
- Claimed fuel consumption of 7.5 L/100km
- Boot space: 620 litres (5 seater) / 230 litres (7 Seater with the 3rd seat row up)
- Integrated Dash Camera (CE variants)
- Ventilated + Heated seats (CE variants)
- Panoramic sunroof (CE variants)
- Cruise Control (CS variants), Adaptive Cruise Control (CE variants)
- Electronic tailgate (CE variants)
Quick Impressions
Outside, the CS75 Pro employs a familiar, if somewhat generic aesthetic, meaning it blends in with many other cars on the road. The CS75 Pro's interior is plush, finished with soft-touch materials around its cabin. In the top-of-the-range CE models, you get Microfiber Leather seat trim with suitably padded seating. It's comfortable and spacious. Unfortunately, the infotainment system doesn't feature native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support but can be made possible using third party software (Car Auto), though we'd prefer native support. This vehicle's NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) is good.
Regarding how it drives, it's a by-the-numbers Chinese SUV of this price range. Since its ride is cushy and lovely, the vehicle could use further calibration of the gearbox and throttle, although this engine is one of the more perkier ones with plenty of torque lower down in the rev range. You're not hopping into something unfamiliar, which has a welcoming sense.
Safety Features
NCAP Rating: (Not available)
- 4 airbags across the range
- ABS, EBD, BA, ESP
- ISOFIX
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- 360 Camera with front parking sensors (CE variant)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (CE Variant)
Pricing
| Model | Pricing |
| Changan CS75 Pro 1.5T CS 5-seater (Available Q1 2026) | from R429 900 |
| Changan CS75 Pro 1.5T CS 7-seater (Available Q1 2026) | from R449 900 |
| Changan CS75 Pro 1.5T CE 5-seater | from R474 900 |
| Changan CS75 Pro 1.5T CE 7-seater | from R499 900 |
The purchase price for this vehicle includes a 5-year/90 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km warranty.
Changan Alsvin
Curiously, we didn't expect to see a budget compact sedan join the ranks, but when we experienced the Alsvin, we quickly realised that this vehicle could surely be a hit in the e-hailing industry. Not only that, but it can also serve as a good runabout.
Quick Facts
- 1.4 litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol paired with a 5-speed manual. Power to the front wheels. - 74 kW / 135 Nm
- 1.5 litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol paired with a 5-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). Power to the front wheels - 78kW / 145Nm
- Fuel Consumption: 5.8 L/100km Manual , 6.9 L/100km DCT
- Front and rear electric windows.
- 390 litres of boot space
- Electronic sunroof (1.5 DCT)
- Cruise Control (1.5 DCT)
Quick Impressions
The Alsvin is humbly styled with some executive cues to make it look mature. The proportions are just right with this vehicle. Inside, though there's plenty of harder plastic, it is textured. Still, interestingly, there's also an application of soft-touch material on the door cards and even a combination of faux leather with cloth seat trim. It does feel dated, though, as though the interior and even the infotainment system are from the mid-2010s, but it is comfortable inside, albeit it feels narrow rather than wide. We quite like the 1.4-litre engine on offer as it is adequate for this platform. There's a decent amount of low-end torque and a get-up-and-go nature. It's a similar show with the 1.5-litre engine, though the taller gearing slightly dulls the urgency. If we had to pick a transmission, it would have to be the DCT for the smoother operation. The manual transmission is fine, but needs buttoning up with its clutch feel and shifter action. The ride quality is good with decent NVH, though the handling wallows with noticeable centre deadzone in the steering. Despite all this, for the price, this is a decent package.
Safety features
C-NCAP Rating: ★★★★★
- 2 airbags across the range
- ABS
- ISOFIX
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (1.5 DCT)
Pricing
| Model | Pricing |
| Changan Alsvin 1.4 CS | from R238 000 |
| Changan Alsvin 1.5 CE | from R271 200 |
A 5-year / 75 000 km service plan is included in the purchase price of the 1.5 DCT, while it is optional on the 1.4 Manual.
Deepal S07
Deepal is Changan's new energy vehicle sub-brand. The S07, a luxury EV that can be considered the flagship of the vehicles mentioned here, will handle the maiden voyage into South Africa.
Quick Facts
- Single rear axle motor making 160 kW / 320 Nm
- 560 km claimed range (NEDC)
- 80 kWh battery
- 1.9 m panoramic sunroof
- Augmented reality heads-up display
- 40W wireless charger
- Multi-zone climate control
- 445 litres of boot space, 125 litres of front luggage compartment space
- 10-way electronically adjustable front seats with ventilation and memory function
Quick Impressions
The S07 sports an Italian design house look inside and out—a sharp front nose, sleek side profile, broad shoulders, and strong rear. Inside, the S07 plays the minimalist game with much control from the 15.6-inch Sunflower infotainment screen with choc-full features and surprises you can show off to your friends and family. You can even tilt the screen angle to your liking. Microfiber leather is adorned across the cabin with wood-like trim gracing the electronic door release and window switch bezels. It definitely feels premium.
Regarding driving, the S07 is a lovely EV to pilot. The power delivery is manageable but confident rather than being a rocket on wheels. Ride quality is sublime, but handling is more on the neutral end of the spectrum. You can live with it nicely, though we find the safety systems can be more intrusive.
Safety Features
Euro/C-NCAP Rating: ★★★★★
- 6 airbags
- Front Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Collision Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Emergency Brake
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
Pricing
| Model | Pricing |
| Deepal S07 L | From R995 900 |
The purchase price for this vehicle includes a 5-year /90 000 km maintenance plan, an 8-year battery warranty and a 5-year /150 000 km warranty.
Other models to look forward to
Deepal S05
Set to arrive in 2026, the Deepal S05 is the REEV model in the Deepal range. The model we saw at the expo featured a 27.3 kWh battery paired with a 1.5 litre non-turbo petrol generator, totalling 160kW / 320Nm. A single motor is attached to the rear axle. There's 1000km of claimed range to be had here. The cabin also shares the luxury similarities to its bigger brother, the S07, in the form of a 15.4-inch infotainment system and even an augmented reality heads-up display.
Changan Uni-S
Also arriving in 2026, the Uni-S forms part of the Uni range, a newer set of vehicles that sport bold styling and features. The Uni-S sports a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 138kW / 300Nm, with power sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed DCT. Interior plushness is similar to that of the CS75 Pro, and on the tech front, you'll find a 12.8-inch infotainment system with a 540-degree panoramic camera and a host of other safety features.
