The Changan Uni-S arrives with a three-variant line-up.
Image: Supplied
It’s become the norm rather than the exception that each new month brings another Chinese SUV to the market.
It’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it provides cash-strapped South African consumers another option in an increasingly cluttered C-SUV segment.
This time around it’s the Changan Uni-S, which arrives with a three-variant line-up and, like many Chinese SUVs, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
The entry-level CS keeps things clean and understated with a modern design and very neat grille, riding on 18-inch alloy wheels with LED lighting all round, including daytime running lights.
Inside, there’s a 12.8-inch infotainment screen paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Smartphone connectivity comes through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with voice control integrated into the system.
You also get ventilated front seats, automatic climate control with rear vents, and a spacious cabin layout. Electronic park brake, rear parking sensors and a 540-degree camera system come standard.
There’s no difference to the exterior, but there are convenience upgrades such as rain-sensing wipers and automatic high beam control.
The cabin gets microfibre leather upholstery and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, adding a bit more of a premium look and feel.
It introduces a suite of driver assistance systems that include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.
Curtain airbags are also added.
Considering its price range the Uni-S punches well above its weight.
Image: Supplied
The range-topping CE is visually set apart by 19-inch alloys and also adds extra parking assistance features, including more sensors and automated parking functionality.
The cabin gains electric adjustment for both front seats, driver seat memory, an electric panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate.
There’s also an upgraded eight-speaker sound system, along with convenience features like auto-dipping mirrors when reversing and additional interior lighting touches.
On the safety front, the CE brings in blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and rear collision warning.
All models use Chang’an’s 1.5-litre turbocharged “Blue Whale” petrol engine, producing 138kW and 300Nm paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, driving the front wheels with a multi-link rear suspension setup.
All models have Chang’an’s 1.5L turbo engine (138 kW/300 Nm) with 7-speed DCT, FWD and multi-link rear suspension.
Image: Supplied
The almost burgundy interior provides a classy touch, as do the soft touchpoints. The overall look and feel is certainly premium, and the seats are exceptionally comfortable with support in all the right places.
Considering its price range, the Uni-S punches well above its weight.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connected seamlessly with crisp graphics and a relatively easy-to-use infotainment system.
Driving the Uni-S CE with four adults, the Changan performed well during normal driving. However, there’s a disconnect when asked to accelerate.
Flooring the accelerator produced a noticeable whine up to about 3000rpm before the software, engine and gearbox communicated, allowing the car to change down and pick up speed.
It did the same in Sport mode, so much so that we resorted to Google to confirm whether it did in fact have a DCT transmission and not a CVT.
It’s something that plagues many Chinese cars, but to be honest, it’s not something that’s going to concern the average owner too much.
While cruising, the Uni-S is very quiet with little road or wind noise. It holds the line well around corners with very light steering but not vague.
With a 475-litre boot, the Changan Uni-S is the kind of option families would really enjoy.
UNI-S 1.5T CS: R389,900
UNI-S 1.5T CL: R429,900
UNI-S 1.5T CE: R469,900
All models are sold with a five-year/150,000km warranty, a five-year/90,000km service plan and five-year/150,000km roadside assistance.