The Changan automobile brand is returning to South Africa thanks to a distribution agreement with Jameel Motors and the new products on the radar are a far cry from the small bakkies offered previously.
The Chinese brand is best known in South Africa for its Chana Star compact bakkie line-up, and a budget-friendly but somewhat unloved hatchback called the Benni, but the relaunched Changan brand will have a far more sophisticated line-up to tempt value-conscious buyers who are already spoilt for choice.
Jameel Motors said it plans to launch a range of SUVs, sedans, bakkies and New Energy Vehicles (NEV) from the fourth quarter of 2025.
Full model details and pricing have yet to be released, but the brand is expected to launch the CS75 SUV as well as the Alsvin sedan, Hunter bakkie as well as the all-electric Deepal S07.
The CS75 is a midsize SUV, measuring 4.7 metres in length, and powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that delivers 131kW and 265Nm. Previously referred to as the X7, it was renamed CX75 after its most recent facelift, possibly for copyright reasons. Overseas it is offered in five-seat and seven-seat formats.
The Hunter bakkie will already be familiar to South Africans as it forms the basis of the Peugeot Landtrek that is currently sold here as an import. Interestingly, Stellantis plans to build the Landtrek locally once its Coega factory comes on stream. Could the Changan version be built here too?
The Alsvin will be an interesting new addition as Chinese automakers currently don't offer sedan models in South Africa, given the decreasing popularity of this segment. The B-segment sedan is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that delivers 78kW.
Finally, Changan will compete in the EV space with its Deepal brand, and the S07 is likely to spearhead the local charge. Overseas it is offered in full EV and EV range extender variants, with the latter featuring a 1.5-litre petrol engine generator.
But despite the sporty looks, power outputs are somewhat middle-of-the-road, varying between 163kW and 192kW.
Changan is among the four largest Chinese automotive brands, and currently has a presence in 70 countries, with annual sales of more than 2.7 million units.
XIAO Feng, General Manager for Changan's Middle East and Africa operation said:
"This is a new milestone for our business in South Africa. Changan Automobile, as a leading Chinese automotive company, has been committed to building a world-class automotive brand. We are confident that, through the strategic cooperation with Jameel Motors, we will be a key player in the South African market."
Marinus Venter, with previous experience of launching products for Nissan SA and Mercedes-Benz Vans, will serve as Country Manager of Jameel Motors South Africa.
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