Our recent trip to China with Changan South Africa gave us a glimpse into the brand’s plans, including which models it plans to launch locally. The question is, how will consumers respond to even more products joining an already overcrowded market?
As difficult as it must be for legacy car brands to stay afloat while the market is being disrupted by Chinese vehicles, the internal competition among fellow Chinese carmakers is equally fierce. Each brand is vying for a slice of the pie. For consumers looking to buy a new car, it must be overwhelming – each week, it feels like there’s another new Chinese vehicle to choose from.
So, guess what… We’re here to let you know Changan doesn’t have 1 or 2 products ready to go. In fact, it has 5. Before you scoff at this news, it’s important to note that Changan is not a small start-up. In fact, it’s the oldest car manufacturer in China, with nearly 70 years of experience in making vehicles. So, when a company with such heritage decides to take the South African market as seriously as it is, it’s a good thing. Here are some of the products we’ll see in South Africa soon.
Which models can we expect?
Changan Nevo Q05
Set to arrive in 2027, Changan South Africa is very excited to launch the Nevo Q05. And we can understand why. It’s a good-looking crossover with a clean, unique design.
If you guessed that the Nevo Q05 is electric based on its closed-off front grille, you’re correct. It’s powered by a 51.9 kWh battery and an electric motor that produces 120 kW and 190 Nm of torque. The Q05 can hit 160 kph. The Nevo Q05’s range is claimed at 506 km.
Inside, it retains the minimalist design aesthetic, making use of a large 15.6-inch infotainment screen and a 10.17-inch digital instrument cluster.
Uni-S HEV & CS75 Plus HEV
The Changan Uni-S and CS75 Pro have already launched in South Africa. Now Changan will add hybrid versions. Both the Uni-S HEV and the CS75 Plus HEV will use a self-charging battery system, producing 166 kW and 300 Nm in the former, and 180 kW/300 Nm for the latter.
Both models will see a substantial reduction in fuel consumption over their turbopetrol counterparts, with the CS75 Plus HEV’s claimed average figure pegged at just 3.5 L/100 km. What will that consumption figure look like in the real world? We’ll soon find out.
Read more: Changan Uni-S (2026) Review & Changan CS75 Pro (2026) Review
Changan Lumin
The Lumin’s possibly the most exciting product in this line-up… It’ll operate in the small-EV category that’s suddenly blossomed in SA. Considering the warm reception given to the BYD Dolphin Surf and Geely E2, we expect the Lumin to be welcomed with open arms (especially if it’s SA’s cheapest EV, something Changan is determined to achieve).
This cute city slicker is powered by a 31.1 kWh battery and has a top speed of 105 kph. After driving it briefly, we can report that it feels comfortable on the open road and its acceleration felt in line with a vehicle of its size. However, will South Africans baulk at that low top speed?
Changan Hunter K70 REEV
Read our International Launch Review of the Hunter K70 REEV for more details, but briefly, Changan‘s beefy bakkie will take on the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor and BYD Shark 6. The K70 will make use of range-extender technology, which promises a driving range of more than 1 000 km. The K70 certainly has a menacing presence, and we feel our market will love that.
Read more: Changan Hunter REEV (2025) Pre-Launch Review
Changan remains optimistic about South Africa
Changan says the number of new products it plans to launch in South Africa is proof of how committed it is to our market. The brand feels confident that local consumers will appreciate the quality, engineering and pricing of its products.
After sampling each new model ourselves, we have no reason to counter their claims. The brand is also set on ensuring consumers receive the aftersales care they deserve, which is why the dealer network will expand to 40 retailers by the end of 2026…
