With each passing year, Chinese automakers are gaining more and more traction in the UAE car market. One of the prime examples of this is Changan Automobile and their CS35 subcompact crossover SUV. The CS35 made its first international launch debut at the Beijing Auto Show in 2012, and is presently the smallest crossover offering from the Chongqing-based automobile brand. Despite being over half a decade old now, the Changan CS35 soldiers on as it is, without much in the way of a facelift or design update.
Also, the UAE only gets one version of the Changan CS35 as of now - and it doesn’t come with all-wheel drive (AWD). As for its closest competitors, there’s the Chery Tiggo5, Mitsubishi ASX, and the Luxgen U6 from Taiwan.
Exterior
When placed next to its rivals, it becomes clear that the Changan CS35 is shorter in length (4.160 meters) than any of its rivals. And at 2.560 meters, its wheelbase is also significantly less than that offered in the other cars. It may be of an older design when compared to the more contemporarily sketched Chery, but it’s not too bad. The CS35 has got softer, more rounded edges which make it seem more like a hatchback on stilts, rather than a quintessential crossover SUV. Up front, the creased pattern on the hood looks cool, ditto with the leaf-like design of the headlamps. The front grille gets three chrome bars and the Changan emblem, while the contoured bumper houses the foglights and a silver skid plate.
The most notable highlights along the side of the Changan CS35 include the 5-spoke alloy wheels, black protective plastic trim, enlarged fender flares, large roof rails, and a ‘floating effect’ for the roof. Meanwhile, the back is characterized by the prominent roof-mounted rear spoiler, wraparound taillights, chrome garnish above the number plate, and a rather sporty-looking rear bumper with a convincing diffuser arrangement. However, at just 348 liters, the CS35 has the smallest boot in its segment.
Interior
The cabin of the Changan CS35 is mostly filled with acres and acres of cheap, dreary plastic. To help break this monotony, there are some silver bits of trim and red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, and front armrest. The interior styling, though not particularly charming, wouldn’t put you to sleep either. The blue backlit instrument console also adds a little bit of character, apart from being easy to read. The seats are comfy enough and the front seats are fairly spacious as well. However, compared to its rivals, the rear of the CS35 feels relatively cramped.
Features-wise, Changan has equipped the fully-loaded CS35 with projector headlights with LED DRLs, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, leather seats and steering wheel, cruise control, central locking, manual AC with rear vents, and a 6-speaker stereo with AUX, USB, and CD support. In terms of safety, the CS35 brings forth ABS with EBD and brake assist, four airbags, hill assist, vehicle stability control, and parking sensors with a rear-view camera.
Engine and performance
Power for the Changan CS35 comes from a 1.6-liter four-pot engine that makes 123 hp and 160 Nm. Meanwhile, a thoroughly modern 4-speed auto ‘box directs the engine’s might to the front wheels, resulting in forward progress. It may not be fast - achieving 0-100 km/h in 12.5 seconds, but it’s quite a frugal machine - sipping only 7.2 L of petrol every 100 kilometers. As for its top speed, given enough time, the CS35 will eventually be nudging at 180 km/h.
Verdict
Only sold in the Luxury trim and with front-wheel drive only, the 2019 Changan CS35 is priced at AED 63,000 in the United Arab Emirates. And financing for the CS35 is available from AED 982.
