This is the Changan CS75 Plus, a car that so, so many of you have requested us to review. With a sticker price of 131,000 Dirhams in the UAE, let us find out if it has what it takes to offer better value for money than Chinese competitors like the Haval H6, Japanese competitors like the Honda CR-V, and Korean competitors like the Hyundai Tucson.
Drive
Now those of you who follow our reviews closely will know that we reviewed the Changan CS85 and the Changan CS95 a few months ago and in those reviews, I mentioned that they were the best Chinese cars I had ever driven.
Since the CS75 Plus uses the same 2.0-liter turbo engine that puts out 233 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque, along with the same 8-speed AISIN gearbox, it is just as good to drive; in fact it might be even better since it is smaller, lighter, and more agile.
In addition to 3 drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) the CS75 Plus has more than enough power to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9 seconds and to a top speed of 200 km/h. Speaking of performance, the suspension setup is on the stiffer side, minimizing body roll through the bends, but still supple enough to absorb bumps and be comfortable at lower speeds.
Interior
When it comes to the interior, Changan is definitely out to make a statement and change people’s perception of Chinese luxury. Red and black leather covers nearly the entire cabin, along with piano black and metal trims, but what is worth mentioning is just how solid and well-built it all feels.
Space in the back, be it headroom or legroom, is in line with what the competition has to offer but it is great to see that Changan has gone the extra mile by continuing with the same great quality in the back, and by adding rear AC vents and a USB charging outlet.
On the feature front, the CS75 Plus (like all other Changan models) is bound to blow you away. Sure, it has all the normal stuff you’d expect in a fully-loaded SUV such as power-adjustable seats with memory and ventilation, a panoramic roof, navigation, and mirror link for smartphone connectivity, but that is not what sets this car apart from its rivals.
The features that set it apart are its automated parking capabilities and the option to move the car forward or backward from outside using the key fob. Then there’s the huge 12-inch infotainment screen, the full digital instrument cluster, and 360-degree cameras, all of which are extremely high res and far more modern than what any of its rivals have to offer. And finally, the CS75 Plus stands out from the competition with its suite of safety tech that uses a bunch of sensors and cameras, along with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance, to drive itself down a highway. It is truly remarkable.
Exterior
When it comes to the styling, the Changan CS85 we reviewed earlier did get called out for looking like a BMW X4. The CS95 we reviewed earlier got called out for looking like a Range Rover, but this CS75 Plus is completely unique and in a good way.
The slim LED headlamps, large grille, and DRLs that run the full width do give it a unique appearance. Since this is the Sport model, it gets some red accents along the bodywork and 19-inch wheels, but what I love most about the design are the LED tail lamps and quad exhaust pipes, all of which are fully functional.
Verdict
At 131,000 Dirhams, the CS75 Plus changes perceptions. It looks better, it drives better, and it has far more tech than any of its Chinese, Japanese, or Korean rivals can offer. If you’re still skeptical about just how far Chinese automobiles have come or the CS75 Plus, I urge you to visit your nearest Changan showroom and take it for a test drive because I have a very strong feeling that you will be pleasantly surprised.
