Changan CS75 Plus Review

This is the Changan CS75 Plus, a car that 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 its competitors, including the Haval H6, Honda CR-V, and the Hyundai Tucson.

Drive

Those of you who follow our reviews closely will know that we previously reviewed the Changan CS85 and the Changan CS95. 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 0-100 km/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 ensure comfort 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. 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 offers. However, it is great to see that Changan has gone the extra mile by ensuring the same great quality continues in the back, adding rear AC vents and a USB charging outlet.

On the feature front, the CS75 Plus (like all other Changan models) is bound to impress. It includes all the standard features 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. However, it is the unique features that set this car apart.

The standout features include:

• Automated parking capabilities
• Ability to move the car forward or backward from outside using the key fob
• Huge 12-inch infotainment screen
• Full digital instrument cluster
• 360-degree cameras, all of which are extremely high resolution

Finally, the CS75 Plus stands out with its suite of safety technology, which uses sensors and cameras, along with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance for highway driving. It is truly remarkable.

Exterior

When it comes to styling, the Changan CS85 we reviewed earlier was noted for resembling a BMW X4, while the CS95 was compared to a Range Rover. However, the CS75 Plus boasts a completely unique design, and in a good way.

The slim LED headlamps, large grille, and DRLs that run the full width of the front give it a distinctive appearance. As this is the Sport model, it features red accents along the bodywork and 19-inch wheels. The design highlights also include LED tail lamps and quad exhaust pipes, all fully functional.

Verdict

At 131,000 Dirhams, the CS75 Plus changes perceptions. It not only looks better but drives better and has far more technology than any of its Chinese, Japanese, or Korean rivals can offer. If you’re still skeptical about how far Chinese automobiles have come, or about the CS75 Plus itself, I urge you to visit your nearest Changan showroom and take it for a test drive. I have a strong feeling you will be pleasantly surprised.