Changan is about to celebrate 2 years in Mexico and we had not had the fortune to drive any of his car. Today the day came, we tested the Changan CS35 Plus Turbo 2024, which is sold in two versions, one for $464,900 and another for $529,900 pesos. How is this SUV perceived and is it worth buying? Let’s find out.
Changan CS35 Plus Turbo 2024: Engine and safety
Of the two variants that are marketed, they all use a single engine, clarified this, let’s see what it offers us in terms of mechanics and security.
- 1.4L Turbo Engine
- Power 158 Hp and 192 Lb-ft of torque
- Automatic transmission 7 DCT (dual clutch)
- Four airbags for the entry version, six for the equipped
- It comes with ABS brakes and stability control.
Changan CS35 Plus Turbo 2024: Handling
What makes you fall in love with this truck is undoubtedly the turbo block, it offers very happy accelerations like speed recovery in a few seconds. However, the turbolag is enormous, it is something that we did not like. To lessen this, you can use the Sport mode, but you will sacrifice consumption, because you will take the behavior of the engine to the top of the tachometer.
Regarding stress situations, it is perceived as stable but the rocking is notable, we did not like the adjustment of the suspension, which It is very soft and we understand that it is focused more on comfort, but it does not give us confidence. It’s also tall enough to diligently smooth out potholes, bumps, and bumps.
And to finish this section, this CS35 Plus Turbo has a technology that is much appreciated, the power steering is configurable. In other words, it offers three modes: comfort, normal or sport. With this you can adjust the stiffness of the steering as you need it, for example for the city you can use comfort and it is very docile, which makes it easier to zigzag in traffic or park. Or if you go out on the road, you can use the sport mode, which is more rigid, does not have as much assistance, so it gives you security. Good Changan for this customization option.
2024 Changan CS35 Plus Turbo: Inside
Let’s see what it offers in terms of infotainment. We have a 7” and 10” infotainment touch screen depending on the version. The system offers connectivity with Android Auto only by cable, to link iPhone you need a special app, something that disappointed us. In general, the operation of the device is good, but it is not entirely friendly, you have to take your time to get to know it. The display as well as the graphics offer vivid colours, well there.
Now let’s see the most relevant equipment:
- Audio system 4 and 6 speakers depending on the version
- 7” digital instrument panel
- automatic climate
- induction charger
- Opening/ignition by button
- Three drive modes
- electric parking brake
- LED headlights with auto headlights
- Front and rear USB inputs
- Sunroof on entry model, panoramic roof on top
- rear air vents
- rear USB inputs
- Rear armrests and three headrests
- 360° camera with DVR*
*This DVR that records everything from the 360° camera is something innovative in this car, as it has three functions. The first permanently records 5 minutes of travel, and then restarts again. The second, in case of panic braking, records that instant automatically. The third, if desired, a 15-second instant can be recorded, if a button on the center console is pressed. This is useful in the event of a crash, which helps with insurance or if an officer comes over to ask for a bribe. Additionally, of all the images that are recorded, telemetry data is recorded, that is, it reports if you were wearing your seatbelt, how fast you were going, if you applied the brake, latitude and more.
On the other hand with respect to quality of materials. We like the manufacturing that it offers, which we have to say is superior to certain cars from Brazil, for example. Bring plastics that are soft to the touch, not shiny. It uses aluminum inserts such as piano black finish, and synthetic leather on door panels, steering wheel as gear lever.
As for space for occupants, four passengers will travel comfortably, the fifth will be somewhat uncomfortable through the transmission tunnel. As for holes to store things, we have: front cup holders, armrest with hidden compartmenta small space to place a cell phone in front of the gear lever, door spaces and magazine racks.
Changan CS35 Plus Turbo 2024: Consumer Test
Being a new product on the market, it is necessary to know the combined performance of this truck, to help you consider it as a purchasing factor.
Although it is repetitive and you already know the methodology we use, for new readers it must be clarified. We filled up the tank, set the odometer to zero, and went for miles in the city and on the highway. During the route we never exceeded 120 km/h and we maintained the weather all the time. Then we refilled the tank, to later check the liters consumed with the kilometers accumulated.
We traveled 105.9 km, the pump registered 6.51 L. With this we have that the combined performance of the CS35 is 16.25 km/l. A very good number and this is due to the turbo mechanics it has, as well as the 7-speed gearbox, which allows the engine to go more relaxed on the road.
Changan CS35 Plus Turbo 2024: Cargo Capacity and Insurance Cost
The manufacturer Changan does not provide the cargo volume of the trunk (we already investigated it but nothing), instead it tells us how much the CS35 can load, this is 375 Kg.
Now the cost of the insurance, we quote with InterMX and we have to start from $9,864 pesos.
Changan CS35 Plus Turbo 2024: Our point of view
The CS35 Plus Turbo offers surprising build quality. The performance behind the wheel is efficient, due to the fuel economy and fun because of how agile it is with that turbo engine.
It brings very peculiar technologies such as the configurable address, as well as the DVR, something that we applaud. It comes super well equipped, nothing is missing. However, the infotainment system remains to us, the suspension adjustment falls a lot on the side of comfort to our liking and falls short in airbags (and the acceptable minimum is six).
We believe that it has areas of opportunity and can improve. Is a purchase option a good one? yes but consider what we already mentionedIf it doesn’t affect you, go ahead.
It comes to compete in a very close market where Kia Seltos, Chevrolet Tracker, Toyota Corolla Cross among others are present, it is not easy. To achieve strong sales, you will have to do a lot of promotional work, credit options and offer an exemplary after-sales service, so that word of mouth helps you.
How do you see our winner, do you agree? Leave us your comment and we invite you to see the photo gallery.
