echo adrotate_group(19);

Just about front-and-center, by the main entrance of the 2023 Manila International Auto show, was Changan Motor Philippines’ booth featuring its extensive line-up for the year. Since setting up shop here in the country in 2020, the Chongqing-based manufacturer has already ushered in an extensive array of vehicles that cater to various segments, which it proudly displayed for the public to view.

echo adrotate_group(2);

Included in the display is the Changan Alsvin, its subcompact sedan offering competing with the likes of the Toyota Vios and Mitsubishi Mirage G4, the Changan CS35 Plus which is its subcompact crossover entry, and Changan CS55 Plus which is Changan’s compact crossover SUV. But perhaps the main attraction of the booth were their Uni line of SUVs which were announced at their Calamba, Laguna headquarters back in December 2022.

The Uni vehicles, referred to without Changan branding for marketing purposes despite its badge still present, is the company’s luxury line of SUVs which it intends to grow upon in the near future. Its current offerings, the Uni-T and its more posh big brother the Uni-K, offer significantly more technological features than their CS brethren. 

While the Unis are still on backorder–the cars on display are currently the only ones in the country, with the handful of units that are on their way already spoken for–customers can expect exclusive premium features like a 12-speaker Sony sound system, 64-color adjustable cabin lighting, and an all-wheel drive system designed in partnership with BorgWarner. 

Another curiosity in the Changan booth was their test unit CS35 Plus which they drove over 100,000 kilometers in a span of several months. This was done to demonstrate the strength and integrity of their build-quality. The vehicle was subjected to driving around a test loop which simulated five years of everyday driving, harsh conditions and all. The car was also left running for days on end to test the limitations of the engine. Despite all this, the car is still in excellent running condition and was featured near the rear of the display, dents and all, for everyone to see.

When asked if consumers can expect Changan to add to their line-up more than what they already featured at the event (perhaps one of their hybrid or electric models already available in China), we were told to stay tuned. The company says that while it does not have any plans in the near future, they’re actively assessing their options as the year unfolds.