New Changan CS75 Plus: Affordable ICE SUV Enters China

Are you searching for a family SUV that doesn't break the bank but still offers modern features? The new Changan CS75 Plus might be the answer to your automotive prayers.

The new Changan CS75 Plus has recently entered the Chinese market as an affordable ICE SUV that blends style, comfort, and practicality. With over 130,000 units sold from January to August 2024, it's quickly becoming one of China's best-selling crossovers.

As someone who's been in the car export business for over a decade, I've seen countless SUVs come and go. But the new CS75 Plus caught my attention for good reason - it offers remarkable value that's hard to ignore. Let's dive into what makes this vehicle stand out in China's competitive SUV market.

What Makes The New Changan CS75 Plus Different From Previous Versions?

The automotive market is flooded with SUVs, but not all upgrades are meaningful. The new CS75 Plus, however, brings substantial improvements that address real consumer needs.

The 2025 Changan CS75 Plus features significant upgrades including a larger 2800mm wheelbase (up from 2710mm), a modern triple-screen layout, advanced L2 driving assistance, and a more powerful Blue Whale 1.5T engine delivering 189hp and 310Nm of torque.

Size and Dimensions: More Space for Everyday Life

The new CS75 Plus doesn't just look bigger - it is bigger. With dimensions of 4770mm length, 1910mm width, and 1695mm height, this SUV provides substantial interior space without becoming unwieldy in urban environments.

The most significant improvement is the wheelbase extension to 2800mm (from the previous 2710mm). This 90mm increase might seem small on paper, but in practical terms, it translates to noticeably improved rear legroom and overall cabin spaciousness.

During my recent test drive, I found this extra space particularly beneficial for rear passengers. Even with the driver's seat adjusted for my 6-foot frame, adult passengers in the back had plenty of knee room - a common complaint with many compact SUVs.

The cargo capacity remains impressive at 725-1620 liters (with rear seats folded), offering versatility for everything from grocery runs to weekend getaways. The flat load floor and wide opening make loading bulky items straightforward.

These dimensional increases contribute to the CS75 Plus feeling more substantial and premium than its price point might suggest.

How Does The New CS75 Plus Design Compare To Competitors?

In the crowded SUV market, distinctive design has become crucial. The new CS75 Plus embraces modern aesthetics while maintaining its own identity.

The 2025 CS75 Plus features a bold front fascia with a prominent V-shaped grille echoing Changan's logo, connected LED light strips, and a more muscular profile. Inside, the minimalist dashboard houses three screens totaling 37.15 inches of display area.

Exterior Styling: Modern Without Being Trendy

The new CS75 Plus adopts Changan's latest design language while avoiding the trap of following short-lived trends. The front end features a prominent grille that echoes the V-shape of the Changan logo, flanked by slim LED headlights connected by a light strip across the grille.

This lighting signature gives the CS75 Plus a distinctive nighttime presence that's immediately recognizable. The side profile maintains clean lines with subtle character creases that add visual interest without appearing busy.

The rear design continues the contemporary theme with connected taillights and a clean tailgate design. The dual exhaust outlets (even on the 1.5T models) add a sporty touch.

Available in 19-inch wheels for the 1.5T models and 20-inch wheels for the 2.0T variants, the CS75 Plus has a planted stance that communicates stability. The hidden electric door handles (standard across all trims) contribute to the clean, modern appearance.

During my walkaround evaluation, I noticed several premium touches that aren't common at this price point:

• Flush door handles that deploy electronically
• Sequential turn signals in both front and rear lights
• Acoustic glass on higher trims for improved noise isolation
• Metallic trim elements that feel substantial rather than cheap plastic

Interior Design: Digital Luxury for the Masses

The interior represents the most dramatic departure from previous generations. The dashboard is dominated by a triple-screen layout:

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14.6-inch central touchscreen
• 12.3-inch passenger entertainment screen (on Premium trims and above)

This 37.15 inches of combined screen real estate creates a tech-forward impression that rivals luxury vehicles costing twice as much. The minimalist approach to physical buttons creates a clean, uncluttered appearance.

Material quality shows significant improvement, with soft-touch surfaces in key contact areas and convincing synthetic leather upholstery. The available ambient lighting (on higher trims) enhances the premium feel during night driving.

The "zero-gravity" front passenger seat on higher trims deserves special mention. Inspired by NASA research, this seat design distributes body weight more evenly to reduce pressure points during long journeys. Having experienced it firsthand, I can confirm it provides noticeably better comfort on extended drives.

What Technology Features Make The CS75 Plus Stand Out?

Today's car buyers expect advanced technology, and the CS75 Plus delivers surprisingly comprehensive tech features that would have been exclusive to luxury brands just a few years ago.

The CS75 Plus offers L2 driving assistance with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, a triple-screen dashboard setup, wireless phone charging up to 50W, OTA updates, and voice control for most vehicle functions. Higher trims include remote parking and 360-degree cameras.

Infotainment and Connectivity: Thoroughly Modern

The 14.6-inch central touchscreen serves as the hub for most vehicle functions. The system responds quickly to inputs and features a logical menu structure that's easier to navigate than many competitors.

Connectivity options are comprehensive:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Native support for Huawei HiCar, Carlink, and T-LINK
• Bluetooth 5.0 for phone and audio
• Up to 50W wireless phone charging (15W on base trim)
• Multiple USB-C ports (front and rear)
• 4G connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• OTA (over-the-air) updates for both infotainment and vehicle systems

The voice recognition system deserves special mention. Unlike many systems that struggle with natural language, the CS75 Plus can understand conversational commands without requiring specific phrasing. During my testing, I was able to adjust climate settings, navigation, and even open the sunroof using natural speech patterns.

The available 14-speaker Pioneer audio system (on Flagship and Ultra trims) delivers impressive sound quality with good clarity and bass response. Even the standard 6-speaker system provides adequate performance for most users.

Driver Assistance: L2 Autonomy for the Masses

The CS75 Plus comes standard with an impressive array of driver assistance features:

• Full-speed adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assist
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Automatic emergency braking

Higher trims add more advanced features:

• Remote parking capability
• Automatic parking
• 360-degree camera system with transparent chassis view
• Rear cross-traffic alert

During my highway testing, the adaptive cruise and lane-keeping systems worked smoothly together, maintaining position in the lane without the ping-pong effect common in some systems. The traffic sign recognition accurately identified speed limits and other important signage.

The L2 driving assistance package represents exceptional value, offering capabilities that match or exceed many vehicles costing significantly more.

How Does The CS75 Plus Perform On The Road?

Specifications on paper are one thing, but real-world performance is what matters to owners. The CS75 Plus offers a driving experience that balances comfort, efficiency, and adequate performance.

The CS75 Plus offers two engine options: a 1.5T producing 189hp/310Nm and a 2.0T delivering 233hp/390Nm. Both pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5T accelerates 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds with 6.89L/100km fuel consumption, while the 2.0T does it in 7.3 seconds.

Engine and Performance: Efficient Power

The new Blue Whale 1.5T engine represents a significant improvement over previous powertrains. With 141kW (189hp) and 310Nm of torque, it provides adequate acceleration for most situations. The 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds is competitive for the segment.

The 2.0T engine (available in Ultra trims) offers more enthusiastic performance with 171kW (233hp) and 390Nm of torque, reducing the 0-100km/h time to 7.3 seconds. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and responds reasonably well to throttle inputs.

During my test drive through varying conditions, I found the 1.5T engine to be more than adequate for daily driving. The torque curve is well-suited to urban environments, with strong pull from low RPMs making city driving effortless. Highway passing maneuvers require some planning but are accomplished without drama.

The 8-speed automatic deserves praise for its smooth operation. Unlike some competitors that use CVTs in this segment, the traditional automatic provides more natural acceleration feel and better response.

Fuel efficiency is impressive, with the 1.5T models achieving 6.89L/100km (34.1 MPG) in the WLTC combined cycle. The 2.0T models are slightly thirstier at 7.7L/100km (30.5 MPG), but still reasonable given the performance increase.

Ride and Handling: Comfort-Focused

The CS75 Plus prioritizes comfort over sporty handling, which is appropriate for its family-oriented mission. The suspension setup (MacPherson struts front, multi-link independent rear) provides a compliant ride that absorbs road imperfections well.

Body control is adequate rather than exceptional. While the CS75 Plus isn't designed for aggressive cornering, it maintains composure during normal driving maneuvers. The electric power steering is light at low speeds for easy parking but firms up sufficiently at highway speeds.

Road and wind noise are well-controlled, particularly in higher trims with additional sound insulation. The acoustic glass on premium models noticeably reduces wind noise at highway speeds.

The selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) primarily affect throttle response and transmission shift patterns rather than fundamentally changing the vehicle's character. Sport mode does sharpen responses appreciably, making the CS75 Plus feel more alert.

Is The CS75 Plus A Good Value Proposition?

In today's market, value isn't just about price - it's about what you get for your money. The CS75 Plus makes a compelling case in terms of features per yuan.

Starting at 113,900 yuan ($15,700) for the base 1.5T and ranging to 139,900 yuan ($19,300) for the top 2.0T model, the CS75 Plus offers exceptional value with standard features like triple screens, L2 driving assistance, and premium materials that outclass many higher-priced competitors.

Pricing and Trim Levels: Something for Everyone

The CS75 Plus lineup is straightforward with five trim levels:

1. 1.5T New Blue Whale Whale Joy Edition - 113,900 yuan ($15,700)

   • Base model with essential features
   • 14.6" main screen, 10.25" instrument panel
   • L2 driving assistance
   • Imitation leather seats
   • 19" alloy wheels

2. 1.5T New Blue Whale Premium Edition - 121,900 yuan ($16,800)

   • Adds 12.3" passenger entertainment screen
   • Zero-gravity passenger seat
   • Heated and ventilated front seats
   • Wireless phone charging (50W)

3. 1.5T New Blue Whale Flagship Model - 129,900 yuan ($17,900)

   • Adds 14-speaker Pioneer audio
   • Automatic parking
   • Remote parking
   • Ambient lighting
   • Multi-layer sound insulation

4. 2.0T Ultra New Blue Whale Power Edition - 131,900 yuan ($18,200)

   • 2.0T engine with 233hp
   • 20" alloy wheels
   • Similar equipment to Premium Edition

5. 2.0T Ultra New Blue Whale Intelligent Engine - 139,900 yuan ($19,300)

   • 2.0T engine
   • Top-tier equipment matching Flagship 1.5T
   • Heated rear seats

This pricing structure positions the CS75 Plus competitively against both domestic and international rivals. When comparing feature-for-feature, the CS75 Plus typically offers equipment that would cost 20-30% more in competing models.

Warranty and Ownership Costs: Peace of Mind

All CS75 Plus models come with Changan's standard warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometers, which is typical for the Chinese market. Maintenance costs are reasonable, with service intervals at 10,000 kilometers.

The relatively simple mechanical layout of the 1.5T models should contribute to long-term reliability, though the more complex 2.0T might require more attention over time. Parts availability is excellent throughout China, and Changan's extensive dealer network ensures convenient service.

Insurance costs are moderate, with the CS75 Plus falling into favorable categories for Chinese insurance providers. The standard safety equipment helps keep premiums reasonable.

From my experience exporting Chinese vehicles, I've noticed Changan models generally maintain better resale value than many domestic competitors, which is an important consideration for total cost of ownership.

Conclusion

The new Changan CS75 Plus delivers exceptional value in China's competitive SUV market. With its blend of modern design, impressive technology, adequate performance, and reasonable pricing, it represents one of the best options for buyers seeking a practical family vehicle without premium pricing.