WeeklySA_AdminCHANGAN ALSVIN: Featuring smart high-level everyday tech which belies its budget-friendly status, this is a practical compact vehicle for city commuting and ride sharlng …
By Ali Mphaki
It’s a Changan and is well-endowed – for its price. Offered from R238,00 to around R271, 200, this is a compact sedan currently regarded as the most affordable Chinese vehicle in South Africa, but this is only part of the story.
Two trims are available, the entry-level 1,4l five-speed manual and the top spec 1,5l five-speed DCT (dual clutch transmission) which we had for road impressions recently.
This is the budget-friendly Changan Alsvin, which at current interest rates could cost less than R3 000 a month for repayments.
Before we get carried away, its probably appropriate to first note that brand Changan after an almost decade long hiatus is back in South Africa “with a vengeance”.
Changan offers a diverse, value-driven lineup in South Africa, spanning budget sedans, family SUVs, and New-Energy Vehicles (NEVs). The local range features models with internal combustion engines (ICE) and hybrid/electric vehicles.
Life with our Changan Alsvin DCT was a breeze and we got more than we bargained for.
Our first surprise was how nicely it is put together with some Hyundai, Corolla, and even Lexus hints especially at the back.
Whilst it easily blends with the hoi poloi in its segment somehow it manages to carve its own identity, attracting curious glances from bystanders and other road users.
Daytime running lamps, alloy wheels, a swopping roofline, it also comes with a nice luxury feature – an electric sunroof. Our test unit had tinted windows – all conspiring to give it that ‘’premium” look. It runs on 15-inch alloy wheels.
Keyless entry opens to a neatly designed interior with stitched faux leather seats, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and multifunction steering wheel.
All four windows are electric. Boot space is a massive 390 litres and there is room enough for five adults.
Bring the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine to life and at your disposal you have rear parking sensors, a reverse-view camera, ABS, dual front airbags further adding to driver confidence taking to the road.
Churning out 76kW and 145 Nm of torque the 1.5 motto delivers a punchy drive, the ride is smooth enough thanks to its soft suspension even though the steering may sometimes feel disengaged.
Engage the vehicle into sporty mode and the fun begins. Though no official figures are available for the mandatory 1-100 km/h sprint, when in this driving mode it gallops with more vroom fast enough to leave the opposition eating dust.
The cabin noise is stated and while the six-speaker sound system may not be compatible for a street bash, is enough for a vehicle of its size.
Visits to the filling station were few and far between, with an average consumption of 7 to 8l/100km, giving us more drive for less money.
The Alsvin does not make any pretensions to be anything but seems to be the right car for the right price.
More than anything, the Changan Alsvin is testament that being affordable doesn’t have to equate to cheap or tacky.
It looks set to Amaze its rivals which include Honda and in a Swift edge out Suzuki as an affordable compact sedan of choice.
Measuring 4 390 mm from front to back (with a wheelbase of 2 535 mm), Changan’s budget sedan is 395 mm longer than the Suzuki Dzire but 100 mm shorter than the Suzuki Ciaz.
It’s ideal for small families and e-hailing service providers like Bolt and Uber.
The Changan Alsvin comes with a five year/150 000km warranty.
