WeeklySA_AdminSHOWCASE: A stylish pair of SUVs and the newly-returned commercial range marks the brand’s next step in South Africa’s fast-growing new energy vehicle segment
By Ali Mphaki
A Festival of Motoring worth its salt without new electric vehicles on display would be like bacon and egg without the bacon.
No wonder brands like Changan have taken advantage of this annual event now in its ninth edition as the perfect event to unveil their next generation of vehicles; a stylish pair of SUVs with strong road presence and also to showcase the return of the Changan Star-a model available in five different variants.
The star of the show in the Changan stall is no doubt the Deepal SO5 JEV, a a premium mid-sized SUV built on a range-extended EV (REEV) platform.
Even without the manufacturer Changhan saying it, when eyes first clap on the new model ii obvious that it is aimed at buyers who want exceptional quality and features and more than anything an EV driving experience without range anxiety,.
And if Italians are known for their exquisite style, enthusiaqts will be pleased to know the S05 REEV, like the rest of the Deepal portfolio is designed in Italy and engineered in the UK.
Distinguishing design features include a grille-less front end, slim LED headlamps, and 18-inch wheels.
What we have is a single electric motor produces 160kW and 320Nm, while a 1.5-litre petrol engine (72kW/125Nm) acts purely as a generator, topping up the 27kWh battery on the move.
Changan claims a combined range of over 1,000km with up to 200km of pure electric range, and a 20– minute fast-charge option for the battery when connected to an EV charger.
Standard equipment includes single-zone automatic climate control with a PM2.5 filter, separate rear air-con controls, heated and ventilated front seats (six-way electric for the driver, four-way electric for the passenger), and a 40:60 split-folding rear bench.
The driver seat also has lumbar support. Also standard are 6x airbags, TPMS, Intelligent Driving Perception Hardware, an electric tailgate and a panoramic skylight.
Explaining the virtues of the new Deepal S05 SUV, a beaming Chelsy the GM of marketing and product at Jameel Motors South Africa, an independent international distributor says:
“A REEV has lower running costs and a smaller environmental footprint, when compared with a more traditional HEV, but without sacrificing the way the car drive.
The main difference is in how the engine and electric motors work together, with the engine acting as a generator for the battery only and never powering the wheels.
We’re excited about launching the Deepal S05 REEV in South Africa as we believe it has a place in the South African market where range anxiety is a real thing.”
Not to be outshone, the other new model on show is the Changan Uni-S midsize SUV, a nameplate that has been on sale in South Africa as a petrol-only model since April 2026.
In its new HEV guise it adds hybrid power, distinct styling, including a new front grille.
Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine (110kW/220Nm) paired with an electric motor producing 166kW/290Nm in total, drawing from a high-rate ternary lithium battery, through an electronic CVT driving the front wheels.
Changan claims combined fuel consumption of 4.0 l/100km from the 51-litre tank. Wheel sizes run 18 inches on the entry CL grade and 19 inches on the flagship CE.
To further show that they in it for the long haul, Changan also introduced their new commercial range, the Changan star in five derivatives: a single-cab dropside, double-cab dropside, single-cab box body, panel van, and minibus. All are powered by a 1.25-litre petrol engine (72kW/119Nm) paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, and all come with air-conditioning as standard.
Whilst pricing for the two electric newcomers will be announced closer to launch dates, Jameel Motors want buyers to know, as Marinus Venter, country manager details; “The brief was clear: deliver a practical, durable and affordable range that’s simple to maintain and built to work. We believe we’ve delivered on that.”
Both the Deepal S05 and Uni-S HEV will arrive in South Africa in November this year, with the five derivatives of the Changan Star to arrive next month.
