For so many years, Japanese-made cars have dominated the Philippine automotive market because of their affordability and robustness. There are also American-made and European-made vehicles that are also on top of their game in providing the best automobile, not just in the Philippines, but all over the globe. For the past few years, Chinese automobile brands have entered the country with competitive car models, but in affordable prices, and one of them is the subcompact SUV 2022 Changan CS35 Plus.

Prices and Colors

There are three variant choices of the 2022 Changan CS35 in the Philippine automotive market. The most affordable variant is the Changan CS35 Plus 1.4 DCT Lite which is available at Php898,000, while the Changan CS35 Plus 1.4 DCT Hype is priced at Php969,000. On the other hand, its top-of-the-line variant Changan CS35 Plus 1.4 DCT Luxe costs almost a million pesos, at Php999,000.

It is available in five color variations - the Draco Red, Draco Red with Black Roof, Wunderlust White, Wunderlust White with Black Roof, and Timberwolf Gray, which all complements the interior of the CS35 Plus.

Engine and Transmission

Under the hood of the 2022 Changan CS35 Plus is a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine that produces a maximum of 158 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque output mated to a seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) in a front-wheel-drive configuration.

Exterior

As the exterior style trend goes for massive radiator vent grilles and sleek headlamps, the Changan CS35 Plus has also adapted the modernity, but with a new flavor. The front fascia features a massive radiator vent grille topped with the Changan logo badge. Just above the grille is a strip LED light that stretches throughout the width of the vent towards the headlamps, which is unique and tasteful. It also comes with red accents below, which stretches across the width leading to the fog lamps.

Those red accents found upfront complements the red accent on the CS35 Plus's side skirts, leading your eyes toward its 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 45-series tires. The side mirrors are also two-tone with repeaters on each side, and on top, it got chrome roof rails. The C-pillar comes with a black accent with the Changan logo badge that gives an impression.

At the back, the rear profile reminds me of European car models with its LED light bar that stretches towards both ends of the CS35 Plus, along the LED taillamps, topped with the Changan logo. It has a prominent rear spoiler with brake light at the center and a shark's fin antenna up on top of the roof. On the rear bumper, the CS35 Plus has reflectors that complements the red accents adornment throughout the entire vehicle. Plus, its dual exhaust tips are larger than the outgoing version.

Interior

The interior profile of the 2022 Changan CS35 Plus has a European vibe because of the sleek dashboard panel with chrome accents and finishes like a typical Lamborghini. There are also chrome accents on the doors, along with red trims, and on the flat-bottom steering wheel. Like the standard cars nowadays, the steering wheel of the CS35 Plus also comes with functionality buttons to control the infotainment monitor and some driving aids.

Behind the steering wheel is a wide digital instrument cluster that displays necessary driving information for the driver. And just like European cars, the instrument cluster continues to the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen at the center of the dashboard panel. Although it doesn't support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, you can connect your device via Bluetooth, screen mirroring, or AUX. Plus, it displays an around view of your car, for safer maneuvering.

The red upholstery that dominates the seats of the CS35 Plus goes on all its variants. Instead of just accents like on its exterior, the red trim inside the cabin is dominant, particularly on the seats. The rear seats come with an armrest with cup/botte holders, including a single air vent at the middle. And star gazing will be a lot enjoyable with its panoramic moon roof, that you could also open in the morning if you wanted more natural light coming in the car.

At the back, when you open its manual tailgate, you will be looking at around 400 liters of cargo space at default, which could be expandable to about 950 liters when you fold the rear seats. Although the seats don't fold completely flat, it is a massive amount of space compared to its competitors in the class.

Safety and Security

It has safety and security features that are impressive considering its price point and standing in the automotive industry. It comes with the standard driver airbag, rear side airbag, front passenger airbag, front side airbag, seat belts with seat belt warning, brake assist, crash sensor, door ajar warning, child safety locks, ABS with EBD, engine check warning, rear camera, side impact beams, front impact beams, vehicle stability control system, tire pressure monitor, parking sensors, 360—degree camera and view, lane keep assist, anti-theft device and alarm, power door locks, central locking, engine immobilizer, and adaptive cruise control.

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