OWNER REVIEWS: Is the Changan CS35 Plus a pain or a pleasure to own?

Car reviews can only go so far – we only have the chance to evaluate a new car for about one week before it goes back to the manufacturer.

That’s why the most valuable insights come from you, the people who actually buy the newest vehicles in the market.

Fledgling Chinese brand Changan talked to people who took the plunge and bought the CS35 Plus crossover. The company released a press statement on what these three owners had to say.

Why not a Changan?

Changan said businessman Mark Banayad discovered the CS35 Plus at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show. 

After reading more about the brand online, he decided that it was worth investing in. He got a CS35 Plus Luxe in Draco Red for his family to enjoy while maintaining his older unit for business use. 

Mark said he was wowed by the engine performance, along with the extensive list of active safety features.

“All those hi-tech features which you get in cars worth five million, up,” he said. “So, why not Changan? Sulit sa pera yung comfort at excitement na ibibigay niya.”  

[Translation: The comfort and excitement it provides are worth the price.]

The CS35 Plus is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve gasoline engine producing 160 PS and 260 Nm of torque. This is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Prices start at ₱1,039,000 for the CS35 Plus Lite, going up to ₱1,189,000 for the Hype model and ₱1,209,000 for the top-spec Luxe variant.

Falling in love

Meanwhile, IT professional Jay Clemente has been driving his CS35 Plus for two years now. 

Changan said he first spotted it while having another car serviced at a dealership that happens to carry Changan.  

“I knew nothing about the brand (but) the aesthetic quality of the exterior and interior amazed me,” he said. 

“I asked more about it, I took the risk and up till now it still amazes me, my family, and friends,” Jay added. “The driving’s really great. And the infotainment. Sound system is my No. 1 factor for considering a car and having a silent cabin while driving is really a good experience every time.”  

First in the Philippines

For his part, Athan Alonzo, also an IT practitioner, was already considering another car brand when he stumbled across the CS35 Plus. 

He now owns the first Changan CS35 Plus Luxe in the country and absolutely loves its smooth performance, eye-catching looks and multitude of features.

“I like best the DRL lights and tail lights,” Athan said. “Ang upuan, parang nakaupo ka sa yayamaning couch. At first, normal lang ang malakas sa gas consumption but over time tumitipid, lalo na noong nag first PMS.”

[Translation: The seats feel like you’re sitting on an expensive couch. At first, the strong fuel consumption is normal, but it improves over time, especially after the first PMS.]

More fun with friends

Changan said Jay, Mark and Athan are members of the growing number of CS35 Plus car clubs in the country. 

They organized the very first CS35 Plus joy ride to the rolling hills of Tanay in Rizal. Athan recalls how their eight-car convoy turned heads. 

“People were taking photos and sharing with us their pics,” he said. “Nakakatuwa [It’s amusing].” 

The company said there are plans are up for more joy rides in other parts of the country.

Would go for Changan Philippines’ smallest crossover?

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