Changan CS35 Plus: hits and misses

One of Changan Auto Philippines’ entries to the ever-competitive local subcompact crossover is the CS35 Plus. 

Within the brand’s crossover lineup, the CS35 Plus sits as the middle option between the smaller CS15 and the much larger CS55 Plus. Like its siblings, it boasts plenty of features, a relatively peppy engine, and stand-out exterior styling. So, with its relatively accessible starting price of P1.109 million, many would-be car buyers might be eyeing the Changan crossover as their next big purchase. 

But the question now is: what are the strengths and weaknesses of the CS35 Plus? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Solid exterior design

One clear strength of the CS35 Plus is its well-balanced exterior design. While not overwhelmingly modern, it is far from boring. 

Its overall shape, for example, comes in the familiar modern crossover outline. Visually appealing details, however, are spread around the body. Examples of the aforementioned include its sharp-looking LED fixtures, tastefully positioned character lines, and sizable front grille. 

Moreover, the model comes with plenty of black-colored exterior bits, such as the claddings on its wheel arches and side sill, as well as its front and rear bumper trims. The aforementioned provides the crossover with a smidge of sportiness.

Completing the look of the model is a set of two-tone 17-18-inch alloy wheels and a pair of silver-colored roof rails up top. 

Decently peppy

Another strong point of the CS35 Plus is its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine. 

At maximum, the model’s four-banger can produce up to 158 horsepower and 260 Newton-meters of torque. The said engine is paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, and it comes with a sport-driving mode. 

Sure, there are others in its segment that can dole out a lot more in terms of engine output, but the Changan-made five-seater has more than enough pep to perform overtaking maneuvers on the highway. 

Easy to live with

The CS35 Plus was packed with enough features to qualify it as practical and easy to drive. In other words, it is the kind of crossover that will easily fit a wide variety of needs. 

Folks who are looking to acquire the ride as a daily driver will appreciate its power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, push-to-start button, 360-degree view camera, parking sensors, and its host of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). 

For reference, here are the components of the CS35 Plus’ (Hype and Luxe) ADAS suite: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind spot view camera
• Front collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking

Additionally, everyone inside the Changan model is kept cool thanks to its automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents, as well as kept comfortable by its plush leather-wrapped seats. 

Loading up on cargo is likewise made easier thanks to a power tailgate (Luxe). Plus, it has a spacious trunk with a default capacity of 403 liters. With the 60:40 split rear seat tumbled down, the aforementioned space can be expanded up to 950 liters. 

Cons

No Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Positioned on the center of the CS35 Plus’ dash is a sizable 10-inch touchscreen. It also comes with a six-piece (Hype and Luxe) speaker system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and several USB ports. 

The said features are all well and good, but the Changan model’s infotainment system does not have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - arguably the two most popular ways to link one’s smartphone to an in-vehicle display. 

The model does have third-party software capable of achieving smartphone syncing. Still, it can be argued that the lack of dedicated connectivity systems for Apple and Android may deter some buyers. 

Final thoughts

For its asking price, the Changan CS35 Plus offers plenty of advantages to its would-be adopters. It is a well-balanced ride that would do well as a comfy daily driver or even as a capable road-trip chariot. 

Serious buyers, however, should give the Changan crossover a test drive first before jumping the gun. Merely reading about the car on the internet is good, but seeing and feeling the vehicle first would make for a more informed purchase in the end.

Changan CS35 Plus specs

Model	Lite	Hype	Luxe
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,330x1,825x1,660
Ground clearance
Wheel size	17-inch	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Rain-sensing wipers Power-folding side mirrors Push-to-start button Manual adjust front seats 60:40 split-folding seats Sunroof Wireless smartphone charging Four-piece speaker system	Rain-sensing wipers Power-folding side mirrors Push-to-start button Manual adjust front seats 60:40 split-folding seats Panoramic sunroof Wireless smartphone charging Six-piece speaker system	Rain-sensing wipers Power-folding side mirrors Push-to-start button Manual adjust front seats 60:40 split-folding seats Panoramic sunroof Wireless smartphone charging Six-piece speaker system Power tailgate
Instrument cluster	Break code cluster	7-inch digital gauge
Infotainment system	10-inch touchscreen infotainment with smartphone linking
Seating capacity	5
Cargo capacity	403 liters (default)
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Seven-speed wet dual-clutch
Horsepower	158
Torque	280 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technologies
ADAS	Blind spot view camera	Blind spot view camera Forward collision warning Automatic emergency braking Adaptive cruise control
Safety	Dual front airbags Side airbags Anti-lock braking Electronic stability control Hill hold control Hill descent control Reverse camera Tire pressure monitoring ISOFIX Speed-sensing door locks	Dual front airbags Side airbags Curtain airbags Anti-lock braking Electronic stability control Hill hold control Hill descent control 360-degree view camera Reverse camera Tire pressure monitoring ISOFIX Speed-sensing door locks
Security	Car alarm Engine immobilizer
Price	P1.109 million	P1.209 million	P1.259 million

Also read: 

Check out the Changan CS15's saucy cabin

Here are the Changan CS35 Plus' 3 handsome hues