These are the Changan CS55 Plus' pros and cons

Launched in the market as Changan Auto Philippines’ contender in the highly competitive crossover market, the CS55 Plus has caught the attention of many prospective buyers for its affordable price. 

What one gets from the ride is offered locally at a reasonably accessible price ranging from P1.179 million for the entry-level Lite to P1.31 million for the top-of-the-line Luxe. The said price range places the Changan model within striking distance of the MG One, Toyota Yaris Cross, and GAC Emkoo - among others. 

So, the question now is: what are the strengths and weaknesses of the CS55 Plus? Let’s find out here to help the model’s would-be adopters. 

Pros

Slick exterior design

The first thing anyone would notice upon seeing the CS55 Plus is its slick and stylish exterior design. 

From the front, the crossover model sports a sizable grille filled with an intricate pattern. The aforementioned is capped by a subtly sculpted bonnet and is flanked by a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamp clusters. 

The side of the model, meanwhile, comes with a reasonable amount of chrome bordering its windows. It also has black plastic claddings, which are typical of crossover, as well as a set of attractive 19-inch wheels. 

While the side of the model looks somewhat elegant, its rear end mirrors the sharpness of its front fascia, thanks to the interesting design of its LED taillights. In the same section, it likewise sports a prominent roof-mounted spoiler, a sloped rear window, and a chrome twin exhaust setup. 

Additionally, the exterior of the CS55 Plus comes with plenty of features as well. Besides its LED fixtures, its higher-spec trims were fitted with the following: 

• Electronic panoramic sunroof
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Frameless rain-sensing wipers
• Remote controlled tailgate

Peppy powertrain

On paper, the CS55 Plus can be described as a peppy crossover. It is not a performance car, mind you, but its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 mill can produce a healthy 185 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters of torque. 

Moreover, its powertrain can be taken to its full potential through the use of its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, as well as its three drive modes. 

Specifically, it comes with Sport, Economy, and Normal modes. The aforementioned, as per the model’s spec sheet, also goes beyond managing how it puts down power, as it can also change the settings of the vehicle’s power steering system. 

For braking, the Changan CS55 Plus uses a ventilated front disc and a rear solid disc. Ride quality and handling, on the other hand, is handled by a front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link suspension system. 

To note, multi-link suspension systems are more common on larger (more expensive) models. Sure, it usually adds weight and mechanical complication for the Changan ride, but the aforementioned suspension system has proven to provide a good balance between ride quality and handling. 

In comparison, most competitors of the CS55 Plus use the simpler torsion beam type suspension, which is lighter and less complex. It sounds good, but it may give a car poorer ride quality. 

The CS55 Plus also has a ground clearance of 171-millimeters, which is generous for a vehicle of its class. The aforementioned, of course, is also thanks to its multi-link suspension, which contrasts with the low-mounted torsion beam type. 

Plenty of on-board technologies

Another key strength of the CS55 Plus is its abundance of on-board technologies. 

For starters, the dashboard of its higher-spec variants houses a sizable 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Mirror Link. The said screen is also connected to a six-piece set of Pioneer premium speakers. 

Regarding safety technologies, the model also gets a comprehensive kit comprised of an anti-locking brake system, electronic stability program, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, rollover mitigation, six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, and parking sensors - among others. 

Cons

Lacks Android Auto

As established above, the Changan CS55 Plus has a lot of tech features. The only downside to its infotainment system, however, is its lack of Android Auto. 

Sure, the Mirror Link software is functional, but Android Auto has already been built into the Android operating system, which is one of the most popular mobile operating systems in the Philippines. 

On the flip side, Apple device users will have no issues with the CS55 Plus, but folks who need to use their Android phones aboard the model will have to use the provided smartphone syncing software. 

Final thoughts

Overall, the Changan CS55 Plus is well worth the money if what you’re after is a well-equipped and reasonably powerful crossover. 

Folks who are seriously considering the said model, however, should give it a test drive first. Doing so, after all, will result in a more informed car purchase in the end. 

Changan CS55 Plus specs

Model	CS55 Lite	CS55 Hype	CS55 Luxe
Exterior
Dimensions (Lx W x H, in mm)	4,515 x 1,865 x 1680
Wheelbase (mm)	2,656
Ground clearance (mm)	171
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	USB ports Four-piece speaker Automatic air-conditioning Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat 60:40-split folding rear seat Rear center armrest Electronic parking brake Leather steering wheel Smart key	USB ports Six-piece Pioneer speaker set Automatic air-conditioning Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat 60:40-split folding rear seat Rear center armrest Electronic parking brake Leather steering wheel Smart key Panoramic sunroof	USB ports Six-piece Pioneer speaker set Automatic air-conditioning Six-way power-adjustable  Four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat driver’s seat 60:40-split folding rear seat Rear center armrest Electronic parking brake Leather steering wheel Smart key Panoramic sunroof Wireless smartphone charging Remote engine starting
Instrument cluster	10-inch Coded cluster	10-inch fully digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	10.25-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Mirror Link	12.3-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Mirror Link
Seating capacity	Five
Cargo capacity	475 liters (default)
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter GDI
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
Horsepower	185
Torque	300 Newton-meters
Brakes	Front and rear disc brakes
Technologies
ADAS	-	Adaptive cruise control Lane departure warning Lane keep assist Forward collision warning Traffic jam assist Autonomous emergency braking
Safety	Dual front airbags Anti-lock braking Electronic stability control Traction control Hill-hold control Hill-descent control Roll over mitigation Parking sensors ISOFIX	Dual front airbags Side airbags Curtain airbags Anti-lock braking Electronic stability control Traction control Hill-hold control Hill-descent control Roll over mitigation Parking sensors ISOFIX
Security	Alarm Engine immobilizer Key monitoring Find car function
Price	P1.179 million	P1.279 million	P1.31 million

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Check out the Changan CS55 Plus' interior