Changan PH unveils stylish and safe 2023 Changan CS55 crossover

MANILA: Changan Motor Philippines Inc., (CMPI), the country's official distributor of the Chinese automaker, has unveiled to the local market the 2022 Changan CS55. The compact crossover SUV is known in the motoring world for its cutting-edge design, and more than that, it flaunts the carmaker's signature “ring shape” design.

Immediately, the 2022 Changan CS55 Plus’ ring-shaped daytime running lights (DRL) already catch the eye with their slender elegance that complements the crossover’s overall look. The integrated full LED headlamps complete the look, providing better visibility for the driver with nine light sources that cover longer distances, at night, and during inclement weather.

The lights are also equipped with Intelligent High Beam Assist that automatically switches from high to low beam to prevent oncoming vehicles from risky, off-putting glare. While the Follow-Me-Home Delay feature keeps the car’s headlights on for a few seconds while the vehicle is parked to help its occupants see their way to their front door.

Up front, the 2022 Changan CS55 Plus plays with light and shadow on the front grille. The parametric-inspired latticework on the grille showcases an interplay of light and shadow for a dynamic 3D effect.

Elsewhere around the car, the tail lights also have Changan’s signature ring treatment that give the 2022 Changan CS55 Plus a striking presence at the rear. A sporty rear spoiler housing a ring-shaped LED High Mount Stop Lamp (HMSL), or a third brake lamp, enhances the CS55 Plus’ look and safety profile, making the vehicle more visible especially at night. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels sport the ring design as well. Their lightweight structure ensures better ride comfort, while the chrome tip twin exhaust design adds a sporty touch to this stunning crossover.

Inside, the futuristic design of the driver cockpit comes from a huge dual screen layout featuring a 10.25-inch LCD digital instrument cluster showing essential driving information, and a 12.3-inch touch display infotainment system with smartphone Mirror Link function and Apple Carplay.

 

Relaxing occupants in every drive is the automatic air conditioning with PM0.1 air filter and ion generator. They maintain a cool, comfy temperature inside the cabin, and keep harmful air pollutants like dust, allergens, and bacteria at bay. Audio in the 2022 Changan CS55 Plus is a Pioneer premium sound system with six-speaker clarity.

The 360-degree panoramic camera with HD Driving Recorder System* gives a surrounding view of the immediate road environment and perfectly does away with the regular dash cam. It automatically saves 30 seconds of video to a secure folder when the vehicle’s brakes are applied suddenly or forcefully.

The futuristic design extends to the floating console, where the gearshift and wing-type control button for driving modes and other vehicle controls are neatly placed. Compatible devices can be charged via the 15-watt wireless mobile charging console up front, while rear passengers can use two USB charging ports at the rear.

With the voice control feature, drivers can verbally command the vehicles to open and close the windows and sunroof, switch on the AC, and even pick up calls. The driver also has the D-type sporty steering wheel that houses easy-touch buttons for cruise control, audio, and other key functions, within reach.

Cargo space is more than sufficient with 29 storage places, from cup holders to console to the rear space. Luggage space is at a plentiful 475 liters and can be extended up to 1,415 liters when the rear seats are folded. The cargo can be accessed via the remote power tailgate with electric control, anti-pinch feature, and memory height setting.

Above the cabin, the 2022 Changan CS55’s panoramic sunroof with anti-pinch feature also has a rain-sensing close function. It automatically closes the sunroof if it is left open while the car is parked outside and senses a downpour.

The Changan brand itself is literally a portmanteau of two Chinese words that in English, translate to “lasting safety.” As a result, the 2022 Changan CS55 Plus is loaded with built-in features that put safety above all else.

It all starts with the robust body structure, built with Changan’s high-strength steel. Changan made sure to keep the body durable with a steel shell that is tough and rigid in protecting occupants, yet lightweight to contribute to better fuel efficiency and aerodynamics. The CS55 Plus has about 193 body components made of high-strength steel, which accounts for 60% of the frame. A six-airbag system is fitted in the CS55 Plus to help cushion the impact of a collision to occupants in the event of an accident.

The Changan Safe-tech System in the CS55 Plus has a host of Smart Active Safety Assistance features, demonstrating Changan’s promise of lasting safety in a thoughtful and proactive way.

First, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) System is equipped with city/inter-urban and pedestrian detection. This effectively assesses the likely possibility of hitting a car or a pedestrian in front of the vehicle. AEB assists the driver to brake and actively applies stronger brake force if it senses insufficient brake force application.

Complementing the AEB is the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) System*that warns the driver of an impending collision by detecting slowly moving cars or large barriers in front. Once it detects this danger, the FCW displays a warning on the instrument panel and sets off an alarm to alert the driver in time to apply stronger braking force.

Next, the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) work together to prevent the driver from aggressively switching lanes. They are especially helpful in keeping the tired or sleepy driver focused on the road. The LDW activates a warning light and audible alert, as well as vibrates the steering wheel when the system detects that the car is changing lanes without its turning signals switched on.

The LKA serves as the vehicle’s eyes in order to activate the LDW, as it uses a camera located near the rearview mirror to recognize lane markers. When it senses that the 2022 Changan CS55 Plus is falling below minimum distance from the left or right side markings, the system gently countersteers to keep the vehicle in lane.

When cruising through open roads or caught in a traffic jam, count on the 2022 Changan CS55 Plus’ Integrated Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) with Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) for help. The IACC is equipped with Stop and Go function that lets the vehicle run safely based on the speed the driver set, and automatically slows down to a halt if the vehicle in front stops. It moves again if the vehicle in front moves or changes lane, the TJA helps the IACC follow the vehicle in front during heavy traffic.

Changan takes the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to the next level with the Roll-Over Mitigation (ROM) system. In the event of extraordinary driving circumstances, such as avoiding an obstacle on the road, or suddenly turning a corner at high speed, the ESP works in tandem with ROM to effectively sense potential roll-over incidents and apply the appropriate action. It does this by adjusting steering and suspension to generate the required brake force on individual wheels and so maintain vehicle stability on the road.

Speaking of brake force, the CS55 Plus also has the Dynamic Brake Function (DBF), which ensures that braking distance will be as short as possible in emergency situations by instantly building up maximum brake pressure that will bring the vehicle to a complete stop faster. In fact, the 2022 Changan CS55 Plus’ braking capacity is so reliable that it can swiftly close braking distance from a speed of 100kph down to zero by just 37.9 meters.

The list of features does not stop there. Apart from key Safe-tech active safety features, the CS55 Plus has the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) that maintain directional stability and apply the appropriate brake force to individual wheels, Traction Control System (TCS) that keeps vehicle’s road grip firm depending on road and driving conditions, and Brake Assist (BA) that adds an extra layer of firmness when the brakes are applied. Hill Hold Control (HHC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) help maintain control of the vehicle when traveling uphill or downhill, respectively.

A rear parking sensor, capable of visual and audible warning, alerts the driver of obstacles when backing up, or parking in tight spaces. The CS55 Plus’ car key is smart too, with Auto Theft Lock, keyless start and entry, immobilizer, find car feature, and key monitoring function. Other thoughtful safety inclusions are the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Changan CS55 Plus balances the smoothness of everyday driving and the toughness expected when negotiating demanding road conditions.

The new generation of Changan’s Blue Core NE Turbo engine is here. The 1.5-liter Blue Core Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection (TGDi) engine provides strong, dependable power at low fuel consumption, thanks to its lightweight alloy design that delivers better heat dissipation. Its maximum power is breathtaking at 188ps, and can reach 300Nm of maximum torque at 1,500 to 4,000rpm.

In terms of fuel consumption, the new Blue Core engine offers three key fuel efficiency technologies: 350 bar high-pressure direct injection, industry-leading low friction technology, and advanced thermal management system, all to ensure optimal use of fuel down to the last drop.

The CS55 Plus’ TGDi engine is made even more efficient by pairing it with Changan’s Blue Core seven-speed wet-type shift-by-wire Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system that is made more stable with better heat dissipation to deliver comprehensive transmission of up to 94.3%, delivering effortless shifting for a smooth acceleration experience. Normal, Eco, or Sport modes suit various driving styles.

To ensure the durability of the Blue Core transmission system, which was jointly developed by Changan headquarters and Changan UK R&D, it underwent eight years of development and verification with an accumulated test range of over 10-million kilometers. Further, it has been tested over a hundred times through extreme temperatures, high humidity, and high altitude conditions to further ensure its durability.

During the drive, what keeps the 2022 Changan CS55 Plus poised and steady is its four-wheel independent suspension composed of MacPherson in front, and Multi-link at the rear. The entire system has particular calibration of city, highway, bumpy, or challenging roads to afford stable and accurate driving maneuvers for a ride that is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

The 2022 Changan CS55 Plus is available in three variants – Lite, Hype, and Luxe. They retail for the following prices, respectively: P1.179-million, P1.283-million, and P1.373-million.

The 2022 Changan CS55 Plus is covered by the Changan five-year or 150,000 kilometer warranty The SUV comes in exciting colors such as Black Pearl, Fantasy Gray, White Knight, and SuperNova Red.

Photos from Changan

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