Manila Standard

The a ordable high-tech dragon: Changan CS35 plus

- By Chelsie Alquinto and Julian Cardenas

The rise of China as a technologi­cal powerhouse is not a hideable fact from the world as they continue to develop new technologi­cal innovation­s to improve everyday aspects of life and cars are no exception to that.

China gave the world amazing innovation­s lately such as the intimidati­ng Hongqi L5 and the amazing Nio EP9 supercar whose performanc­e can match with the household supercar brands of today all in an effort to show the world what they are capable of. And what they are capable of is quite a lot.

However, their brand footing still needs a lot of work to make themselves known in a world dominated by Japanese and European automobile­s. Yet casually in a Philippine setting, they are making steady progress in the mini-SUV Market as seen with the topselling MG Zs and the Geely Coolray.

Now they are making another mark with the Changan CS35 plus.

Already, the Chongqing-based automobile manufactur­er pulled out all the stops to make the CS35 standout from the competitio­n with its aggressive and Europeanes­que styling, giving it the vibe of a Volkswagen Tiguan or an Audi Q5 to all who lay their eyes on it.

The Euro-spec styling continues with a stylish sporty interior with flashy silver linings and body-hugging seats. The plastics feel soft touch and the quality feels built to last a lifetime.

And yet people still label Madein-china products as substandar­d— which we believe is a complete understate­ment today.

The interior is not all show for it has a lot of go with the impressive technologi­cal equipment that comes as standard from the base to mid-spec to the highest end model:

• Six Airbags

• All Around view Camera with blindspot angles that makes parking a piece of cake and to record any anomalies on the road.

• Wireless charging at the center console

• Panoramic sunroof

• Engine Remote start

• Front Collision warning and Blindspot monitoring

• Adaptive Cruise control

• Automatic emergency braking system and Auto Hold

• The Top model or Luxe variant has a power tailgate.

Along with style, high-build quality and amazing Technologi­cal kit- The Interior is roomy both in the front and the rear, The Trunk is no exception as it will swallow most balikbayan boxes without trouble.

Now to tackle the most important question, What’s it like to drive it? Well, it does not disappoint.

The 1.4L Turbocharg­ed 160 bhp Gasoline Direct Injection ( TGDi) engine gives the car an athletic accelerati­on which is helped by a fantastic 7-speed Wet-type Dual Clutch Transmissi­on and an adaptive adjustable suspension that has three modes: Comfort , Sport and Standard .

Despite being a rather chubby, tall Front-wheel drive (FWD) SUV, the CS35 plus tackles corners like a small hot hatchback with zero to no body roll and a tight grip.

Along the way, passengers experience a smooth and comfortabl­e ride whilst the car achieves more than 20 km/L, which is nothing short of an impressive feat.

And with Prices ranging from php. 999,000,000 to 1,169,000, we can all agree that the CS35 plus is an affordable high tech dragon, agree?

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