By Xolile Hopa

After spending time with the new Changan UNI-S CE, it became clear that Changan has packed plenty into its latest midsize SUV. Finished in a striking deep blue, the UNI-S CE certainly doesn’t struggle to stand out.

The flagship CE variant comes generously equipped with features including an electric panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, an eight-speaker sound system, driver’s seat memory, blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control, and a long list of modern convenience and safety technologies.

Exterior

From the outside, the UNI-S has a clean yet distinctive design. The large borderless hexagonal grille gives the front end plenty of presence, while the C-shaped daytime running lights flow into a full-width LED light bar, creating a modern look. The rear follows the same theme, with a full-width lighting signature that ties the design together nicely.

Interior

Step inside and you’re welcomed by a striking blush-red interior that extends across the seats, dashboard and soft-touch trim. The cabin feels modern and well put together, with a strong emphasis on technology. A 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen is paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while features such as wireless phone charging, voice control and a 540-degree panoramic camera system add to the overall convenience.

Performance

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 138kW and 300Nm of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Changan claims fuel consumption of 7.0L/100km, which is competitive for a vehicle in this segment.

On the road, the engine feels strong and offers plenty of performance for everyday driving and highway overtaking. However, while the powertrain is impressive on paper, the throttle response and pedal calibration at low speeds could be smoother, particularly when pulling away in first gear.

Verdict

Overall, the Changan UNI-S CE is an impressive midsize SUV that offers bold styling, a premium-looking interior, strong performance and an extensive list of standard features. Minor low-speed drivability quirks aside, if Changan can address this issue, the UNI-S CE presents excellent value for buyers looking for a modern, well-equipped family SUV.

The Changan UNI-S CE is priced from R469,900.