Changan CS35 Max

Upon entering the Changan CS35 Max, you are greeted by a high-tech cabin that offers a balance of comfort and performance. The Luxe trim features sporty leather bucket seats with exclusive red stitching, while the Lite trim comes with fabric seats. Its spacious cabin can comfortably accommodate five individuals. Its trunk also offers ample room for your family’s groceries and occasional shopping sprees.

Aside from that, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display acts as the centerpiece of this SUV’s dashboard. Its infotainment display is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB input, and is linked to a 6-speaker Sony sound system for the Luxe trim. Meanwhile, the Lite trim gets the standard 4-speaker sound system. For more convenience, this SUV also comes with multiple USB ports, a 12V power socket, and a wireless charger (exclusive to the Luxe trim).

Exclusive to the driver is a performance-oriented cockpit that comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display for the Luxe trim (Lite gets the 7-inch counterpart), a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multiple controls, and a gear lever with a nice, glossy finish. For added aesthetics, the Luxe trim also gets a panoramic moonroof with a rain sensor.

The Changan CS35 Max’s design strikes a balance between sportiness and elegance on the road. Up front, it features an assertive-looking fascia, defined by an imposing grille with a stylish triangular pattern and flanked by sharp, angular LED automatic headlights with LED DRLs. The red accents on its bumper add more character to its overall front design.

Furthermore, the red accent continues along its side profile, giving its silhouette a sporty vibe. A rugged-looking set of 18-inch alloy wheels complement its sleek body paint and sharp character lines. Both trims get electrically-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signals and a heating function. However, only the Luxe’s mirrors are electrically-foldable as well.

Similar to its front end, its rear also features a classy, sporty design, flanked by LED tail lights, which resemble a boomerang, along with a high-mounted brake light and fog lights, ensuring that the car is visible at all times. It also comes with a spoiler and an aggressive-looking diffuser for more exterior detail. And, for a more premium vibe, the Luxe trim gets an electric back door. Overall, the CS35 Max looks like a sportier and more modern version of its predecessor. 

In terms of dimensions, the Changan CS35 Max model line measures 4,540 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height. This SUV also comes with a 2,715-mm wheelbase.

The Changan CS35 Max comes with a MacPherson Strut suspension at the front and a Multi-Link at the rear. Its suspension is on the softer side of things, offering a comfortable riding experience even on bumpy, uneven road conditions. It is also quite agile to maneuver in the city for an SUV. 

Both trims of the Changan CS35 Max are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged Bluecore gasoline engine that delivers 180 hp of maximum power and 300 Nm of maximum torque. This SUV comes mated to a 7-speed wet type dual-clutch transmission system and utilizes a front-wheel drivetrain. It is also equipped with five drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Race, and Smart.

Its engine offers a punchy power delivery, allowing you to effectively overtake slower vehicles on free-flowing highways. Its DCT is also smooth and responsive, enhancing your overall cruising experience. It also delivers decent fuel economy, making it a feasible daily driver in the city.

In terms of braking, the Changan CS35 Max is equipped with front ventilated discs and rear solid discs. Its braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system with a brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability program, and a traction control system, dynamic brake function, and rollover mitigation, among others. 

Both trims come with cruise control (adaptive for the Luxe trim), rear parking sensors, airbags, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, tyre pressure monitoring, and a camera (Luxe: 540-degree virtual view, Lite: rear only). The Luxe trim also gets a driving recorder.

In my opinion, the Changan CS35 Max is a game-changer in its segment. It offers an impressive mix of practicality, comfort, and performance on the road while undercutting many of its competitors in terms of price.