Changan Eado Plus

Inside, the Changan Eado Plus comes with a minimalist cabin, which prioritizes practicality and functionality. While the cabin remains mostly hard plastic, the inclusion of a few soft-touch materials is a welcome touch at this price point. Upfront, you are greeted by a very driver-centric cockpit that comes with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, polyurethane-wrapped steering wheel, and a nice-looking electronic gear selector for the Luxe trim (mechanical version for the Lite trim).

For entertainment and information accessibility, the Luxe trim features a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB. On the other hand, the Lite trim gets the 7-inch version that only has Bluetooth and USB. The higher trim gets a 4-speaker sound system, whereas the base trim gets the 2-speaker counterpart.

In terms of practicality and convenience, this sedan has adequate room to comfortably accommodate five passengers. At the back, it also comes with a generous 500-L trunk space for your groceries and light baggage. This sedan also offers two USB Type-A ports (front: 1, rear: 1) and a 12V power socket.

From the outside, the Changan Eado Plus doesn’t look entry-level at all. It flaunts a classy-looking front end, accentuated by an elegant three-dimensional grille and a chrome strip connecting its sharp LED DRLs. This sedan comes with automatic halogen headlights. 

Sleek character lines and 16-inch wheels (Luxe: alloy, Lite: steel) define its clean side profile. It gets electrically-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signals and a heating function. 

Meanwhile, it has a distinct-looking back end illuminated by sharp LED taillights, which kind of resemble a bat’s wings. Like at the front, a chrome strip is also placed in the middle of its taillights–adding more detail to its overall look on the road.

In terms of dimensions, the Changan Eado Plus line measures 4,730 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,505 mm in height. This compact sedan also comes with a 2,700-mm wheelbase.

In terms of suspension, the Changan Eado Plus utilizes a MacPherson Strut at the front, while a Torsion Beam at the rear. Its setup offers just the right balance of softness and firmness for its price point. It is light and maneuverable in the city and can absorb light to moderate bumps and uneven concrete pavements quite decently.

Both variants of the Changan Eado Plus are powered by a 1.5L Bluecore gasoline engine that produces a maximum power output of 105 hp and a maximum torque of 145 Nm. This sedan utilizes a front-wheel drivetrain and comes mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission system.

For its class, the Eado Plus is surprisingly quick and capable on the highway. However, its DCT isn’t the most seamless or responsive out there. But, on the plus side, it can offer a great fuel economy both inside and outside the city.

The Changan Eado Plus is equipped with front ventilated disc brakes and rear solid disc brakes. Its braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability program, traction control system, hill hold control, hill start assist, and a brake assist.

Both variants are also equipped with rear parking sensors, driver and passenger airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, child lock, and ISOFIX tethers. However, only the Luxe trim gets side airbags and a reverse camera.

In my opinion, the Changan Eado Plus has a very high potential to become competitive within the country’s sedan market, if advertised or marketed properly. It undeniably delivers a high value for money because of how spacious and feature-packed it is for its price point.