Changan Lumin

Inside, the Changan Lumin has a very simple cabin layout. Others might find its interior design too minimalistic or even dated since it has no touchscreen infotainment system. But, its cabin excels when it comes to practicality and reliability for everyday use. For a hatchback its size, its cabin boasts impressive spaciousness, effectively accommodating four passengers. 

Its fabric seats are also relatively plush and provide an above average level of comfort despite being thinly padded for space-sake. The driver and co-pilot’s seats are both 4-way manually-adjustable. And to have more cargo space at the back, its rear seats have a 50:50 split setup.

Drivers get a multifunction steering wheel and a 7-inch segment LCD instrument cluster. It comes with front and rear reading lights, a driver’s vanity mirror, and a 12V power socket. For entertainment, it comes with Bluetooth connectivity and a 2-speaker sound system. 

From the outside, the Changan Lumin has a “cute” look similar to that of the MINI Cooper and the Abarth 500e. It is very minimalistic yet stylish at the same time. At the front, it sports round halogen headlights with LED position lights, featuring an adorable fish eye-like gaze. It has a very smooth fascia with the LUMIN lettering as its centerpiece. It also has a black lower grille for some contrast. Its side view gives off a cute futuristic look courtesy of its hidden mechanical door handles and dynamic-looking 14-inch steel wheels. It also has LED turn signals that are already integrated into the side mirrors.

Meanwhile, at the rear, it comes with halogen tail lights, which also have LED position lights. It has rear fog lights and a high-mounted brake light for increased visibility especially at night. In terms of dimensions, the Changan Lumin is 3,270 mm in length, 1,700 mm in width, 1,545 mm in height. It has a 1,980 mm wheelbase.

In terms of suspension, the Changan Lumin utilizes a combination of a MacPherson Independent suspension at the front, while a Trailing Arm Non-Independent at the rear. This suspension setup allows the vehicle to deliver responsive steering and easy maneuvering. It turns effortlessly and can pass through even the narrowest urban streets with ease. Overall, this car delivers a light and plush cruising experience inside the city for everyone on board.

Both variants of the Changan Lumin are powered by Permanent Magnet Synchronous motors, with each variant featuring a different battery pack. First the lower trim, S, is powered by a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery that has a capacity of 17.65 kWh and a driving range (NEDC) of 190 kms. On the other hand, the higher trim, L, is powered by a 28.08 kWh battery pack that has a range of up to 301 kms. 

The e-motor produces a maximum power output of 48 hp and a maximum torque of 83 Nm. It runs on a fixed gear transmission system and a front-wheel drivetrain. This EV also comes with two drive modes: Eco and Sport.

On paper, its performance metrics might not be the most exciting, but it can actually accelerate very quickly in the city. It has good power delivery for its size (and price). Although, I would not advise drivers of the S variant to use it for out-of-town trips given its very limited driving range of 190 kms. However, at the end of the day, this car is basically engineered to be a practical and efficient daily driver in the city.

One of the Changan Lumin’s major flaws is its lack of advanced driver assistance systems. In terms of safety, it has very limited features. It only has rear parking sensors, collision auto unlock, driver and passenger airbags, seatbelt unfastened warning, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Its braking setup is also equipped with an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, and hill assist control. It utilizes disc brakes at the front, while drum brakes at the rear.

The Changan Lumin would be an ideal fit for potential first-time car owners or beginner drivers who are looking for an affordable, practical, and reliable daily vehicle in the city. For its affordable price points, this car is definitely a great alternative to popular gasoline-powered hatchbacks (e.g., Toyota Wigo, and Mitsubishi Mirage) in the market.