17-07-2025
EXCLUSIVE: Changan to launch more SUVs and range extender EVs in 2026
The Changan Hunter REEV will reach South Africa before the end of 2025.
Image: Supplied
Changan Automobile is returning to South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2025 with local distributor Jameel Motors set to offer five distinct models that cover the bakkie, medium SUV, compact sedan and EV sectors - click here to learn more about the initial line-up.
That range is set to expand during the course of 2026 with additional Changan SUV models and another Deepal-branded electric vehicle (EV), Jameel Motors SA country manager Marinus Venter told IOL.
On the SUV front, the midsize CS75 Pro that launches in late 2025, will be joined by a smaller SUV called the CS655. This model is about 30cm shorter than its sibling and it is set to compete with the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro.
Later in 2026, another new model called the CS35 will enter the hotly contested compact SUV space. These new models have not been revealed as yet, but more information will be released closer to launch.
The Deepal S05 will expand the NEV range.
Image: Supplied
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Also on the cards for 2026 is a smaller electric crossover called the Deepal S05, which will slot neatly beneath the S07 that launches later this year.
Both will be available in 'range extender' (RE-EV) format, featuring petrol engines that act as generators to extend the driving range. Venter believes this is the perfect solution for South African motorists, given the lack of EV-friendly infrastructure in the country.
Venter also revealed that an RE-EV version of the Hunter one-tonne bakkie will form part of the initial range that launches in late 2025.
The REEV looks bolder than the regular Hunter models.
Image: Supplied
The RE-EV boasts unique styling that sets it apart from the regular Hunter bakkies. Overseas, it's available in single motor (128kW) and dual-motor (196kW) variations. While the e-motors solely power the wheels, a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine powers the 31 kWh battery once its plug-in charge has been depleted. The vehicle can cover up to 180km on electric power alone, Changan claims.
Changan not chasing volume
In a recent interview, CEO Marinus Venter told IOL that the local importer, Jameel Motors, is not chasing huge sales volumes, at least not initially.
'One thing we specifically want to do is build the brand, so we've not given ourselves any specific volume targets in the first three years,' Venter told IOL.
Although the brand aims to sell around 500 units per month within two years, the main objective is to get the right products into the right segments, build the brand and get all the important elements set up correctly.
Changan is a major player on the Chinese market, ranking third in terms of domestic sales in early 2025, behind BYD and Geely.
The importer will follow a similar strategy with its dealer footprint, which is set to kick off with no more than 25 dealers at launch. This will be expanded as volume grows.
Jameel Motors will use established organisations to handle its vehicle and parts logistics, Venter revealed.
'We're not going to try and reinvent the wheel or start everything from scratch and have those teething problems. We are locking into something that's already working to ensure that whatever we supply our dealers and our customers is something that they are used to from legacy brands.'
The brand's fully stocked parts warehouses will be located in Gauteng, but nationwide deliveries will take place on a daily basis, Venter said.
The Changan CS75 Pro will be the first SUV offered locally.
Image: Supplied
Changan has not ruled out producing vehicles in South Africa, but this would depend on future volume growth, Venter said.
Interestingly, the Peugeot Landtrek is based on the Changan Hunter bakkie, which Stellantis plans to build in South Africa. However, Venter said it was unlikely that they would source bakkies from the local Stellantis operation as future versions of the Hunter and Landtrek would see a design divergence.
Venter believes Changan's new styling direction will be particularly suited to South African tastes, as it's contemporary but not too futuristic.
'I think it will be an easy progression from a legacy brand into one of our vehicles, as opposed to jumping completely to something that is too futuristic.'
More information on the new design directions, and upcoming products, will be released closer to launch.
IOL Motoring
