The Chinese automotive invasion gains a major new player as Changan officially rolls into South Africa. Leading the charge is the Changan Alsvin, a compact sedan designed to be the brand’s affordable entry point into the competitive local market.
The Alsvin is just one of five models Changan is introducing, a lineup that includes the CS75 Pro SUV, the Hunter bakkie, and the all-electric Deepal S07. But for budget-conscious buyers, the Alsvin is where the story begins.
Two Models, Two Personalities
The Alsvin lands in two distinct flavours, catering to different needs and budgets:
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Alsvin CS: This is the base model, powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 74 kW and 135 Nm, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. It’s the frugal choice, with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.8 L/100km.
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Alsvin CE: Stepping up to the range-topper gets you a larger 1.5-litre engine with 78 kW and 145 Nm. More importantly, it swaps the manual for a five-speed dual-clutch automatic. Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.9 L/100km.
Pricing and Peace of Mind
Changan is playing aggressively on price to establish a foothold. The Alsvin undercuts many rivals in the entry-level segment.
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Changan Alsvin 1.4L CS MT – R238,000
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Changan Alsvin 1.5L CE AT – R271,200
Both models are backed by a solid five-year/150,000 km warranty. The CE variant sweetens the deal by adding a five-year/75,000 km service plan as standard, a valuable inclusion for cost-conscious owners.
What Do You Get for Your Money?
The Alsvin CS is far from a barebones offering. Standard features include:
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A 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
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A multifunction steering wheel
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Reverse camera and rear parking sensors
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LED daytime-running lights
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Dual airbags and ABS
The CE variant builds on this with several key convenience upgrades, adding an electric sunroof, automatic headlights, cruise control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
With a 390-litre boot, the Alsvin also promises practical everyday usability for families or those who need to carry more than just groceries.
The arrival of the Alsvin signals a new, value-packed choice for South Africans. It combines a modern design, a respectable features list, and a compelling price tag, making the budget car segment more interesting than it has been in years.
{Source: CarMag}
