Changan Kaicene Oushan A600

Model Overview

The Changan Oushan A600 is a compact MPV under Changan Kaicene. First introduced in 2018 as a facelifted version of the original Oushan, it was a rebranded model following the Oushan marque upgrade. Positioned as an entry-level family MPV with the tagline of "a 7-seater family car under RM60,000", it focuses on strong value for money, flexible seating configurations, and affordable running costs. The A600 range offers three seating layouts: 5-seater, 6-seater, and 7-seater. Under the bonnet, it comes with either a 1.5L or 1.6L naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 2020 model remains the latest version on sale, retaining only the 1.5L manual variant with a recommended retail price of RM52,900. Major model updates ceased after 2020, and the vehicle has since been phased out of the market.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Changan Oushan A600 carries over the silhouette of the older Oushan while incorporating fresh design cues. The front fascia features a hexagonal radiator grille highlighted by dark trim inserts and full-width chrome accents. Flanking headlights merge seamlessly with the grille for an integrated look, delivering a clean and timeless appearance. The side profile sports straight, functional lines paired with high-profile tyres for a planted stance. At the rear, the standout feature is the continuous full-width light bar—a rather trendy touch for its segment at the time that significantly boosts rear visibility and road presence.

In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 4,475 mm in length, 1,725 mm in width, and 1,685 mm in height, with a 2,680 mm wheelbase, which is standard for a compact MPV. It has a front track of 1,460 mm, a rear track of 1,470 mm, and a fully laden ground clearance of 150 mm. With an approach angle of 18° and a departure angle of 23°, it handles mild rough road conditions with ease.

Inside, the A600 features a wraparound dashboard layout designed for practicality. A key highlight on mid-to-high-spec variants is the dual-screen setup, where the central touchscreen and digital instrument panel sit side-by-side, lending the cabin a tech-forward feel back in the day. The dashboard is constructed from durable hard plastics, matched with a plastic-moulded three-spoke steering wheel that offers manual tilt adjustment. Fabric upholstery comes standard across the range, offering good breathability despite a basic tactile feel. Standard interior conveniences include a front centre armrest and USB charging ports.

Powertrain and Performance

The Changan Oushan A600 is offered with two naturally aspirated engine options—a 1.5L and a 1.6L unit—paired with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission respectively:

1.5L Variant (2020 Model on sale): Powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine (code JL473QF) producing 78.5 kW (107 PS) and 145 Nm of torque, with maximum torque kicking in between 3,500 and 4,500 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission (5MT). It returns an NEDC combined fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km and a top speed of 160 km/h. The fuel tank capacity is 45 litres, running on RON 92 petrol.

1.6L Variant (2018 Model, Discontinued): Powered by a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine delivering 94 kW (128 PS) and 168 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission (6AT). While this automatic option stood out in its class when new, it has since been dropped from the lineup.

Chassis and Handling

The Changan Oushan A600 adopts a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout with MacPherson strut independent suspension at the front and a torsion beam non-independent setup at the rear. This setup is typical for entry-level MPVs, striking a sensible balance between ride stability and rear cabin packaging efficiency. It is equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS), delivering a light steering response that makes city driving and tight parking manoeuvres effortless.

Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, coupled with a conventional manual handbrake. It rides on 185/65 R15 tyres and comes equipped with a space-saver spare tyre. The vehicle has a kerb weight of 1,325 kg and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 1,850 kg.

Cabin and Features

Cabin practicality and seating versatility are the core selling points of the Changan Oushan A600. Thanks to its 2,680 mm wheelbase and tall, boxy roofline, interior legroom and headroom are well-proportioned. Buyers can choose from 5-, 6-, or 7-seater configurations, with the 7-seater adopting a 2-3-2 layout. The second-row seats feature reclining backrests, while the third-row bench folds flat to expand boot capacity.

Infotainment equipment is fairly basic. Mid-to-high-spec variants come with a central touchscreen supporting Bluetooth telephony and smartphone mirroring, whereas base trims do not get a central display. Advanced features like connected car telematics and OTA software updates are omitted across the range. The speaker count is unspecified.

On the comfort front, manual air conditioning is standard across the board, though rear independent air conditioning and dedicated rear AC vents are absent. The second-row seats feature a walk-through design that provides easy passage into the third row. Folding down the rearmost seats significantly expands cargo volume, making it suitable for both family outings and commercial light hauling.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Passive safety: The Changan Oushan A600 only provides a driver's airbag as standard across the range, with the front passenger airbag completely omitted. Front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags are not available. Standard passive safety equipment includes rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS warning), and a driver seatbelt reminder.

Active safety: All variants come standard with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). However, crucial electronic aids such as Brake Assist (BA/EBA), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESP/VSC) are not fitted. Driver assistance features like rear parking sensors and a reverse camera are also missing across the range.

Intelligent driving: The vehicle does not offer any Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS); features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) are unavailable.

Owner Complaints and Quality Issues

Based on data from automotive quality complaint platforms like 12365auto, the Changan Oushan A600 has seen recurrent quality issues, largely concentrated on the 2016–2019 production models:

In terms of owner reviews, an owner of a 2016 Deluxe 7-seater rated the vehicle just 1.0 out of 5 stars. On the upside, they noted: "Spacious interior, acceptable ride comfort, and very fuel-efficient at around 7.0 L/100 km real-world." However, the drawbacks were severe: "Body rust is atrocious; rust started bubbling up within three years. Even after repairs by the 4S dealership, the rust returned within a year. The paint is blistering, the inner panels are rotting away, and flakes of rust keep falling off the underbody." The owner cynically dubbed it "the undisputed champion of rust".

These complaints highlight significant shortcomings in body rust prevention on 2016–2018 models, which prospective buyers must take into account. For the 2020 facelift, there is currently insufficient long-term data to verify whether anti-corrosion treatments were improved.

Market Performance and Overview

Since its introduction in 2018, the Changan Oushan A600 went through several range revisions, trimming down from its original price bracket of RM58,900 to RM84,900 to just a single 1.5L manual variant priced at RM52,900. The vehicle has reached the end of its product lifecycle, with no further updates after the 2020 model, having made way for newer Changan Oushan models like the Cosmos and X70A.

Direct rivals include budget MPVs such as the Wuling Hongguang, Baojun 730, and Dongfeng Fengguang 370. The A600's primary advantages include its rock-bottom RM52,900 entry price, versatile 5/6/7-seater seating options, and an economical 1.5L+5MT powertrain. On the downside, sparse safety gear (single driver airbag, no ESP), a lack of modern in-car tech, and persistent body corrosion issues put it at a notable disadvantage against more robust competitors.

From an ownership perspective, the vehicle's key merits are: an accessible price tag (from RM52,900), practical cabin space for up to 7 occupants, and frugal fuel consumption (around 7 L/100 km). Key drawbacks include: inadequate safety equipment (1 airbag, no ESP), poor anti-corrosion protection (prone to premature body rust and paint bubbling), sluggish performance under full load on hill climbs, and bare-bones cabin amenities (no reverse sensors, no infotainment screen).

Summary

As Changan Kaicene's entry-level family MPV, the Changan Oushan A600 built its appeal around a low entry price of RM52,900, flexible 5/6/7-seater layouts, and a frugal fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km, drawing budget-conscious buyers between 2018 and 2020. Its 1.5L+5MT powertrain is simple and reliable, while the 2,680 mm wheelbase and 7-seater packaging satisfied the basic mobility needs of larger families.

However, safety equipment is a major weak spot—offering only a driver's airbag and lacking stability control (ESP), with virtually no smart tech to speak of. More critically, the widespread underbody rust and body corrosion issues reported on 2016–2018 units severely tarnished its reputation. Following the 2020 model year, updates were discontinued, and the car quietly exited the market as Changan Oushan shifted focus to newer offerings.

For buyers on a strict shoestring budget needing a short-distance runabout who can overlook basic safety equipment, a used A600 could serve as a temporary workhorse. However, prospective buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle for rust, preferably seeking out 2020 or later production units and carefully checking the undercarriage and door sills for corrosion before committing. For those prioritising safety equipment and build durability, alternative rivals in the same price range such as the Wuling Hongguang or Baojun 310W may offer a more dependable package.