Changan A05

Model Overview

The Changan Qiyuan A05 is the second offering from Changan Automobile's digital-intelligent sub-brand, Changan Qiyuan (following the A07), positioned as a C-segment plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sedan. Officially launched on 20 October 2023, the model debuted with an initial official price range of RM89,900 to RM132,900.The "05" nomenclature denotes its C-segment positioning, slotting beneath the brand's flagship A07 executive sedan. Underpinned by Changan's Ark Architecture, the A05 serves as the PHEV sibling to the petrol-powered Eado and Yida. Its primary selling points centre on its "digital AI electric drive, ultra-low fuel consumption, and segment-above smart features," directly taking on rival PHEV family sedans such as the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i, Wuling Starlight, and Geely Galaxy L6. Amid intensifying price wars in the retail market, the net selling price of the 2025 Zhenxiang Edition temporarily dipped below RM70,000 after limited-time incentives.

Design Language

The Changan Qiyuan A05 adopts the brand's signature "Fuguang Aesthetics" design philosophy. The front fascia is defined by a sleek, closed-off grille paired with sharp, slender LED headlights and horizontal lower air intakes, creating a clean profile that blends high-tech styling with the sensible poise of a family sedan.The headlamps feature automatic on/off, adaptive high beam, and follow-me-home delay functions. Along the sides, a sweeping fastback silhouette is paired with chunky, high-profile tyres, delivering a grounded yet dynamic stance.At the rear, full-width LED taillights mirror the front styling, complemented by prominent "NEVO" badging below for strong nighttime visibility. Dimensionally, the sedan measures 4,785 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height, with a 2,765 mm wheelbase and a low drag coefficient of just 0.22 Cd, placing it well within class benchmarks.Inside, the wrap-around cabin features a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel and a steering-column electronic gear selector as standard, ditching the traditional floor-mounted gear lever for a cleaner, minimalist dashboard layout.Mid-to-high-spec variants offer a choice of two-tone brown/black or sunset light grey interior colour schemes.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire Changan Qiyuan A05 lineup is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.5-litre Blue Whale hybrid petrol engine (code: JL469Q1) and a front-mounted electric motor configured in a P1+P3 dual-motor architecture.The petrol engine generates a maximum output of 72 kW (approx. 98 PS) and 125 Nm of peak torque, incorporating high-compression Atkinson-cycle technology, 350-bar direct injection, and a wide-range cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.The electric drive motor is available in two states of tune: a standard-output version delivering 140 kW (190 PS) and a high-output variant producing 158 kW (215 PS), with both generating a peak torque of 330 Nm.Power is sent to the wheels via an E-CVT gearbox. Battery options include 9.07 kWh and 18.4 kWh capacities, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 70 km and 145 km (equivalent to 53 km and 115 km on the WLTC cycle) respectively.The 145 km extended-range variant supports DC fast charging, replenishing the battery from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes—a class-leading charging rate. In terms of performance, the 145 km version completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds onwards to a top speed of 185 km/h, while returning an impressive WLTC combined fuel consumption of just 0.96 L/100km.

Chassis and Handling

In terms of underpinnings, the Changan Qiyuan A05 utilizes a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, equipped with front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension—a standard setup for PHEVs at this price point.The electric power steering system provides three selectable assistance modes; steering effort is lightest in Eco mode while retaining decent directional accuracy.Braking hardware consists of front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, with an electronic parking brake (EPB) standard across the range. Depending on the variant, tyre sizing goes up to 215/55 R17. The chassis tuning is noticeably comfort-biased; the suspension absorbs road expansion joints cleanly and handles gentle undulations with composure. However, over consecutive rumble strips or larger potholes, the rear torsion beam setup struggles to isolate harsher impacts, resulting in a noticeable rebound for rear passengers.The vehicle provides four standard drive modes across the range—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Hybrid/EV—with select variants also offering a customisable individual mode.

Cabin and Features

The Changan Qiyuan A05 comes standard with a portrait-oriented 13.2-inch floating central touchscreen boasting an 88% screen-to-body ratio, powered by an automotive-grade MT8666 processor.Running on Qiyuan OS (built on iFLYTEK Feiyu 4.0), the infotainment system supports AutoNavi navigation, 4G connectivity, OTA remote updates, as well as HUAWEI HiCar and Carlink smartphone screen mirroring.Instrumentation is handled by a standard 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster.For seating, entry-level variants make do with fabric upholstery, while mid-to-high trims upgrade to leatherette; the driver seat features 6-way power adjustment (the front passenger seat remains manually adjustable even on range-topping trims). Creature comforts include single-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, a PM2.5 air filtration system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, an optional panoramic sunroof on higher trims, and ambient lighting. The Zhenxiang Edition adds a dedicated wireless charging tray on the centre console alongside an upgraded air conditioning system.Boot capacity is rated at an ample 450 litres, expandable via split-folding rear seats to meet family road-trip storage requirements.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the Changan Qiyuan A05 is built around the Ark Architecture cage-type energy-absorbing structure, utilizing 77.2% high-strength steel and 1,500 MPa hot-stamped steel on critical structural members such as the A- and B-pillars, reinforced by laser welding along the roof and side panels.Six airbags come standard across all variants, covering dual front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags.Active safety equipment includes standard electronic driver aids such as ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TCS), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).For advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the range-topping 145 Max variant is equipped with Freetech’s ODIN intelligent platform powered by the Horizon Journey 2 chip, providing Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. This includes full-speed Integrated Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), Blind Spot Monitoring/Lane Change Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and a 540-degree panoramic camera with transparent chassis view.The sensor suite consists of a front monocular camera, four surround-view cameras, millimetre-wave radar, and ultrasonic parking sensors. Additional security features include Sentry Mode, geo-fencing, and remote smartphone monitoring.

Market Performance and Verdict

In the Chinese domestic market, sales of the Changan Qiyuan A05 experienced a strong initial surge before tapering off. The model saw its peak in 2024 with 38,397 units delivered, placing 30th in the C-segment sedan market and contributing 29.07% to Changan Qiyuan's total brand volume.However, sales momentum slowed significantly entering 2025, recording a full-year volume of 15,362 units as its segment ranking slipped to 40th.The downtrend intensified in 2026, with cumulative deliveries of only 7 units between January and March, and just 2 units in April—representing a steep 95.1% year-on-year drop.In international markets, the sedan is retailed under the name "Changan Nevo A05" in regions like the Philippines, priced at approximately PHP 1,195,000 (approx. RM152,000), where local media have positioned it as a value-driven alternative to the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Premium.In terms of customer feedback, the car holds a commendable aggregate score of 4.36 out of 5 stars; positive remarks focus on its prompt throttle response, frugal fuel consumption, generous standard equipment, and spacious rear legroom. Conversely, criticisms point towards unrefined damping over rough surfaces, an abundance of hard plastics in the cabin, and minor equipment oversights like the absence of USB Type-C ports.Overall, while the Changan Qiyuan A05 proved crucial in establishing the brand's footprint in the PHEV sedan segment with its stellar efficiency and comprehensive tech suite, it now faces stiff headwinds amidst an increasingly cutthroat market landscape.