Changan CS55 PLUS

Model Overview

The Changan CS55 PLUS is a C-segment compact SUV series from Changan Automobile. The first-generation CS55 was launched in July 2017 and subsequently evolved through several iterations into the dedicated "CS55 PLUS" lineup. Positioned as a "smart compact SUV for mainstream families", the series centres on striking styling, intelligent connectivity, and strong value for money as its key selling points, forming a "twin-star" product matrix alongside the CS75 PLUS. Over four years of market presence, global cumulative sales of the CS55 series have crossed the 1,000,000-unit milestone across 55 countries, backed by assembly plants in 9 countries, making it Changan's top-selling and most widely distributed export model.

On 25 September 2025, the fourth-generation Changan CS55 PLUS officially went on sale with 4 variants on offer, carrying official guide prices between RM92,900 and RM109,900. Factoring in all-brand trade-in subsidies and limited-time National Day promotional rebates, the actual purchase price drops to between RM78,900 and RM96,900, significantly lowering the barrier of entry for car buyers. In addition, a PHEV (plug-in hybrid) variant is available; the 2026 CS55 PLUS PHEV pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to generate a total system output of 158 kW and 330 N·m of torque, delivering a CLTC pure-electric range of 125 km and a combined cruising range of up to 1,220 km at an official guide price of RM112,900.

Design Language

The fourth-generation CS55 PLUS adopts Changan's latest "Boundless" design language. Up front, the "River Ripple" borderless grille takes centre stage, featuring multi-tiered chrome louvres that create a dynamic water-ripple effect with distinct layered lighting under illumination. Flanking the grille are the "Monument Shadow" LED headlights, offering a high-beam throw of up to 150 metres and low-beam coverage of 55 metres, paired with sleek daytime running light (DRL) strips that boost nighttime road presence. Functional air curtains on the front bumper enhance both aesthetic appeal and aerodynamic efficiency.

In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,550 mm long, 1,868 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall, riding on a 2,656 mm wheelbase—an increase of 20 mm in length and 15 mm in width over its predecessor. A sloping fastback roofline and 19-inch "Bridge Arch Ring Shadow" dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels accentuate its athletic stance. At the rear, the full-width "Bridge Shadow" LED taillight assembly comprises 118 individual LED diodes for optimal visibility in heavy downpours or dense fog, complemented by genuine dual-exhaust tailpipes and a floating roof spoiler to balance sportiness with family practicality.

Inside, the cabin features the "Symbiotic Passion" wraparound layout with the centre console angled 7° towards the driver. Extensive soft-touch materials and refined contrast stitching create an upscale, comfortable ambiance. An openable panoramic sunroof with a physical sunblind is fitted as standard, ensuring plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire fourth-generation CS55 PLUS range is powered by Changan's global-debut New Blue Whale 1.5T engine (code: JL473ZQD) featuring 500-bar ultra-high-pressure direct fuel injection. Incorporating advanced technologies such as ultra-high-pressure direct injection and the Miller cycle, the powerplant produces 141 kW (192 PS) and 310 N·m of peak torque from just 1,500 rpm, matching output figures typical of rival joint-venture 2.0-litre turbocharged engines. The peak torque band spans from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, catering comfortably to low-speed city crawls, highway cruising, and steep hill climbs alike.

Power is sent to the wheels via a New Blue Whale 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), renowned for smooth gear changes and high transmission efficiency. Working alongside the i-EM intelligent energy management system—which actively adapts torque delivery and fuel maps based on traffic jams, cornering, hill climbs, and brake-to-throttle transitions—the SUV achieves a WLTC combined fuel consumption of just 6.9 L/100 km, allowing its 55-litre fuel tank to return a cruising range of close to 1,000 km on the highway. It is also compatible with standard RON 92 petrol.

Meanwhile, the CS55 PLUS PHEV variant runs on the New Blue Whale HE hybrid platform. Here, a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine (70 kW) is paired with an electric drive motor for a combined system output of 158 kW and 330 N·m, mated to an E-CVT. Fast charging is supported (30% to 80% SoC in 32 minutes), fulfilling zero-emission short daily commutes and range-anxiety-free long-distance interstate travel.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the fourth-generation CS55 PLUS rides on MacPherson strut front and multi-link independent rear suspension, continuing Changan's sophisticated chassis setup in the sub-RM100,000 SUV segment. The suspension tuning strikes a fine balance between ride comfort and handling: low-speed damping remains plush, effectively ironing out speed bumps and manhole covers with clean bump absorption, while high-speed damping firms up nicely to keep body motions and cornering body roll neatly checked. The electric power steering (EPS) is light at low speeds and gains reassuring heft at higher speeds for effortless daily driving. Unladen ground clearance stands at 188 mm (167 mm fully laden), offering decent peace of mind over light unpaved trails.

Cabin and Features

The cockpit is anchored by the "Tianshu Smart Cockpit", featuring a dual-screen setup with a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch floating central infotainment touchscreen as standard. Running on Tianshu OS, the system integrates a DeepSeek-powered AI large language voice model capable of natural speech recognition, continuous dialogue, and encyclopaedic queries, effortlessly executing multi-step voice prompts like "set the air-con to 23 degrees and turn on seat ventilation". Smartphone connectivity covers Apple CarPlay, Huawei HiCar, and Carlink, accommodating mainstream mobile devices. A steering column-mounted electronic gear selector replaces the traditional shift lever to free up centre console storage, accompanied by Nappa-pattern leather upholstery, sleek chrome trim, and ambient lighting to elevate cabin refinement.

Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

Driver assistance has received substantial upgrades, with top-tier variants featuring the Tianshu Driver Assistance Vision Edition. The hardware suite comprises an 8MP front-facing camera, 4 HD surround-view cameras, 5 millimetre-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to achieve 540° panoramic environmental monitoring. The system introduces several segment-first capabilities: within HD map coverage, it can autonomously change lanes to overtake slower vehicles or keep clear of heavy lorries (Auto Lane Change - ALC); flicking the indicator stalk triggers automated lane changes once clear (User-Directed Lane Change - UDLC); and cruising speeds adapt automatically according to traffic flow in adjacent lanes.

Active safety highlights include 18 integrated warning and braking features, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), and Door Opening Warning (DOW). Its Lane Centring Control (LCC) can maintain a tight 5-metre following distance at 20 km/h—cutting standard distances in half to prevent aggressive cut-ins during bumper-to-bumper traffic. For parking, the next-gen APA automated parking assist supports onboard auto-park, remote parking, and straight-line remote pull-in/pull-out, slotting into standard bays in just 35 seconds and tackling narrow spaces with ease.

Passive safety is well covered with 6 airbags as standard, paired with Bosch rapid-response crash sensors (0.03-second response time) and an Ark Cage high-strength body structure to protect occupants in a collision. A 540° HD panoramic camera system (with transparent chassis function) and a built-in 360° dashcam are standard across all variants, enhancing everyday driving safety and convenience.

Market Performance and Reception

The Changan CS55 PLUS has maintained a resilient sales track record, clocking 61,767 cumulative units in 2025 and ranking around 32nd in China's competitive compact SUV segment. In February 2026, insurance registrations reached 4,568 units, with a month-on-month drop lower than the industry average, demonstrating firm baseline demand even through seasonal market slowdowns. Geographically, its core sales footprint lies in Southwest, East, and Northwest China, with further growth potential in Southern China.

From owners' feedback, the CS55 PLUS earns solid praise for its powertrain—the 1.5T unit delivers punchy low-end response and brisk acceleration, while its 6.9 L/100 km fuel economy remains a strong selling point. The intuitive dual-screen Tianshu cockpit, dependable Level 2 driver aids, and its attractive post-discount price point under RM80,000 are key factors driving its appeal. Minor critiques mainly highlight relatively slow map navigation updates, noticeable high-speed wind noise, and the desire for ongoing OTA firmware updates to refine infotainment features.

In summary, as the definitive evolution of the CS55 nameplate, the Changan CS55 PLUS continues to hold strong appeal in the RM100,000 compact petrol SUV market. Armed with Changan's "Boundless" design cues, a potent 500-bar direct-injected New Blue Whale engine, end-to-end Tianshu vision-based driving/parking aids, and value-driven pricing, its milestone of over 1,000,000 global sales stands as a clear testament to the model's enduring market appeal.