New Models / 2 April 2026 / Warren Hawkins

New Chinese SUV goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing and features

Chinese carmaker Changan has announced the launch of its newest mid-size SUV, the Uni-S, in South Africa.

It was confirmed for an April launch last month, when the brand announced its intention to compete in the hotly contested local SUV segment.

“It enters the segment not as an alternative, but as the strongest contender of 2026,” declared the carmaker.

“This is not about offering ‘good enough for the price’, it is about completely challenging expectations of what buyers should expect at this level – and then delivering on that.”

Changan has introduced three Uni-S derivatives – the CS, CL, and CE – with prices starting at R389,900.

Features

Each of these has been built on a common platform, measuring 4,500mm long, and offering 475 litres of storage capacity.

Despite this shared foundation, each builds on the former’s offerings to introduce safety, comfort and technology enhancements.

The base-level Uni-S CS features 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting with daytime running lights, and a honeycomb-style front grille.

Inside, drivers can expect to find a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration through an AI Elf voice assistant.

Ventilated front seats are joined by automatic climate control with rear air vents, as well as driver conveniences including an electronic park brake, park simulation video display, rear parking sensors and a 540° panoramic camera system.

In terms of safety features, the CS is well-equipped, featuring ABS, EBD, ESP and Traction Control, Hill Start Assist (HAS), Hill Descent Control (HDC) with auto hold, and front, side and driver/passenger airbags.

The mid-spec CL improves on these with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) – with pedestrian recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go functionality, Integrated Adaptive Cruise (IACC), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA).

Its interior is also upgraded, featuring microfibre leather upholstery, electric driver seat adjustment, rain-sensing wipers, smart high beam control, and heated, folding mirrors.

This model introduces front and rear passenger curtain airbags to improve occupant protection.

Rounding out the Uni-S line-up is the top-of-the-range CE, which sees its wheels upgraded to 19-inch alloy wheels, among other changes.

This derivative adds rear parking sensors, automatic parking assist, and a suite of ADAS features, including Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Rear Collision Warning (RCW).

Inside, the CE features electric passenger seat adjustment, driver seat memory with welcome function, an electric panoramic sunroof with rain-sensing auto-close, an electric tailgate, and an upgraded 8-speaker sound system.

Additional upgrades in this model include auto tilt-down reverse mirrors with memory positioning and illuminated vanity mirrors.

The entire Uni-S range will be available in five colours. These are Black, Putty Grey, Shadow Grey, Flourite Grey, and Moon White.

Powertrain

All three variants have been built on the same platform and share Changan’s award-winning “Blue Whale” engine, which can also be found in the CS75 Pro.

The turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol motor has been married to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, even in the entry-level CS derivative.

Combined, this configuration produces 138kW and 300Nm, which drive the front wheels, and will likely achieve a similar fuel efficiency to the CS75 at 7.5l/100km.