Changan unveils 2 new SUVs – And they’re coming to South Africa

The Chinese carmaker Changan has just unveiled two new SUVs, the Deepal S05 REEV and the Changan Uni-S HEV, which will go on sale in South Africa before the end of the year.

Changan is one of many car brands featuring at this year’s Festival of Motoring, which is taking place in Gauteng this weekend at the Kyalami Raceway in Midrand, Gauteng.

The carmaker and its local distributor, Jameel Motors South Africa, said that the two new vehicles represent the brand’s next step in the country’s fast-growing new-energy-vehicle segment.

“We felt the Festival of Motoring was the perfect event to unveil our next generation of vehicles: a stylish pair of SUVs with strong road presence,” said Marinus Venter, Country Manager, Jameel Motors South Africa.

As a refresher, Changan launched in South Africa in October 2025 with four vehicles, including the entry-level Alsvin sedan, the CS75 Pro family SUV, the Hunter double-cab bakkie, and the Deepal S07 electric crossover.

This was later followed up with the release of the Uni-S SUV, and the brand is now preparing to launch the Uni-S HEV and the S05 REEV, both of which will hit showrooms in November 2026.

Changan Uni-S HEV

The Uni-S midsize SUV made its debut in South Africa in April this year, featuring four derivatives that all share a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

The new HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) brings fresh styling details with a unique front grille, and a drivetrain that is more powerful while consuming less fuel.

It combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, which generates 110kW and 220Nm, with an electric motor that can produce 166kW and 290Nm.

Changan did not reveal the combined power stats, though it did state that the vehicle achieves an average fuel consumption of just 4.0l/100km.

For reference, the standard Uni-S develops 138kW and 300Nm while consuming 7.0l/100km, so the hybrid will be considerably more powerful while nearly halving the SUV’s thirst.

As for other aspects of the vehicle, the company said it will have a full Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning, as well as a 540-degree HD camera.

The cabin has microfibre leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The driver’s seat has six-way electronic adjustability, while the front passenger has four-way manual adjustability.

It also has a 12.8-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 15W wireless charger.

The SUV will be made available in five exterior colours: white, black, Putty Grey, Shadow Grey and Fluorite Grey, with a choice of red or black interior trim.

The top-spec CE model will also have additional features like 19-inch alloy wheels, eight speakers, blind spot detection, lane change assist, reverse cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, an electric tailgate, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.

The Uni-S HEV will be sold with a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan when it launches in South Africa in November.

Deepal S05 REEV

The other car coming to South Africa this year is the Deepal S05 REEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle), joining the range alongside the fully-electric S07.

The key distinction between the two powertrains is that the REEV has an engine, though it still drives like an EV.

This is because the engine, a 1.5-litre petrol block, is used as a generator to charge a 72kWh battery which, in turn, powers a single electric motor with 160kW and 320Nm.

The advantage of a REEV is that it can be used like an EV with 200km of range thanks to its large battery, but it also has the range of a combustion engine vehicle thanks to its “generator.”

Changan said the S05 has a range of over 1,000km when both the battery and fuel tank are topped up. Charging the battery externally takes just 20 minutes using a DC fast charger.

“A REEV has lower running costs and a smaller environmental footprint, when compared with a more traditional HEV, but without sacrificing the way the car drives,” said Chelsy Pinto, General Manager of Marketing and Product, Jameel Motors South Africa. 

“The main difference is in how the engine and electric motors work together, with the engine acting as a generator for the battery only and never powering the wheels. We’re excited about launching the Deepal S05 REEV in South Africa as we believe it has a place in the South African market where range anxiety is a real thing.” 

Inside, it will have faux leather upholstery, a 15.4-inch “Sunflower” infotainment screen with wireless smartphone connectivity, a 14-speaker stereo, a 50W charging pad, and automatic climate control.

It also has heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar support, an electric tailgate, a panoramic skylight, and an augmented reality head-up display.

Driving aids include a 540-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a Level 2 ADAS suite.

It will be backed by a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 5-year/90,000km maintenance plan, and an 8-year battery warranty.