As early as 2019, when even "new crown" was still a non-existent word, Changan launched the CS75 PLUS model. It is not difficult to see from this "Apple-style" naming that this model will exist as a more advanced form compared to the CS75 of the same class. Of course, the volume of model level and higher-level product strength also allows Changan CS75 PLUS to have a good market performance, even now it still maintains a monthly sales performance of 13,000-16,000 vehicles. However, at that time, Changan applied more energy to the UNI series, so the Changan CS75 PLUS of the volume seemed to be somewhat obscure. Until December 2021, Changan CS75 PLUS ushered in a mid-term restructuring.
Although the official name is the second generation of Changan CS75 PLUS, the car is essentially a mid-term modification of the current CS75 PLUS, and the reason why it is called "second generation" is mainly to distinguish between the current Changan CS75 and CS75 PLUS sold in the same house, not the traditional definition of the replacement. Of course, even if it is a mid-term redesign, the second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS is still relatively obvious in terms of product strength improvement, not only providing a new dual front face styling design, but also a certain improvement in power parameters compared with the current model, and the 8AT gearbox that was previously only equipped on the 2.0T model has also been lowered to the 1.5T model.
Key takeaways:
1· The power parameters of the 1.5T model have been slightly improved, and the 8AT gearbox has been replaced, and the power output has been smoother.
2· The new design language of the double front face is very "UNI", and the overall style is more restrained and low-key than the current model.
3· The technology configuration has been further improved, and a camera integrating FACE ID and AI fatigue monitoring and early warning functions has been added.
■ 8AT gearbox makes power delivery smoother
The second generation of Changan CS75 PLUS provides Blue Whale's new generation of 1.5T/2.0T engine two power options, the gearbox is matched with Aisin 8-speed manual transmission, and the power parameters have a certain increase compared to the current model. Previously, we had test-driven the 2.0T model of the second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS, so our focus on this test drive was the 1.5T model.
The second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS 1.5T model has upgraded the new generation of Blue Whale NE 1.5T engine, with a maximum power of 138 kW and a peak torque of 300 N·m, which is 7 kW and 35 N·m higher than the current 1.5T version. Most importantly, the gearbox was directly replaced by the Aisin 6AT and offered a total of four driving modes: Normal (Normal), ECO (Economic), Sport (Sport) and Custom.
Although the second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS 1.5T model in this test drive is not as good as the 2.0T model in the book data, it can also meet the needs of daily urban driving, the process of starting to accelerate in normal mode is very light, and the adjustment of throttle and brake is also quite linear. Of course, the disadvantage of small displacement is the lack of staying power, but the second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS 1.5T model is not laborious when driving on urban roads, and the easy and smooth driving experience is more suitable for traveling in the city.
The aisin 8AT gearbox of this upgrade is still diligent and obscure, and the comfort brought by excellent smoothness is still its more pleasing place, which is also in line with the overall home-oriented product positioning of Changan CS75 PLUS. Of course, if you want to pursue more intense driving, you may wish to switch to sport mode through the driving mode knob, at which point the instrument will become a red sports theme, and the gearbox shift logic will be further delayed, so that the engine can be kept around 2000 rpm for better power response.
The second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS uses a front McPherson independent suspension + rear multi-link independent suspension, which is more common in the same class. From the perspective of adjustment, the suspension of the second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS is more appropriate for the size of the road surface vibration and bump handling, which will not have much impact on the riding comfort, but the relatively soft adjustment also makes the new car slightly insufficient in lateral support when cornering at high speed.
The relatively light steering of the second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS is friendly for everyday driving, while the directivity is also typical of the home SUV style, and the non-control orientation is clear enough. In addition, when the driving mode is switched, the steering power of the vehicle will also switch, and the difference is more obvious than the power.
■Double front face brand new design language is "UNI"
As a mid-term redesign, the second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS has also undergone obvious changes in design compared to the current model, and the larger forward grille adopts a borderless design language similar to the Changan UNI series, but the dark gold detail decoration and more straight lines are obviously converged a lot, but the overall recognition is still very high.
The front grille of the changan CS75 PLUS two styling styles has appeared as early as the current model, while the second-generation model provides a design with an internal structure of "V" type and polygonal dot matrix for consumers to choose, which is more exquisite than the current model, and the visual effect is more widely used in a variety of car scenes.
The change of headlights is also very obvious, and the through-line light group design is more integrated, as if extended from the middle light strip, which further enhances the horizontal visual tension. It is worth mentioning that the central light strip of the new model is no longer single, in addition to the upper light strip, it also has decorative patterns for embellishment, which further enhances the exquisite sense and recognition of the front face. In addition, the triangular heat dissipation openings on both sides of the front bumper have also been redesigned, and the inside of the opening runs through the wheel arches, which plays a role in diverting wind and reducing turbulence, and the overall combination makes the new car show a very modern atmosphere.
The side of the body of the second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS has hardly changed, mainly because the decorative strip above the side skirt has added a more low-key dark gold color scheme. Of course, the red color scheme has also been retained, but I personally feel that the dark gold trim is more coordinated than the red. As for the body size, the new car length, width and height are 4700/1865/1710mm, and the wheelbase is 2710mm, which is only about 10mm in length compared to the current 1.5T model, while the rest of the data is consistent.
The rear change of the second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS is not as large as the front face, and the overall silhouette is still the appearance of the current model, especially the rear spoiler and high brake lights that are well recognized above have been continued. The most obvious difference between the new model and the current model is the use of new through taillights, especially its internal structure is more refined.
■ The scientific and technological configuration has been further improved
The interior changes of the second generation of Changan CS75 PLUS are not large, more reflected in the design layout and the improvement of the sense of refinement, the center console has added a similar integrated air outlet design, and the one-button start button and block area after the adjustment are also more advanced. In addition, the new car is covered with a large area of soft materials and leather, and some high-end models also have a touchpad in front of the co-pilot, which can create an atmosphere such as incoming calls and welcomes, and adjust functions such as volume.
The full LCD instrument + central control touch screen adopts a double 12.3-inch dual screen design, and uses the ultra-long integrated curved surface without crease process, which further enhances the overall sense of science and technology. In addition, three-frame multi-function steering wheel, electronic barrier, SONY speaker, front mobile phone wireless charging and other configurations have appeared on the second generation of Changan CS75 PLUS. In terms of vehicles, the new car is equipped with the Wutong Vehicle Connection System, which operates smoothly, has a beautiful and practical UI interface design, and also supports common Internet of Vehicles, navigation, voice control and rich application stores. Among them, the initial wake-up word of the voice control system is "Hello Xiaoan", and the user can realize functions such as information query, foreign language translation, window opening/skylight ventilation and so on through voice control.
It is worth mentioning that there is also a camera above the steering wheel pillar of the new car, which can perform face recognition after the driver gets on the car, and adjust the seat to the previous setting. In addition, cameras on the steering wheel will monitor the driver's status while driving in real time. When it is found that the driver is receiving a phone call, deviating from the line of sight, and other actions that will produce an image of safety, the system prompts through voice, and even detects whether the driver's attention is concentrated through a "virtual call".
In terms of seats, the second-generation Changan CS75 PLUS still adopts a one-piece leather seat with a sporty shape, and configurations such as seat electric adjustment and front side airbags will also appear on the new car; as for the rear, the seats are relatively flat, the backrest also supports 4/6 ratio reclining, and is equipped with a cup holder central armrest, air conditioning outlet, USB interface, etc., which can ensure the comfort of rear passengers.
Since there is no significant change in body size and wheelbase, the new car also performs the same spatially as the current model. The 180cm experiencer enters the front row, adjusts the seat to the lowest, and there is still 2 fingers of head space; the front seat remains still, and the experiencer enters the back row, and his head still has 2 fingers free, and there is still 2 punches in the legs. In addition, the central bulge in the rear is not obvious, which also ensures the comfort of the passengers in the middle of the rear.
■ Say at the end
Changan "likes the new" but is not "tired of the old", while the UNI series further implements rejuvenation and enhances influence, it has not forgotten the CS75 PLUS, which is the backbone of sales. After the mid-term overhaul, we also saw a "more mature" model. Whether it is a new design language or a more high-tech configuration, the product strength of the second generation of Changan CS75 PLUS has been further strengthened. The application of the 8AT gearbox to the main sales of the 1.5T model also makes the driving and riding experience also highlight a "stability". It can be said that for the sales of CS75 PLUS, Changan's promotion is not radical, but through the "precipitation" of continuous improvement, to ensure its position in the entire family.