In the Chinese car market, which has long entered the "inner volume", the redundancy of the product strength of independent brands has long been a strange thing.
In terms of styling, the appearance design with a sense of science and technology impacts the public's senses, such as the hidden door handle that emerged from the new force of pure electric products, which can now be seen everywhere in the fuel market; in terms of configuration, the 12.8-inch central control screen, the panoramic sunroof can be opened, and even the L2 level driver assistance system and other configurations have gradually descended to 120,000 class models. However, at the power level, it is not easy for independent brands to achieve "redundancy", which has technical and cost reasons, and more importantly, whether car companies are willing to take the initiative to break the deadlock.
Just like the "short track speed skating" competition in the Winter Olympics, if the rear players do not want to be suppressed all the time, they need to break the established rhythm and create a time to transcend. Similarly, Changan Automobile, which has gradually caught up with the "Blue Whale Power", has also made great efforts at the power level of the second-generation CS75PLUS that is "carrying the crown". The standard 8AT of the whole series has once again become the focus of attention of the auto market.
According to the plan, the second-generation CS75PLUS will be officially launched on February 28, and before the listing, Automotive Intelligence New Media had the honor of participating in Early Access. How does the 1.5T+8AT perform? What are the changes of the second-generation CS75PLUS compared to the current model? This test drive experience may give you some reference.
The icing on the cake, the power is fully upgraded
It is undeniable that for a long time before, "1.5T+7DCT" was regarded as the "golden power" in the compact SUV market. Of course, it is not that this power system is really impeccable, but after comprehensively considering production costs, power performance and use economy, it has become the mainstream choice of many car companies.
However, when the CS75PLUS took the lead in matching the Aisin 6AT transmission with higher cost and better smoothness for the 1.5T engine two and a half years ago, it easily stood out from its peers and ranked in the top three positions in the SUV sales list for many years; and when the second-generation CS75PLUS launched the power combination of the blue whale's new generation NE1.5T+ Aisin 8AT, taking a firm step towards "power redundancy", it was undoubtedly more gratifying.
In terms of parameters, the new car still provides two power configurations of 1.5T and 2.0T, both matching Aisin's new generation of 8AT transmissions. Among them, the former's maximum horsepower of 188Ps, maximum torque of 300N·m, comprehensive 100 km of fuel consumption of 6.4L, compared with the current model, in the case of horsepower, torque have been improved, fuel consumption has also dropped by 0.1L/100km. The latter has a maximum horsepower of 233 Ps and a maximum torque of 390 N·m, which is also increased by 30 N·m compared to the current model. The continuous upgrading of the power level shows the sincerity of the second generation of CS75PLUS.
In the test drive, the 1.5T version of the model, which is regarded as the main sales force, has naturally become the focus of the author's attention. In terms of actual driving experience, the starting response of the new car is more sensitive, especially in the speed of 0-60km/h, the power can be released quickly and smoothly; at the same time, the steering feel of the new car is light and moderate, which can bring stronger comfort in low-speed scenes such as reversing and basement. In addition, with the blessing of the combination of front McPherson + rear multi-link suspension, the whole vehicle filters the bumps on the road while bringing strong lateral support, so that the sense of movement and comfort can be better balanced.
Objectively speaking, the blue whale new generation NE1.5T engine itself has a leading parameter advantage over the same level, combined with the smooth and stable innate advantages of Aisin 8AT, as well as Changan Automobile's many years of power tuning experience, it can achieve the icing on the cake. The selling point at the power level may still be one of the "crushing" advantages of the second-generation CS75PLUS.
Handy, the configuration is still intimate
Under the continuous "inner volume" market, private cars have long been not a simple means of transportation, and the addition of vehicle systems and driver assistance systems makes it more like a "smart cockpit". Of course, at the software level, the second-generation Changan CS75PLUS also shows a balanced level of development, bringing one surprise after another in the actual experience.
Sitting in the car, the iconic double 12.3-inch simulcast brings a full sense of technology, clear picture quality and smooth operation feel, fully comparable to mobile terminals, in the realization of navigation, play music and other functions, let you get rid of the dependence on mobile phones. At the same time, the car machine system built based on the Wutong 3.0R ecosystem includes a large number of applications, especially the addition of the car WeChat system, which helps you not miss any important information when driving.
In terms of driver assistance system, the new car is equipped with the IACC+ full-speed segment intelligent cruise system, which can not only realize the functions of lane keeping, active braking/active safety system, but also actively identify the speed limit sign and complete the adaptive cruise under legal and safe conditions. For example, in the high-speed cruising state, the vehicle will actively slow down before the speed limit is lowered, and then actively speed up after passing the speed limit section, which not only ensures the efficiency of traffic, but also avoids violations, thereby reducing the driving intensity of the owner's long-distance driving as much as possible.
In addition, the new car is also equipped with APA + remote control valet parking system, and supports track parking, which has many application scenarios in narrow urban road conditions, and also has fatigue monitoring and warning, just like an "old driver" sitting next to you at all times, reminding you to take a break in time when you are tired driving. Regarding the more personalized Face ID face recognition, intelligent push of children's songs and other "black technology", because the time relationship has not been experienced; but the small surprises brought by the time will undoubtedly bring many conveniences to life.
The fire is pure and the design is stunning
Objectively speaking, as early as the beginning of the current CS75PLUS, it has brought many innovative design elements, such as bezel-less grille, sporty red trim, and even attracted many models to follow suit. On the second generation of CS75PLUS products, you can see more breakthroughs in design.
First of all, the appearance, the new car brought two sets of face shapes, one is a "V-shaped structure" arrangement of the grille shape, which is inlaid with black or gold decoration, which is quite exquisite; there is also a "crystal matrix grid", irregular units are arranged in a suspended manner, showing the sense of technology more vividly. In addition, the through-the-day running lights and the "S" sign that highlights the personality are not absent, and they can be remembered day and night.
As for the rear, the new car has added through taillights and retained high brake lights, which not only improve the texture of the whole vehicle, but also help to improve driving safety when driving at night. In addition, the 1.5T and 2.0T models adopt the exhaust cylinder shape of "bilateral double out" and "double out bilateral total four out" respectively, which is very easy to distinguish even if the rear of the car is not marked with displacement.
In terms of interior, the second-generation Changan CS75PLUS, in addition to retaining the lava red and black color, also provides a more grade sense of starry night black gray and ice crystal blue and white two contrast styles, more suitable for young people's car preferences. In addition, the hidden air conditioner air outlet and touch-type physical buttons have all played a practical role in the minimalist interior design, which makes people feel obvious quality upgrades.
What is even more rare is that in terms of details, the new car provides a certain storage space under the electronic gear handle, which is convenient for placing a backpack or women's high heels; there is also a separate card slot in front of the cup holder, whether it is a temporary road bridge card or a mobile phone, there is no problem. It is not difficult to find that the second generation of CS75PLUS is really trying to "do better", and the continuous improvement of product strength will further consolidate its leading position.
Conclusion: Sincerely speaking, after test driving the second-generation CS75PLUS, it is difficult for the author to imagine any reason for it to "not sell well". Referring to the previously announced pre-sale price of 127,900 yuan - 154,900 yuan, the second generation of CS75PLUS has brought more perfect product performance in the case of a roughly unchanged price range, and in the face of such an "ideal" product, which consumer will refuse to consider it?