Beyond tomorrow, or tomorrow
Photo: Zeng Zhiqi
Edit: Mei Mei
The first-generation CS75PLUS, which was launched in 2019, started with the slogan of tomorrow's car.
What is tomorrow's car? According to the manufacturer, the first generation of CS75PLUS is a car that can meet the needs of users in the next few years. In this regard, the market has also given recognition. The data shows that in the more than two years since its listing, the cumulative sales of the first-generation CS75PLUS have exceeded 450,000 vehicles.
Recently, Changan Automobile listed the second-generation CS75PLUS, priced at 124,900-15.49 million yuan, still playing the slogan of tomorrow's car. Compared with the first generation of CS75PLUS, which already has a high product strength, how about the second generation of CS75PLUS?
Combined with the recent test drive, the author shares some experiences for the reference of riders.
01
The front face is more recognizable, and the interior is more advanced
The styling design of the first generation of CS75PLUS, which originally had a high level, blended fashion with the toughness of the SUV. Compared with the first-generation CS75PLUS, the body posture of the second-generation CS75PLUS has not changed significantly, and the body proportions still reflect the atmospheric visual sense. The obvious change lies in the front face design, with the decorative parts.
Among them, the front face design change is the most obvious. Objectively speaking, the front face design of the first generation of CS75PLUS is already very good, while the second generation of CS75PLUS has used a new idea to provide two sets of front face design: one is the whale tail hitting wave grille, and the other is the crystal matrix grille.
The model I drove this time adopts a whaletail wave grille, and the V-shaped element is derived from the LOGO of Changan Automobile. Frankly speaking, the first glance at the whale tail wave grille, the author feels that it is somewhat incongruous, but after looking at it a few times, I also found that the new grille design gives people a more atmospheric visual sense, and the application of the material also reflects the sense of refinement.
As for the crystal matrix grille, it continues the front face design of Changan Automobile's UNI series, which looks less novel, but also looks exquisite. According to official information, the optional crystal matrix grille is available at an additional cost.
Compared with the first-generation CS75PLUS, the interior styling design of the second-generation CS75PLUS does not look particularly large, and the entire center console is still a design that is biased to the driver's side. However, the interior texture of the new car has improved, mainly because it has changed a lot of details.
The first is that the level of the center console is richer, and the horizontal hidden air outlet is also more advanced. Secondly, although it is also a dual screen, the second-generation CS75PLUS dual screen is more prominent, and the high-end model provides a windshield HUD, which further enhances the sense of premium.
The new car is available in three interior colors, and the author's test drive is a red and black interior, which reinforces the sense of sportiness. However, in contrast, the author prefers the new blue and white interior, which looks better in texture. However, official information shows that the optional blue and white interior also has to pay a certain fee.
In addition, the model of the test drive is a top-of-the-line model, equipped with SONY audio, and the sound quality is quite OK. Coupled with valet parking, gesture control, facial recognition, parallel line assistance, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, road traffic sign recognition, full-speed adaptive cruise, etc., the configuration of the second-generation CS75PLUS continues to be rich.
02
The power of the 8AT and 2.0T models is invincible
The first-generation CS75PLUS also came with an 8AT, but only to the 2.0T model; the second-generation CS75PLUS implemented the 8AT in its entire range, including the 1.5T model.
In the same class of models, the whole series is equipped with 8AT, except for the second-generation CS75PLUS, there is no other home. The author believes that this is also the second generation of CS75PLUS known as tomorrow's car, the embodiment of the powertrain.
As for the experience of the 1.5T model with 8AT, interested car users can look at the previous evaluation video of "Car Industry Miscellaneous". The model of this test drive is a 2.0T+8AT version, and the author will focus on it.
For a compact SUV with a vehicle mass of 1670kg, the 171kW, 390N·m 2.0T engine performance is obviously enough. Perhaps because of this, Changan Automobile's engineers have made differentiated adjustments to it.
The rapid power output of the first stage of the new car's throttle means that in most urban conditions, it can give people a strong experience. Compared with the same class of models, although the power output of the middle and rear section of the new car's throttle is also strong, it is weaker than the performance in the early stage of the throttle. Obviously, this is not because the power reserve of the 2.0T engine is not enough, the author speculates that this is more due to the tuning orientation of fuel economy, and does not want it to become a "manic" performance car to meet the needs of the family.
The new car has comfortable feet on the throttle and brakes, a compact steering wheel, and a light handling. The overall sense of the chassis is good, which belongs to the tough adjustment orientation, which is conducive to stability and slightly sacrificed riding comfort. Compared with the excellent powertrain, the chassis comfort of the new car may have room for improvement.
Write at the end
In the Chinese brand car industry, there are few models that have been selling well, and one of the reasons I think is that it is difficult for them to surpass their past selves. Compared with joint venture models, continuous upgrading and modification to meet or even exceed the needs of current users is a path to become a best-selling car.
For the family car market, the second-generation CS75PLUS has completed another upgrade and once again exceeded the needs of users. It's not a perfect car, but it's also worth recommending as a family car.