Is the Changan CS35Plus a good car for the price?

In my opinion, the Changan CS35Plus is a decent option for the price. It's got a solid build quality, comfortable interior, and good fuel efficiency. However, the price point is steep, and you may find better deals elsewhere.

What are the biggest drawbacks of the Changan CS35Plus?

The biggest drawbacks for me are the price and the limited guarantee options. Additionally, some users have reported jerky gear shifts, and Russianization can be a challenge.

Is the Changan CS35Plus easy to drive?

Yes, the Changan CS35Plus is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the comfortable interior makes it a pleasure to drive. However, some users have reported that the gear shifts can be a bit jerky at times.

What kind of customer support does Changan offer?

Changan's customer support could be more responsive, especially for international customers. However, they do offer some online resources and a dedicated customer support team.

Is the Changan CS35Plus a good option for those on a budget?

The Changan CS35Plus may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. While it's a decent car, the price point is steep, and you may find better deals elsewhere.

Can I Russianize the Changan CS35Plus?

Yes, Russianization is possible, but it can be a challenge. You may need to seek the help of a professional or consult with the dealership for guidance.

What kind of features does the Changan CS35Plus have?

The Changan CS35Plus has a range of features, including a comfortable interior, good fuel efficiency, and a solid build quality. However, it may not have as many features as some other models in the same price range.

Is the Changan CS35Plus a good option for families?

The Changan CS35Plus may be a good option for families, especially those who value comfort and ease of use. However, it's essential to consider the price point and the limited guarantee options before making a decision.

How does the Changan CS35Plus compare to other models in its price range?

The Changan CS35Plus holds its own against other models in its price range. It's got a solid build quality, comfortable interior, and good fuel efficiency. However, some users have reported that it may not have as many features as some other models.

Changan CS35Plus Review: A Decent Option for the Price

I recently traded in my trusty 2020 Hyundai Solaris for a brand new Changan CS35Plus, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. With 4 years of driving experience under my belt, I was eager to see how this Chinese import would stack up.

After weeks of deliberation, I finally settled on the CS35Plus over the Elantra, which I'd imported from China. The lack of a guarantee and the unusual engine for our region were major concerns, but I'm glad I made the switch.

The biggest drawback for me is the price - it's steep, but for 2-2.3 million rubles, I couldn't find another decent option.

The Changan EADO has some major flaws, like noticeable jerks when shifting gears, and you'd need to separately Russianize the car. The Chevrolet Monza, with its big screen, can't be Russianized or duplicated on your phone, and the guarantee only lasts 15 days.

The Omoda looks nice, but inside, the sedan is more comfortable than the more expensive crossover. But it's not quite right.

You can check the specs on any website, but I've got the Changan CS35Plus New, 2024 model, automatic, 1.4-liter engine with 150 horsepower, Tech trim.

Interestingly, the guarantee for this car is mostly 3 years for separate parts, up to 5 years. The clever Chinese have made a few exceptions in the guarantee.

I gave it 18 out of 20 points.

The car itself isn't the most modern-looking, it's pretty understated. Unfortunately, the color options aren't as wide as they are on more expensive models. I went with dark gray without hesitation.

When I took it to the dealer for a paint job, they managed to mess it up. There's a big scrape on the hood that they covered up with a layer of clear coat. And when I got it home, I found air bubbles in the lacquer. To make matters worse, there were orange stains on the roof liner from the adhesive they used. Apparently, this is a common problem with Changans.

I've noticed that the base of the vehicle is already showing signs of rust after just a week of owning it, which is pretty concerning. Apparently, they don't apply any anti-corrosion treatment to the base, that's an extra service they offer.

The interior of the car is really stylish and comfortable, with a ton of features. Unfortunately, they only offer one trim level in our region, so you get everything or nothing.

I'm really loving the massive sunroof - it's a great feature. And the rear seat has a nice little tray for cups and snacks.

One thing that caught me off guard was the wireless charging pad. It's a total gimmick, and it puts out a ridiculously weak charge. I've found that when I'm using the phone's screen mirroring feature on a long drive, the battery just drains instead of charging. But, when I put the phone in my car's wireless charging dock, it charges up super fast.

I have to say, charging via cable is still the fastest way to go.

One thing I liked was the ability to customize the dashboard layout. The rearview camera is a great feature, especially when driving at night – it makes navigating much easier.

For Android Auto, you'll need to download a screen mirroring app from the internet and set it up on your phone. Make sure to switch to landscape mode on your phone, and the display on your car's screen will be more comfortable to view. Unfortunately, the basic navigation system leaves a lot to be desired.

I didn't bother to get an adapter to customize the multimedia system for Android Auto.

I've found that a full tank of gas in the Solyaris lasts around 600 kilometers, while a 35-liter tank lasts around 500 kilometers. To get the best fuel efficiency, I've found that driving at around 90 km/h is the sweet spot – it's the most economical speed for fuel consumption. The fuel tank lid is a bit stiff to open.

The handling on the road is great, and I really like the high seating position. The lack of lumbar support in the seat isn't ideal for long trips, though - my husband found it uncomfortable. It accelerates quickly, and on the highway, it handles potholes smoothly, almost like a magic carpet ride.

Occasionally, it stalls for a few seconds, which can be a problem at intersections with roundabouts.

I was pleasantly surprised by the adaptive cruise control. You can set a distance between vehicles, and the car will follow the one in front. When it's time to pass, the car will slow down smoothly. It takes some getting used to, but it's great for maintaining a safe distance.

The trunk opens easily, but closing it requires some effort - you need to use your hands. On the fully-loaded trim, there are covers in place of the automatic trunk closure buttons, which is a bit confusing.

The trunk itself is smaller than expected, and it's separated from the cabin by a curtain. You can hear every creak and groan from inside.

The roof rails are purely decorative, and the manufacturer doesn't recommend installing a roof box or bike rack on them.

The electric parking brake engages with a pretty sharp sound. And to be honest, the car's sound insulation isn't that great.

I've noticed that sometimes the dashboard lights up at different speeds - either in 5 seconds or 20. Honestly, as long as it's consistent, I'm good with either option. But if it's not, it feels like there's a problem with the electrical system.

After 4 months of use, the dashboard lights went out. Luckily, resetting the fuse fixed the issue, and I hope it was just a one-time thing.

I've had a few instances where the car wouldn't recognize my phone via the USB cable (charging worked, updated the software, checked on two phones). I had to schedule a visit with the electrician, but by the time he came, the issue had resolved itself.

The rain sensor works pretty well only when it's a light drizzle.

Initially, the fuel consumption was around 20 liters per 100 km in the city, which was a bit concerning. But after the first 1,000 km, the car's appetite for fuel decreased, and it's now closer to what the seller promised. On the highway at 90-100 km/h, I'm seeing around 6.5 liters per 100 km.

The leather seats can get pretty hot in the summer, and there's no ventilation, so you'll definitely feel the heat.

In dirty weather or after washing the car, I've noticed that dirt and suds tend to accumulate on the inner surface of the rear doors - something I've never experienced before.

Living down south, our winters are all about mud and frost – but every now and then, we get some serious cold snaps with temps dipping to -15°C and 10cm of snow. Thankfully, this car handles snow just fine without any issues. I get that it's not a 4x4, so don't expect miracles. Starting the engine in the cold is a breeze.

Speaking of cold, the winter features like heated seats, windscreen, and mirrors are a nice touch – but, sadly, no heated steering wheel. There's no washer fluid level sensor, so you'll need to check it yourself under the bonnet. The washer fluid reservoir is a whopping 1 liter – a far cry from the 4 liters in my old Sollers SsangYong Korando.

After purchasing, I noticed a creak in the area where the rearview mirror attaches – but it disappeared after the dealer replaced the roof lining under warranty.

Maintenance is a must every year or 10,000 km, and it'll set you back around 15-25,000 rubles. Even the zero-km service is paid.

I've had to replace a tire or two, and, funnily enough, in some cases, you can swap a damaged tire for a new one.

The spare tire is tiny – almost microscopic.

I've got to say, my overall experience with this car has been pretty positive, but there are some issues that don't quite add up to its price tag. It's definitely worth considering. I hope that in a few years, this brand will have the same level of trust as Hyundai and Kia did when they first entered the market.

Compared to the Solarius, this car is definitely more agile and powerful, but personally, I'm not a fan of the leather seats. The multimedia system also has some glitches, just like Hyundai's. That being said, I have to give credit where credit is due - I was never satisfied with Hyundai's multimedia system in the past, and Chang'an's is actually better in some ways. The navigation and media player take a bit longer to load, and they can be a bit finicky at times.

Unlike the Solarius, there have been a few times when I've thought about returning the car within the first 15 days, but I don't see any alternative options out there.

I'd love to see a car with less electronics, but better build quality in terms of things like the LKQ, interior plastics, upholstery, and a proper cargo compartment divider. I'd also appreciate a more pleasant interior noise level, anti-corrosion protection in the base model, and the works.

I bought it for 2,278,000 rubles, which was probably the least customized configuration available. The only extras I got were floor mats and tinted windows. I think offers below 2 million for this car are potentially scams. The local dealership called my husband and invited him to come take a look at the car for 1,800,000 rubles, and all he had to do was bring his passport, SNILS, and INN. All these low prices are just a way to upsell you on things like insurance and other services.