Changan Motor Philippines is set to launch the CS55 Plus, a new compact crossover, if the teasers on their social media accounts is any indication.
Officially, Changan Philippines hasn’t revealed any information on the CS55 Plus, but their teaser post (see below) shows a parking slot with the numbers, “55” on it and the caption that reads, “Special reservation.” This points to an imminent launch in the next few weeks. Previously, a lightly camouflaged version of the compact SUV was also spotted being driven on local roads.
Measuring in at 4,515 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height (wheelbase is at 2,656 mm)—the CS55 Plus slots between the CS35 Plus and CS75 Plus in the Changan line-up. Style-wise, it gains the family look with the large grille with a lattice-like insert and long, narrow headlights. It also has a spattering of red accents for that sporty vibe.
Like the CS35 Plus and CS75 Plus before it, the CS55 Plus carries its youthful vibe inside with the black/red interior combination. It also mixes a bit of Peugeot influences with its ultra-compact square-shaped steering wheel and an instrument binnacle mounted on top of the dashboard. It also has full digital instrumentation and a large tablet-style infotainment screen.
In other global markets, the CS55 Plus has a long list of standard features include LED exterior lighting, a sunroof, 19-inch rims, Apple CarPlay (finally), a full suite of airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, a 360-degree camera, and advanced driver aids including forward collision alert with automatic braking, and lane departure warning.
Given the current tax structure of vehicles sourced from China, Changan Motor Philippines will likely bring in the 1.5-liter turbocharged version of the CS55 Plus. With its Blue Core NE series engine, it makes a healthy 185 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. This is then mated to a 7-speed dual clutch driving the front wheels.
As for pricing, it’s very likely that Changan Philippines will position the CS55 Plus between the top-of-the-line CS35 Plus (P 1,169,000) and the CS75 Plus (P 1,379,000). There’s actually enough of a price spread (P 210,000) to introduce at least two variants which could possibly be the Luxury and the Elite. If that’s the case, the CS55 Plus will find itself competing against the likes of the Geely Coolray, MG ZS T, and the Ford Territory for Chinese small SUV supremacy.
Keyword: Changan PH Set To Launch CS55 Plus: Rival To Ford Territory, Geely Coolray