Inchcape launches Changan Auto with 2024 X7 Plus seven seater

Visitors to Bonifacio High Street over the weekend may have noticed that there was an automobile marque that was making its presence felt. It was impossible to miss because they are going big from here on out.

Changan Auto Philippines, now under the umbrella of new distributor Inchcape Philippines, is driving forward in a big way in the market with its huge brand launch at Bonifacio Global City’s Fifth Avenue this past Saturday. Headlining the event were Inchcape executives headed by Chief Executive Officer Alex Hammett and Chief Operating Officer Francis Ang, along with industry veteran Maricar Parco leading the Changan brand.

In its traditional Chinese form, Chang-an means lasting safety, and that’s what the brand is bringing forth into the market with its range of models. The brand’s focus on research and product development makes it a competitive marque in the Philippine market by giving customers advanced driving solutions such as technology and safety at attainable prices. As such, Changan Auto has been consistently topping J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study (IQS) for 5 consecutive years from 2019 to 2023.

To flex this capability and market strength, Changan turned BGC into a veritable showroom by bringing their entire line up for the event with the affordable Alsvin sedan, the attractive turbocharged duo of the CS35 Plus and CS55 Plus, as well as the futuristic Uni-K and Uni-T.

The big reveal at the event was undoubtedly the X7 Plus. This seven-seater crossover is a promising model for the Philippine market given the popularity of three-row models that can accommodate the whole family.

The X7 Plus gets the very best equipment from Changan. The exterior features the jewel grille, Changan’s signature LED headlamps, striking LED taillights, 19” wheels that mimic the design of a turbine, front and rear disc brakes, a power sunroof, and many more.

Inside, the X7 Plus is specced by Changan to offer a premium driving and riding experience with leather power-adjustable seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, a leather steering wheel with various control buttons, a power steering system that can be adjusted to your liking, a 7” driver display, and a massive 12.3” touchscreen infotainment system. The second row can fold down with a 60:40 split, while the third row has a 50:50 split and presents a flat load space for cargo if needed.

Powering the X7 Plus is a 1.5L turbo petrol engine that makes a very impressive 185 PS and 300 Nm of torque. That makes it one of the best-performing 1.5L turbo engines in the class. The transmission is a 7-speed dual clutch driving the front wheels with Eco, Sport, and Normal drive modes. For safety, the X7 Plus has 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, TPMS, a 360 camera, and many more.

The X7 Plus will retail for PHP 1,580,000, but customers can avail of a special discount for a limited time that brings the price to PHP 1,500,000.

Changan also held a preview of the S7 EV crossover SUV. They’re not launching it yet, but when they do it will be a very promising model for the growing EV segment in the Philippines.