2024 Changan CS15 Now In PH, Priced From Just P799K

Changan Auto Philippines is entering the small crossover SUV segment with its most compact offering to date, the 2024 Changan CS15. Aimed at the likes of the Geely GX3 Pro and Toyota Raize, the CS15 sets itself apart with its striking looks, comprehensive interior features, and affordable price tag.

Vehicles in this segment tend to prioritize the value equation too much with style often taking a back seat, but with the 2024 Changan CS15, designers have done a good job of incorporating a sense of style into what is supposedly one of its most affordable models. There’s a tall and wide grille that’s flanked by sleek halogen headlights, while the LED daytime running lights add a bit of presence to its front fascia. Complementing the bold fascia is a set of 17-inch wheels that fit extremely well within those wheel arches. At the back, a black trim piece connects the two taillights, in which the taillights themselves are also housed in a black panel to create a clever visual separation for each lighting element.

But perhaps the most striking feature of the new 2024 Changan CS15 is its interior. Avoiding once again the pitfalls of focusing too much on the value equation, the interior of this small crossover SUV is very stylish and surprisingly filled with materials that feel much more premium than the competition. This is complemented by leather seats, leatherette padding on the dash, and even a leather steering wheel that’s often a rarity at this price point. Even the physical controls have a sense of quality that you wouldn’t expect in a vehicle at its price.

As for features, you do get a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity (sadly, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), a multi-function steering wheel, and a sunroof, just to name a few.

Under the hood of the new Changan CS15 is a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that produces 105 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. This is sent through the front wheels via a five-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

How does this feel in the real world? Well, right off the bat, the new CS15 feels like a well-sorted car in terms of refinement and suspension tuning. Despite having a short wheelbase, it rides nicely enough, even when driven over the bad roads of C5. The 1.5-liter engine provides a good amount of power, though while the DCT has less of the jerkiness that usually plagues such transmissions, sometimes it will feel delayed with your throttle inputs. Sometimes, however, when the DCT does respond eagerly, there’s good power delivery that makes this vehicle feel spritely, especially when you overtake.

Finally, as for handling, the CS15 feels more sorted to drive than its key rivals like the GX3 Pro from Geely. The steering, while light, has better precision, which is complemented by a chassis that feels more solid—especially when going over the pockmarked roads of C5’s truck lane. And being a four-cylinder it produces less vibrations than some of its competitors with a three-cylinder engine.

Now, here’s the kicker. Based on our first impressions, the CS15 already feels like a better-sorted car than a number of its competitors, but it’s also got a price tag the even undercuts the GX3 that looks out of place from Geely’s lineup. The 2024 Changan CS15, with all of its bells and whistles, including a reverse camera and a 5-year warranty, comes in at just P799,000. What’s more, only at the upcoming Manila International Auto Show from April 4-7, Changan is offering free maintenance for two years and a P50,000 cash discount. Now, that’s what we call an excellent deal for a car that exceeds expectations, especially at its price point.