Another week, another new Chinese SUV. That’s more or less been the rhythm lately. This time it’s the Changan Uni-S – my second go with the brand after the CS75 Pro – and on paper at least, it arrives as the marque’s entry-level crossover with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Under the bonnet sits Changan’s now-familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged Blue Whale engine, pushing out 138kW and 300Nm. It’s paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and rides on a multi-link rear suspension setup – not always a given at this end of the market. On the move, that combination delivers a surprisingly polished experience. There’s a willingness to the drivetrain that you don’t always expect in this segment, accompanied by a slightly rorty induction note that gives the Uni-S a bit of character when you lean into it.
It’s not a hot crossover by any stretch, but it doesn’t feel lethargic either. Instead, it strikes a balance between everyday usability and a touch of sportiness. Compared to the CS75 Pro, this feels like the more cohesive product dynamically – lighter on its feet, a bit more eager, and generally more resolved and clearly aimed at a younger, sportier market.
Where the Uni-S really leans into its brief is comfort. The suspension setup is notably supple, soaking up road imperfections with ease. It’s the kind of tuning that will resonate with most buyers, especially on less-than-perfect South African roads. The trade-off? A touch more body roll than I’d personally like when pressing on, but that’s clearly a deliberate compromise in favour of ride quality.
Step inside and the sense of value is immediate. The cabin feels modern, airy and well put together, with soft-touch materials doing their bit to elevate perceived quality. A large 12.8-inch touchscreen dominates the centre stack, backed up by a feature list that borders on excessive for this price point. There’s everything from a built-in dashcam to a full suite of driver assistance systems – blind spot monitoring, collision warning, lane departure assist, traffic monitoring and even remote parking capability.
Higher-spec models add niceties like 19-inch alloys and a more comprehensive airbag setup, while all variants benefit from the usual safety acronyms – ABS, EBD, BA – that have become standard fare. Importantly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly here, which already marks an improvement over my experience in the CS75 Pro.
Despite being more compact than its sibling, the Uni-S doesn’t feel cramped. If anything, it comes across as the more youthful, more design-forward option, helped along by details like the available blush red interior and a palette of five premium exterior colours.
Pricing ranges from R389,900 to R469,900, backed by a 5-year warranty and service plan. In the current landscape, that positions it squarely as another compelling offering in an increasingly crowded segment.
The Uni-S doesn’t rewrite the rulebook, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a well-rounded, well-equipped crossover that drives with a sense of polish and just enough personality to stand out. In a market flooded with options, that might be exactly what matters most.