The crowded family SUV segment welcomes a new contender, and it is one that immediately grabs attention. Not just because of its bold design, but also its aggressive pricing. Changan’s re-entry into the local market in late 2025 was a cautious one. The CS75 Pro offered plenty of metal for the money but felt like it belonged to an earlier generation. The new Uni-S is a statement of intent, arriving with a contemporary feel that signals a clear step forward.
Size-wise, the Uni-S is comparable to a Volkswagen Tiguan, yet its price range of R389 900 to R469 900 undercuts even the smaller T-Cross. It lines up directly against the popular Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 7 and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Looks are subjective, but the Uni-S has presence. The taut proportions and generous wheel arches give it a planted stance, while the large, borderless grille with its honeycomb motif is certainly a talking point. It’s a design that aims to stand out in a sea of conservative styling.
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Step inside the flagship CE, and the cabin is anything but gloomy. The bright red or brown leather upholstery and dashboard trim, depending on your spec, break the monotony of the usual dark grey interiors.
The layout is thoroughly modern: two large screens—a 12.8-inch infotainment display and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster—sit behind a single glass panel. The large central tunnel, complete with conveniently placed phone holders, is a practical touch for modern life. Connectivity is sorted with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the ‘AI Elf’ voice assistant for hands-free control.
The graphics are sharp, and the system is responsive, but there are some ergonomic niggles. While Changan has kept physical controls for core functions like fan speed and demisting, many other operations have been relegated to the touchscreen. This even extends to the sunroof and mirror controls. The menu structure takes some getting used to, and what should be simple adjustments can become a distraction on the move.
With a driving position not too dissimilar to my own, Mrs W found the seat belt cut quite sharply across her neck and an adjustable option would come as a welcome touch.
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These gripes aside, the interior is an impressive effort. The seats are comfortable, the materials used feel durable, and rear legroom is generous. The 475-litre boot is well-shaped for loading, though a high floor means it doesn't quite match the outright capacity of some class leaders.
The CE is generously kitted out. Standard features include ventilated front seats, a 540-degree panoramic camera, and a comprehensive suite of driver aid systems. This includes Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Lane Keeping Assist.
Under the bonnet lies a 1,5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine producing 138 kW and 300 Nm. That’s a punchy output for the segment, and power goes to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
In terms of outright performance, the Uni-S feels strong. However, the throttle and gearbox calibration left us with mixed feelings. The throttle response can feel over-sensitive, more like an on-off switch at times, which makes smooth, low-speed manoeuvring tricky.
There’s also a characteristic hesitation common to many DCTs when pulling away, followed by an abrupt surge of power. This is particularly noticeable in stop-start traffic or when reversing. The engine itself also tends to sound a bit course under hard acceleration. Cruising at highway speeds, the issues largely disappear, with the powertrain feeling smooth and the engine settling into a more refined note.
On the fuel front, our mixed driving returned figures in the region of 8,1 l/100 km, though some tests have shown it can dip closer to the claimed 7,0 l/100 km mark with a lighter foot.
One of the Uni-S’s strong suits is its ride. The multi-link rear suspension provides a notably smooth and compliant ride, soaking up bumps effectively. It feels composed and predictable through corners, and the steering is light enough for easy city driving. Noise insulation is also a plus, with wind and road noise kept to a minimum at speed.
The Uni-S is a compelling proposition. It blends striking looks, a premium-feeling cabin, and an exceptional level of standard equipment at a price that causes a stir. The calibration of the throttle and gearbox remains a weak point, and the touchscreen interface has a learning curve. But for buyers willing to overlook these quirks, the Uni-S is a solid and distinctive package for the money.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly CHANGECARS
