Design driven: Changan S05

Changan has expanded its European and UK offensive with a new compact SUV, the S05, which could broadly be surmised as a more petite version of the S07 we tested last year.

Designers say their new compact SUV drew inspiration from aerospace, and although such cues did not immediately shine through until pointed out, this is a very nicely appointed interior – and an exterior that seemed to turn heads during our drive in the Cotswolds. Some of that rubbernecking may have been due to the low-speed EV audio, which must sound like a travelling wind chime band.

That aside, pootling around in the S05 was a pleasant, unfussy experience. Tweaks that have been made to suit bumpy-yet-twisty UK roads are effective, and the powertrain has been fettled such that torque is delivered gradually, rather than in one big lump. These are non-design decisions, but ones that allow driver and passenger alike to enjoy the work of the design team in Turin. Isn’t it a shame when great design is overshadowed by shoddy driving dynamics?

With design led by the likes of Klaus Zyciora and Bertrand Bach, plus the collective might of one of Europe’s largest design studios, Changan shapes as a serious player in Europe. And although it will be a new name to most, this is a company with some 45 years of heritage. It’s the real deal.

Visually, the S05 (technically the Deepal S05) carries the form of a conventional hatchback, if a little taller. The design language is familiar to those who have seen the S07, and there is definitely a family feel going on. We can imagine an even smaller variant carrying a similar look quite nicely. 

Up front, a pair of thin, defined headlamps occupy each corner of the upper mask, a shift away from the horizontal lightbar that is so in vogue, with a solid grille that – save for a shut line at the bonnet – appears to flow right to the windscreen cowl. The lower mask is where airflow is introduced, with a more conventional vent-diffuser situation below the number plate. Fog lamps with quirky ‘wings’ above and below give the appearance of a rocket in flight.

Clean surfacing at the front is echoed at the bodysides, although a series of gentle creases bring visual intrigue around the sill and lower portions of each door. A stronger diagonal line draws the eye towards the rear flank of the car and gives the impression of something much sportier than a family crossover.

To the rear is a full-width tail lamp that is split into one large chunk across the boot and two smaller teardrops at each corner. Within this frame sit two thin light bars stacked upon each other, but tapering into one as they approach the centre of the boot; there is a pleasing ‘lava lamp’ gradient that ranges from dark red to more of a peachy orange. The Changan emblem is integrated at the centre. Above this is a Formula E-style brake light that sits between two boot spoilers. Visual bulk is reduced by black contrast cladding around the lower extremities.

Aero wheel covers come as standard but hide rather nice alloy wheels underneath; our test car for the day came with said covers removed and save for the black paint (not a fan, in general) they would certainly be our preference. Since you asked, our spec would be silver wheels with aqua ‘Andromeda’ blue paint.

The S05 has the best example of ADAS-tuning we have experienced to date: systems do not interfere, override or cause general annoyance

Inside, the cabin feels spacious and nicely finished. Materials include metal, plastic and vegan leather – there is no textile on show here and that is primarily due to its perception as a ‘cheap’ solution in many markets including China. CDN spoke with Changan’s CMF designer Carine Giachetti-Schweitzer about this in more detail, and learned that engineered leather alternatives are also more versatile than say a high-quality wool. Embossing, dying and extravagant cutting and sewing can all be done with the former. 

While a brighter orange option is available, 'our' interior was a dark charcoal colour accented with orange stitching and blue ambient lighting, an intentional decision to contrast with the understated exterior tones on offer. There is a nice easter egg hidden away at the base of the windscreen, too: the Chongqing skyline. 

There is a mix of physical and digital touchpoints throughout the car, and we learned that feedback around ‘tactility’ was taken very seriously. As such, not everything is controlled through a touchscreen and in fact most tasks have fixed buttons, levers or toggles. The screen itself is able to tilt left and right towards driver or passenger as needed; one example was for when the passenger acts as DJ for the journey, scrolling through Spotify to load up tunes.

A prominent head up display took a little getting used to, even with HUDs being so common today. The augmented reality approach overlays things like navigation, speed and warnings seemingly directly on the road ahead. This does a great job of keeping the driver informed and reduces time spent glancing to the side or at a phone screen for directions, but it did feel a little obtrusive at times.

We should also note that the zig-zag heating element for the windscreen is incredibly prominent and almost gave the effect of cross-hatched glass. On a positive note, the S05 has the best example of ADAS-tuning we have experienced to date: systems do not interfere, override or cause general annoyance. And that was with zero adjustment or ‘turning off’ prior to driving. Hurrah.

Our only quibble, and a minor one at that, is that side mirror adjustment is hidden in a menu. But once that’s done, it’s done. Voice control has come a long way, and we were able to whip the sunroof cover back within seconds at the prompt of ‘Hey Deepal’. Would a button be easier? Probably not. We enjoyed ‘Rest Mode’ even if only for the briefest of moments as the closing sequence of a driving challenge: the seat reclines, lowers and shifts back to form a chaise lounge. Perfect for charging or simply contemplating life in the rain. 

The S05 is ultimately an accomplished product that is very difficult to fault on the whole. The question remains as to how it, and Changan, will cut through the market which has never had a greater variety of affordable electric crossovers from new and existing brands.

What might help at the dealership (of which there are many) is the simplified decision-making process. Pick a colour, pick an interior, and choose either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It’s a little extra for the latter, and we suspect most will go for all-wheel drive which in our experience on the track was more than sticky enough for spirited driving but still let the tail loose on occasion. Range is just over 300 miles for the RWD, and 278 for AWD, and pricing at £37.9k and £39.9k respectively. The only optional extras are a panoramic roof (£1,000) and a towbar (£600).

It is important to remember that this is a car for the masses, and we would faint with surprise to hear of owners performing high-speed chicane and slalom testing (as CDN did). It is a little wallowy in the corners when pushed hard, but the alternative — stiffer suspension — would put many prospective buyers off. No, the more likely scenario is as follows: zip up to the speed limit, slow down for towns and villages, and speed away with glee from the Transit van that has taken offence to you doing 32 in a 30. 

The package is not perfect, but it feels like a good deal for the money.