Changan’s new SUV goes on preorder in China

Changan has opened its reservation books in China for a new entry in its Uni car lineup, the Uni-Z. Earlier predictions said it would cost from 150,000 Yuan, but the ongoing discount war forced the company to price it 22,000 Yuan below that.

Even more remarkably, the two trims on sale right now (one priced at 127,900 Yuan and the other one at 134,900) aren’t entry-level. Both are hybrids combining a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor. The engine makes 98 PS (97 hp / 72 kW) and 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) of torque. The motor contributes 215 PS (212 hp / 158 kW) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. Both trim versions use the same 19-kWh battery rated for 115 km (71 miles) of purely electric driving. The fuel economy averages at 5.12 liters per 100 km (46 MPG) in mixed cycle.

The Uni-Z is 4,730 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,680 mm tall with 2,795 mm of wheelbase. As such, it occupies a middle ground of sorts between its cousins Uni-K and Uni-T. The exterior design is all but typical for the Uni lineup. The interior sports an original-looking dual-spoke steering wheel, two separate displays (including a 14.6-inch infotainment screen) and a novelty illumination piece near the windshield. It serves no practical purpose, but changes its light color and intensity based on your driving style.

The media in China learned a while ago that the Changan Uni-Z would also be available in a non-electrified ICE car form. It would arrive later with a 1.5-liter turbo engine rated at 188 PS (185 hp / 138 kW) and cost even less than the hybrids.