2019 Changan CS55 facelift debuts in China

Chinese carmaker Changan has introduced the 2019 update of its best-selling crossover SUV, the CS55. The VW Tiguan-sized car gained a number of exterior and cabin improvements.

On the outside, changes have made it to the lighting, the bumpers, the trunk lid and the radiator grille.

Inside, the steering wheel is pretty much the only thing left intact. The rest has been painstakingly made over from scratch. There is now a digital dashboard, a 10.25-inch infotainment system display, a nicer-looking plastic trim, and new ergonomic seats.

The tech stays the same, though. Powering the CUV is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at 156 hp (116 kW) and 225 Nm (166 lb-ft) of torque, partnered with a six-speed transmission (you can choose between manual and automatic). The front-wheel drive is the only option, but a mild hybrid version is available for those willing to pay extra.

The new Changan CS55 will go on sale this fall, and the manufacturer promises not to increase the prices too much. The pre-facelift car (featured on the video here) starts at the equivalent of U.S. $12,000.