In 2020, Changan brand launched its new UNI series, which is known for its avant-garde and stylish design. In a conservative era of design, the UNI series has gained popularity among young car buyers with its advanced interior and exterior design and excellent performance. As time has passed, the car market has become more diverse, but the UNI series has maintained its popularity. The models in the series have been continuously updated, and recently the second generation of Changan UNI-V has started pre-sale, with the new car expected to be officially launched in the first quarter of this year.
The Changan UNI-V is the first sedan product launched in the series, and its sleek design was among the best in its class at the time. In 2023, the Changan UNI-V series sold 156,700 units, ranking at the forefront of compact sports coupe models. In January 2024, the Changan UNI-V series sold 19,200 units, a year-on-year increase of 114.2%. The second generation of the Changan UNI-V has also made adjustments in exterior and configuration details, continuing to launch the fuel version and the Blue Whale Smart Electric iDD plug-in hybrid version. The model photographed in the store this time is the Changan second generation UNI-V 1.5T prestigious sports model.
Exterior and interior styling remains avant-garde, optimizing details to enhance sporty attributes. The second generation of Changan’s UNI-V model has been upgraded in the styling of the front and rear, maintaining a low and sporty visual effect. This design, whether in the past or present, is considered quite avant-garde, and for young users, this design is flawless. This change also adds a lot to the sporty atmosphere for the Changan second-generation UNI-V 1.5T luxury sport model that was photographed in the store this time.
The front of the Changan second-generation UNI-V 1.5T luxury sports model features a low-profile design with curved surfaces on either side of the hood, giving the front end a more three-dimensional look. The borderless grille design remains, but the diamond-shaped pattern inside the grille has been replaced with a triangular pattern, making it more compact. The use of connecting strips between the headlights divides the front face into two parts. The orange-red strip on the lower bumper has also become straight.
The shape of the headlights has not changed, with a smoky black interior and a sleek appearance. The headlights support mainstream functions such as intelligent high and low beam switching and automatic opening and closing. The taillights have a certain dynamic feel, with a triangular layout inside the light cavity that echoes the front grille, and the upgraded turn signals now have a flowing water style.
Thanks to the design of the coupe model, the side lines of the second generation UNI-V from Changan are long and smooth, with blacked-out rearview mirrors, window trim, and orange accents, giving it a sporty look. The hidden door handles are also present. In terms of body size, the new car measures 4720/1838/1430mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm, unchanged from the current model.
The second generation of UNI-V from Changan looks sporty from the rear, with the sleek design being one of its highlights. Compared to the current model, there isn’t much change in the overall rear design, but the electric tail wing adds a touch of style. The most noticeable change is in the lower bumper and the rear exhaust design. The round exhaust has been changed to a rectangular design, and the PHEV hybrid model will also feature a dual-center exhaust design.
The all-black multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels don’t look fancy, but they complement the sporty nature of the whole car. The actual car model uses Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX sport series tires, with a size of 235/40R19. This tire size on this car body balances performance and economy, and the spare tire is still non-full-size design.
The second generation UNI-V’s interior design still maintains a dynamic design that complements the exterior. The sharp lines and unique instrument styling make you feel like you are sitting in an airplane cockpit, which is a feature of the Changan UNI series. The interior’s workmanship and materials are very solid, with few issues to be found in the 100,000-level models.
The second-generation UNI-V 1.5T luxury sports model of Chang’an, as seen in the actual footage, has undergone changes in interior materials and color compared to the current model. The orange/black interior color scheme has significantly reduced the orange area, and the center console also uses suede material with orange stitching, which is much more restrained in color compared to the current model.
The flat design of the steering wheel feels good to hold, and the steering response is tight. It may take some time to get used to it at first. The 10.3-inch central control screen is not very large, but the display effect is still good, and the car model has not been upgraded. The difficulty and usability of the car system are also good.
The system’s built-in apps are rich, such as smart voice, smart navigation, online entertainment, information query, and mobile interconnection projection.
The design of the central armrest area is simple, with the gear lever and cup holders, driving mode selection, and wireless charging panel for phones. Below is a spacious storage space with USB and 12V power outlets.
The color ratio of the integrated seat has changed, with more black parts and the black parts have also become leather material. The “UNI-V” logo on the headrest has disappeared and moved to the hollow silver trim below the headrest. The seat padding feels a bit harder than the current model. The front seats of the actual car are all multi-way power adjustable, and provide ventilation and heating functions.
The rear seats can be folded down in a 4/6 ratio to expand the storage flexibility of the trunk. The power tailgate can be opened and closed from multiple ways, making it convenient to use. The liftgate opening method allows for easy access to items without bending over.
The 2750mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom for rear passengers. The sleek design may cause some headroom pressure for rear passengers, but the panoramic sunroof guarantees sufficient lighting and can alleviate the pressure on their heads. The rear seats come with a central armrest and independent air vents, but the seat cushions are a bit short, providing only mediocre thigh support for rear passengers.
The traditional fuel version and PHEV plug-in hybrid version are available. In terms of power, the Changan second-generation UNI-V 1.5T premium sports version model uses a combination of a 1.5T engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, with unchanged maximum power and peak torque of 188 horsepower/300N·m from the current model.
The plug-in hybrid version will be equipped with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, with a maximum power of 110 horsepower for the engine and two options for the electric motor, 190 and 215 horsepower. It will also have two options for the battery capacity, 9.07kWh and 18.99kWh, with a pure electric range of 50 kilometers and 111 kilometers under CLTC comprehensive conditions. In terms of other features, the vehicle will also be equipped with an integrated adaptive range system, 540° transparent chassis, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and lane keeping assist. The front MacPherson and rear independent suspension configuration will also give the vehicle good comfort and handling capabilities.
Summary: The second generation of Changan UNI-V has been upgraded mainly in terms of exterior and interior, while retaining its original competitive configuration. In today’s era of “value for money” and performance, I believe that Changan UNI-V’s outstanding design and quality are still reasons why it can hold a place in the hearts of consumers. The new car is reportedly set to be officially launched in the first quarter of this year, and it has already arrived at the stores. Friends who are interested can pay attention to it.