New management, new model? Will Changan Philippines unveil the 7-seat Oshan X7 on Sept. 30?

Changan Auto Philippines is making a new start after the Chinese brand came under new management this year.

The takeover was announced on August 2023 by Inchcape Philippines, which is a joint venture between global automotive distributor Inchcape and the CATS Group of Companies. The company said it had been appointed by the Changan International Corporation to handle the brand.

To mark this occasion, Changan Auto Philippines is holding a brand relaunch on September 30, 2023 on 5th Avenue in the posh Bonifacio Global City business district in Taguig City. This includes a test-drive event starting 1:30 p.m. on that date.

But a new model may also be unveiled at that grand event, according to sources with intimate knowledge of the brand’s plans, but requested anonymity for lack of authority to speak on the matter.

Premium crossover with EV option

The Changan in question may be the Oshan X7 that debuted on July 2019 and was facelifted in 2021.

Although our sources were not able to provide any specifications for the Philippines, the Oshan X7 in other countries is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine pumping out 178 PS and 300 Nm of torque.

This is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. A battery-electric version is also available with a claimed maximum range of 402 km.

More luxurious styling

Unlike other Changans, the X7 carries more premium styling, especially with its lattice-style hexagonal front grill and prominent foglight housings.

Down the side, the crossover has a European vibe – the high beltline and the dramatic downward-sloping rear-quarter window keep it from looking slab-sided. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels and automatic folding side mirrors.

At the rear, there are influences from Volkswagen with the LED taillights that span the entire tailgate, as well as fake chrome exhaust tips in the lower bumper.

Plush, 7-seat cabin

Inside, the X7 has ivory-white leather upholstery that contrasts beautifully with the navy-blue accents.

Drivers are greeted by a 7-inch digital display, while the touch-panel air-conditioning uses high-gloss-lacquer controls for a sleek finish. The front seats come standard with heating and ventilation.

There’s also a touchscreen infotainment system with a “Human Machine Interface” that allows owners to configure their vehicle settings, along with smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices.

The X7 is available with either five or seven seats. When all the rear rows are folded down, there is 1,407 liters of cargo space.

Active-safety assists

The Oshan X7 is available with four airbags and ISOFIX child-restraint anchors.

It also has the FutureSense active-safety suite that includes features like:

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Forward Collision Warning

• Automatic Emergency Braking

• Vehicle Distance Control

Would a model like the Oshan X7 help boost Changan Auto Philippines’ fortunes?

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