Al-Qalam 
Changan CS 75
By Imraan Buccus
Let’s be honest: life in South Africa right now is expensive. Between interest rates, petrol price shocks and rising food costs, a new car may just be a far-fetched thought for many. We all do want the shiny SUV for that weekend getaways in the Drakensberg Mountains or somewhere along the Garden Route, but we don’t want a scary monthly installment hidden maintenance costs that come with the territory.
Enter the Changan CS75 Pro
Distributed locally under the trusted wing of Jameel Motors, Changan isn’t just testing the South African market; it’s making a serious statement. On paper, it ticks all the right boxes for modern Mzansi families – generous space, loads of tech, and a price tag that will make mainstream rivals sweat.
First Impressions
Visually, the CS75 Pro holds its own. The wide, dynamic mesh grille, chrome detailing, and sharp LED lighting give it an assertive street presence. It certainly looks far more upscale than its entry price suggests, whether parked at the school gates or cruising down Sandton’s boulevards.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels surprisingly plush. There are soft-touch materials along the layered dashboard, attractive microfibre leather trim, and comfily padded front seats that make long commutes or weekend road trips a breeze. The centerpiece is a dual-screen digital setup with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen paired with a matching digital instrument cluster. High-spec CE models even spoil you with an electric tailgate, panoramic sunroof, and electrically adjustable seating.
Practically speaking, it’s built for real life. Available in both 5-seat and 7-seat configurations, the cabin handles school runs, grocery runs, and bulky sports bags without drama. To be fair: like many vehicles in this midsize class, that third row in the 7-seater is best reserved for smaller kids or occasional use rather than tall teenagers on long journeys. Accessing row three takes a little bit of maneuvering since the middle seats slide rather than tumble, but when you fold them flat, cargo space is vast and versatile.
On the tech front, the setup is feature-rich. It includes a crisp 360-degree camera and intuitive digital controls for climate conveniently located below the main screen so you don’t have to go digging through menus while driving.
The infotainment system misses out on native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (requiring screen-mirroring apps instead), and I’d love a dedicated storage cubby near the center console to stash a modern smartphone.
Behind the Wheel
Powering the CS75 Pro across the range is Changan’s “Blue Whale” 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, pushing out a healthy 138 kW and 300 Nm of torque, mated to a smooth 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Out on open road, power delivery is willing and responsive. It gets up to highway cruising speeds with ease and handles quick passes without feeling strained. The suspension geometry has been well-tuned for local South African road conditions, soaking up potholes and speed bumps comfortably while keeping body roll well-contained through twisty passes. Claimed fuel consumption sits around 7.5 ℓ/100 km, which is very respectable for a family vehicle of these proportions.
Safety is equally comprehensive, which is a massive tick for parent buyers. You get driver-assist features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control, and Hill Descent Control working quietly in the background to give you extra confidence when rain hits or during chaotic holiday traffic.
Cost as the advantage
Where the CS75 Pro truly hits a home run isn’t just in showroom appeal—it’s in the long game of monthly ownership costs.
According to independent 2025 MAPO Benchmarking data, the CS75 Pro ranks in the top three most affordable vehicles in its segment to operate and maintain. At the 75,000 km milestone, scheduled servicing costs are roughly 40% lower than segment averages, remaining significantly cheaper through 90,000 km (~21% lower) and 135,000 km (~38% lower) intervals.
Even better for your insurance premiums and peace of mind: crash and body replacement parts (like fenders, doors, and bumpers) average between 33% to nearly 99% more affordable than traditional mainstream competitors. Plus, with Changan’s massive 7,500 m² central parts warehouse in Pomona, Gauteng (operated in partnership with DP World logistics), replacement parts aren’t just affordable on paper—they are stocked and distributed quickly across their growing nationwide dealer network.
Pricing & Verdict
Pricing for the CS75 Pro range starts at an impressive R429 900 for the entry 5-seater CS model, going up to R499 900 for the top-tier 7-seater CE derivative. Every model comes backed by a reassuring 5-year / 150 000 km warranty and a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan.
If you’re looking for a stylish, practical, and well-equipped family cruiser that prioritizes long-term peace of mind, low running costs, and genuine value for money, the Changan CS75 Pro deserves a very prominent place on your test-drive shortlist.
