The ChangAn CS35 is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by the Chinese manufacturer ChangAn Automobile. First launched in 2012, it quickly became a popular choice in its segment due to its competitive pricing, practical design, and range of features. In 2017, the model received a significant facelift, which aimed to modernize its aesthetics, improve interior quality, and refine its overall package to better compete in a crowded global market. This updated version, particularly the model equipped with the 1.6 BlueCore DVVT engine producing 125 horsepower, represents a key phase in the vehicle’s evolution. The facelifted ChangAn CS35 continued production until 2022, solidifying its place as a staple in the brand’s lineup and a notable entry in the affordable SUV category.
This article focuses on the detailed technical specifications and characteristics of the ChangAn CS35 (facelift 2017) with the 1.6-liter BlueCore DVVT engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
Development and Design Evolution
The 2017 facelift for the ChangAn CS35 was more than a minor cosmetic update; it was a comprehensive effort to align the vehicle with contemporary design trends. The exterior revisions were the most noticeable, featuring a redesigned front fascia with a new grille, updated headlamps, and a more aggressive bumper design. These changes gave the CS35 a sharper, more modern appearance. At the rear, the taillights were also revised, contributing to a more cohesive and updated look.
The body type remains a five-door SUV, a practical configuration that balances compact exterior dimensions with a versatile interior. With seating for five passengers, the CS35 is designed to serve as a capable family vehicle for urban environments and occasional long-distance travel. The overall dimensions were largely retained from the pre-facelift model, preserving its city-friendly footprint while offering a commanding road presence typical of an SUV.
Powertrain and Performance Details
The heart of this particular ChangAn CS35 variant is its 1.6-liter BlueCore DVVT internal combustion engine. This powertrain is a key component of ChangAn’s engineering efforts, designed to offer a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Engine Specifications of the ChangAn CS35
The engine, with the model code JL478QEE, is a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder unit with a displacement of 1598 cm³ (97.5 cubic inches). It utilizes a Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, a configuration that promotes efficient airflow and better engine breathing at higher RPMs.
A significant feature is the Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) technology. This system dynamically adjusts the timing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts, optimizing engine performance across the entire rev range. At low RPMs, it enhances torque for better acceleration, while at high RPMs, it maximizes horsepower. This technology also plays a crucial role in improving fuel economy and reducing exhaust emissions. The engine’s compression ratio is set at 10.4:1, which is relatively high for a naturally aspirated engine and contributes to its thermal efficiency.
The engine produces a maximum power output of 125 horsepower (Hp) at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 160 Newton-meters (Nm), which is available in a broad range between 4000 and 5000 rpm. This power delivery profile suggests an engine that feels responsive during city driving and has adequate power for highway cruising. The power-per-liter figure stands at a respectable 78.2 Hp/l.
Fuel is delivered via a multi-port manifold injection system, a proven and reliable method that ensures precise fuel-air mixture for efficient combustion. This powertrain is designed to run on standard petrol (gasoline) and complies with the Euro 5 emission standard.
Transmission and Drivetrain
This model is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) architecture is standard for this class of vehicle, offering benefits in terms of weight reduction, fuel efficiency, and interior packaging compared to all-wheel-drive systems. The manual gearbox provides drivers with direct control over the engine’s power band, appealing to those who prefer a more engaged driving experience.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The performance of the ChangAn CS35 1.6 BlueCore is well-suited for its intended purpose as a daily driver. It has a reported maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). While not a performance-oriented SUV, its acceleration is sufficient for merging onto highways and navigating urban traffic.
Fuel efficiency is a strong point for this model. The official consumption figures are:
Urban: 9.8 l/100 km (approximately 24 US mpg or 28.8 UK mpg)
Extra-urban: 5.7 l/100 km (approximately 41.3 US mpg or 49.6 UK mpg)
Combined: 7.2 l/100 km (approximately 32.7 US mpg or 39.2 UK mpg)
These figures, combined with a 52-liter (13.74 US gallon) fuel tank, provide the vehicle with a respectable driving range, making it a cost-effective choice for both daily commutes and longer journeys.
Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
The ChangAn CS35 is built on a unibody platform, providing a good balance between structural rigidity and weight.
Suspension: The front suspension setup is an independent MacPherson strut system with a transverse stabilizer. This is a widely used design known for its good balance of ride comfort, handling, and cost-effectiveness. The rear suspension is a semi-independent torsion beam design. While less sophisticated than a fully independent multi-link setup, the torsion beam is compact, durable, and allows for more trunk space, making it a practical choice for a subcompact SUV.
Steering: The vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering system operating on a rack and pinion mechanism. Electric steering offers several advantages over traditional hydraulic systems, including improved fuel efficiency (as it only draws power when steering assistance is needed) and variable assistance levels based on vehicle speed.
Brakes: The braking system provides confident stopping power with ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. This four-wheel disc brake setup is superior to the drum brakes sometimes found on the rear axles of budget vehicles. The system is supported by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as a standard safety feature.
Wheels and Tires: The CS35 came with two wheel size options: 205/60 R16 tires on 6.5J x 16 rims or larger 215/50 R17 tires on 7J x 17 rims. The larger wheels provide a sportier appearance and potentially sharper handling, while the smaller wheels with taller sidewalls tend to offer a more comfortable ride.
Dimensions, Weight, and Practicality
The exterior dimensions of the facelifted ChangAn CS35 contribute to its balanced profile, making it large enough to be practical but compact enough for easy maneuverability.
Length: 4170 mm (164.17 in.)
Width: 1810 mm (71.26 in.)
Height: 1670 mm (65.75 in.)
* Wheelbase: 2560 mm (100.79 in.)
A relatively short wheelbase and a minimum turning circle of 10 meters (32.81 ft) make it agile in tight urban spaces and parking lots. The ground clearance of 180 mm (7.09 in.) is a key advantage, providing confidence when navigating speed bumps, potholes, or unpaved roads.
The vehicle has a kerb weight of 1270 kg (2799.87 lbs) and a maximum permissible weight of 1645 kg (3626.6 lbs). This allows for a maximum payload of 375 kg (826.73 lbs), which is sufficient for five occupants and their luggage.
Interior practicality is highlighted by its cargo capacity. The trunk offers a minimum of 348 liters (12.29 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats in place. For larger items, the rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area to a generous 1058 liters (37.36 cu. ft.).
Full Technical Specifications Table
| Specification Category | Details |
| :— | :— |
| General Information | |
| Brand | ChangAn |
| Model | CS35 |
| Generation | CS35 (facelift 2017) |
| Engine Variant | 1.6 BlueCore DVVT (125 Hp) |
| Production Years | 2017 – 2022 |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 4000-5000 rpm |
| Engine Model | JL478QEE |
| Engine Layout | Front, Transverse |
| Displacement | 1598 cm³ |
| Number of Cylinders | 4, Inline |
| Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, DVVT |
| Fuel System | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 3.8 L |
| Coolant Capacity | 6.5 L |
| Performance | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum Speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Fuel Consumption – Urban | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel Consumption – Extra-urban | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel Consumption – Combined | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Emission Standard | Euro 5 |
| Drivetrain & Transmission | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front-wheel drive |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual transmission |
| Chassis & Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, McPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion beam |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Discs |
| Assisting Systems | ABS |
| Steering Type | Electric power steering, Rack and pinion |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 4170 mm (164.17 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Height | 1670 mm (65.75 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2560 mm (100.79 in.) |
| Front/Rear Track | 1560 mm (61.42 in.) |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm (7.09 in.) |
| Turning Circle | 10 m (32.81 ft) |
| Kerb Weight | 1270 kg (2799.87 lbs.) |
| Max. Gross Weight | 1645 kg (3626.6 lbs.) |
| Max. Load | 375 kg (826.73 lbs.) |
| Volume & Capacity | |
| Trunk Space (min.) | 348 L (12.29 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk Space (max.) | 1058 L (37.36 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L (13.74 US gal) |
| Wheels & Tires | |
| Tire Sizes | 205/60 R16; 215/50 R17 |
| Wheel Rim Sizes | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
