2014-2017 ChangAn CS35 1.5T (156 Hp)

The ChangAn CS35 1.5T (156 Hp) is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by the Chinese automaker ChangAn Automobile. Manufactured between 2014 and 2017, this specific variant represents the more powerful, turbocharged option within the first-generation CS35 lineup. It was developed to cater to a growing market demand for compact crossovers that offered enhanced performance without sacrificing the practicality and efficiency expected from vehicles in its class. By combining a turbocharged gasoline engine with a nimble, front-wheel-drive platform, the CS35 1.5T aimed to provide a compelling blend of urban agility and spirited driving dynamics, solidifying ChangAn’s position in the highly competitive global SUV market.

History and Development

The ChangAn CS35 was first unveiled at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, marking ChangAn’s official entry into the burgeoning compact SUV segment. The initial models were equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine, which was well-received for its reliability and economy. However, as the market evolved, there was a clear trend towards smaller displacement, forced-induction engines that could deliver superior power and torque figures.

In response to this trend, ChangAn introduced the CS35 1.5T variant in 2014. This model was a significant step forward for the nameplate, incorporating ChangAn’s Blue Core powertrain technology, which focused on creating engines that were powerful, clean, and quiet. The introduction of the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine was intended to appeal to a younger demographic of buyers who desired more performance for both city commuting and highway driving. This strategic move placed the CS35 in direct competition with other turbocharged offerings from both domestic and international brands.

The exterior design of the CS35 was penned by ChangAn’s Italian design center located in Turin. Its styling reflected contemporary European design cues, featuring clean lines, a dynamic stance, and a distinctive front fascia that helped establish a recognizable brand identity. The vehicle’s compact dimensions were carefully chosen to make it ideal for navigating congested urban environments while still offering a commanding road presence and a spacious interior. The 1.5T model was often distinguished by subtle exterior cues, such as unique badging or different wheel designs, to set it apart from its naturally aspirated counterparts.

Powertrain and Performance

The defining feature of the ChangAn CS35 1.5T (156 Hp) is its advanced powertrain, engineered to deliver a responsive and engaging driving experience. It centers around a turbocharged internal combustion engine coupled with a manual transmission and a front-wheel-drive layout.

Engine Specifications

At the heart of this model is the 4G15T, a 1.5-liter (1468 cm³) inline-four-cylinder gasoline engine. This power plant features a Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) configuration with 16 valves (four per cylinder), which enhances airflow and contributes to more efficient combustion. The key to its performance lies in the integration of a turbocharger and an intercooler. The turbocharger uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, forcing more compressed air into the engine’s cylinders. This increased volume of air allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in a significant boost in power and torque compared to a naturally aspirated engine of the same size. The intercooler further improves efficiency by cooling the compressed air before it enters the engine, making it denser and enabling an even more potent combustion process.

This setup allows the engine to produce a peak power output of 156 horsepower (Hp) at 5000 rpm and a substantial 210 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque available across a broad range from 2000 to 4500 rpm. The wide and flat torque curve is particularly beneficial for everyday driving, as it provides strong acceleration from low engine speeds, reducing the need for frequent gear changes and making the vehicle feel responsive and alert in city traffic. The engine’s power-per-liter figure of 106.3 Hp/l is indicative of its high specific output and engineering efficiency.

In terms of environmental standards, the engine was compliant with Euro 5 emissions regulations, a common standard for vehicles produced during this period.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The engine’s power is managed by a 5-speed manual transmission, which sends power exclusively to the front wheels. This front-wheel-drive (FWD) architecture is a standard and sensible choice for the compact SUV segment. It offers several advantages, including reduced weight, lower manufacturing costs, and improved fuel efficiency compared to all-wheel-drive systems. The FWD layout also contributes to more predictable handling characteristics and maximizes interior cabin and cargo space by eliminating the need for a central transmission tunnel to the rear axle. The 5-speed manual gearbox was engineered to provide a direct and positive shifting action, allowing drivers to fully exploit the engine’s turbocharged powerband.

Chassis, Suspension, and Handling

The ChangAn CS35 1.5T was built on a unibody chassis designed to balance ride comfort, handling stability, and structural integrity. Its suspension system was configured to suit the demands of varied road conditions, from smooth highways to less-perfect urban streets.

The front suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut design, a widely used system known for its effective balance of performance, cost, and packaging efficiency. This setup allows each front wheel to react independently to road imperfections, improving ride quality and maintaining better tire contact with the road during cornering. A transverse stabilizer bar is also included to reduce body roll and enhance stability during maneuvers.

At the rear, the CS35 is equipped with a torsion beam suspension. This semi-independent design is valued for its simplicity, durability, and space-saving characteristics. By connecting the rear wheels with a crossbeam, it provides a stable and predictable ride while being more compact than a fully independent multi-link setup, thereby allowing for a lower and flatter cargo floor.

The braking system consists of ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear, providing reliable and consistent stopping power. The front discs are ventilated to aid in heat dissipation, reducing the risk of brake fade during prolonged or heavy use. The vehicle is also equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a crucial safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during emergency braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.

Steering is managed by an electric power steering (EPS) system with a rack and pinion mechanism. EPS offers several benefits over traditional hydraulic systems, including improved fuel economy (as it only draws power when steering assistance is needed) and speed-sensitive assistance, providing more support at low speeds for easier parking and a firmer, more connected feel at higher speeds for better stability.

Complete Technical Specifications of the ChangAn CS35 1.5T (156 Hp)