Why Is Changan Suddenly Making Headlines in the UK Car Market?
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the UK automotive scene, you might have noticed a new name popping up: Changan. While the brand is a household name in China, it’s only now making its big move into the UK, and it’s doing so with a bang—a fully electric SUV, the Deepal S07, priced at £39,990. But what’s behind this sudden push, and why should UK drivers care? Let’s dig into what’s making Changan’s arrival so noteworthy.
What Sets the Changan Deepal S07 Apart From Other Electric SUVs?
At first glance, the Deepal S07 slots right into the ever-growing field of electric crossovers, competing with heavyweights like the Tesla Model Y. But Changan isn’t just relying on a competitive price tag. The S07 has been engineered in the UK, with a dedicated R&D hub in Birmingham employing 100 engineers, and designed in Italy by a team of 300. That’s a rare blend of British engineering and Italian flair, and it shows in the car’s ride and handling.
The S07 comes in a single, fully loaded trim: rear-wheel drive, 215bhp, 236lb ft of torque, and an 80kWh battery offering a claimed 295-mile range. That’s more than enough for most commutes and family road trips. And if you’re wondering about tech, Changan’s UK team spent months recalibrating the suspension and fine-tuning the advanced driver assistance systems to suit British roads and driving habits. The result? A car that feels purpose-built for the UK, not just a generic import.
How Is Changan Building Trust With UK Car Buyers?
Let’s be honest: breaking into the UK market isn’t easy, especially for a brand that’s new to most local drivers. Changan’s approach is refreshingly thorough. They’ve set up a contracted and stocked parts warehouse at East Midlands Airport, ensuring quick access to spares. They’ve also worked with CAP to achieve a projected residual value of 47%, which is impressive for a new entrant and signals confidence in the car’s long-term value.
Dealer support is another big focus. Changan is launching with 20 dealerships, with plans to expand to around 100 across 25 dealer groups. They’re partnering with established names like Ancaster, Parks, DM Keith, and Stoneacre. Interestingly, they’re not demanding exclusive showrooms—dealers can display Changan cars alongside other brands, keeping investment costs down and making it easier for customers to compare.
What’s the Story Behind Changan’s Global Ambitions?
Changan isn’t just another startup. The company’s roots go back to the 1860s as a trading arm of the Chinese government, and it’s been building cars since the 1950s. In the first half of 2025, Changan was the fourth best-selling car group in China, according to industry data. Their global push started years ago, with exports to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, and more recently, a launch in Norway.
The UK is a key part of Changan’s European strategy, but it’s not the only one. The company is investing over $10 billion in new products and factories to support global growth. And while the Deepal S07 is the headline act for now, a smaller Deepal S05 (think Volvo EX40 size) is on the way, with even more affordable models planned in the £20,000s. There’s also a lower-cost sub-brand, Nevo, set to join the lineup, making Changan a potential one-stop shop for a range of budgets.
How Is Changan Addressing Quality and Customer Service?
Quality is a word that comes up a lot in Changan’s UK launch. In China, the brand has been ranked number one for initial vehicle quality by JD Power, a respected industry benchmark. The UK team is determined to bring that same standard to British buyers. That means not rushing to market, adapting products for local needs, and building a team that understands what UK drivers expect.
Changan’s UK managing director, Nic Thomas, is clear: the goal isn’t to chase quick sales at the expense of quality or resale values. Instead, the focus is on building a sustainable, trustworthy business that can stand the test of time. That’s a smart move, especially in a market where new entrants often struggle to win over skeptical buyers.
What Can UK Drivers Expect Next From Changan?
The Deepal S07 is just the beginning. Changan’s playbook includes a full range of powertrains—electric, plug-in hybrid, and more—tailored to evolving UK and European regulations. The brand’s modular approach means more models will follow, including the Deepal S05 and the budget-friendly Nevo range. There’s even talk of European production down the line, which could further boost local trust and reduce delivery times.
Changan’s ambitions don’t stop at the UK border, either. The company is eyeing a spot among the top 10 car brands in the UK, though there’s no set timeline for that goal. With a mix of competitive pricing, robust dealer support, and a clear focus on quality, Changan is positioning itself as a serious contender—not just another fleeting newcomer.
What’s the Real Takeaway for UK Car Buyers?
Changan’s arrival signals a new era of competition in the UK car market. For buyers, that means more choice, better value, and the chance to experience a blend of global design and local engineering. If you’re in the market for an electric SUV, the Deepal S07 is worth a look—not just for its specs, but for the thought and investment behind it.
As the UK automotive landscape evolves, Changan’s careful, quality-driven approach could set a new standard for what drivers expect from a new brand. The outcome? Game-changing. And it’s only just getting started.