The first thing that comes to our mind when we get to hear the word ‘Changan’, are the old lousy vans and double cabin pickups sold in our market by Karakoram motors during the previous decade.
Chinese car manufacturers including Changan since then, have crossed leaps and bounds in automobile development and as in the majority of cases, Pakistan is yet to witness the better side of Chinese automobiles.
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We have posted numerous times regarding various Chinese manufacturers (including Changan) which are producing world class automobiles today, and it just keeps on getting better and better. One of the key reasons why Chinese cars are getting increasingly impressive is because Chinese are rapidly recruiting renowned European car designers who have loads of experience of working with leading automobile manufactures under their belt.
Most notable recruitments include Peter Horbury, the former design head of Volvo who is now heading Geely as Senior Vice President of Design, courtesy Geely’s acquisition of Volvo. Former Mercedes-Benz designer Peter Arcadipane is now working for BAIC Group (Beijing Auto Industry Company), former Porsche designer Hakan Saracoglu has joined Chery Automobiles, former Audi Group chief designer Wolfgang Egger, has taken charge as Director Design and Development of BYD and former BMW design director Chris Bangle, now consults for Changan Automobiles.
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The result is obvious since Changan has been producing some stunning vehicles lately. The new Eado XT which is the hatchback version of Changan’s successful Eado sedan is yet another of such example. It is by far the best looking hatchback to emerge from Chinese soil.
The Eado XT measures 4,505×1,820×1,490mm with a wheelbase of 2,700mm and is available with a choice of two engines. A 1.6 liter 125 hp naturally aspirated unit mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic, and a 1.5 liter 170 hp turbocharged unit mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox.
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First unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, the Changan Eado and Eado XT and considered as the finest and the most successful models with impressive sales ever since. The new breed of Eado series is likely to take the popularity of these cars to a new level in China.
Changan will officially launch the new Eado XT soon with an expected price tag to start around 72,000 yuan (PKR 12.59 lac). When will people of Pakistan get these sort of Chinese cars, is a question that is yet to be unanswered..
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
