Chinese automaker Changan shook the internet earlier this year with the release of official pictures of its new jaw-dropping SUV– the UNI-T. Now the stunning SUV is out in the flesh ahead of its imminent launch. The UNI-T was supposed to break covers at this year’s Beijing Auto Show however the show was cancelled due to COVID-19 outbreak. Now Changan will launch the vehicle in an internet event later this month.
The UNI-T will be the first model in Changan’s newest product series, where UNI is short for ‘universe’ while ‘T’ is the name of the car. The aim is to attract young car buyers which the striking design of the car does rather effectively, accentuated with colored detailing on various bits of the vehicle.
It boasts a completely new design language with distinctive wide grille flanked by sharp split-type head lamps. Side profile boasts a double waist line, floating roof design, hidden door handles and 10-spoke alloy rims. The rear end features slim polygonal tail lamps, dashed fog lamps, spoiler, skid plates and twin exhausts on either side. The dual tone color scheme makes the UNI-T look quite a youthful and energetic vehicle.
Inside there is a nice & clean interior design with an asymmetrical T-shaped center control that’s tilted to the driver’s side. There is a flat bottomed multi-function steering wheel and an integrated dual 10.25-inch high-definition touchscreen with an 8.1° angle, a hollowed out central platform out in front that gives passengers storage space while a joystick-like gear lever lends the interior a strong futuristic feel.
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In terms of dimensions the UNI-T measures 4,515mm in length and 1,870mm in width while have a 2,700mm wheelbase. There are two engine options available– 1.5 Turbo good for 180hp whereas a more powerful 2.0T will also be offered shortly. The car will be available in 17”, 19” and 20” wheels depending on the variant offered.
Technology-wise, the Changan UNI-T comes with a new smart car machine system focused on the human-machine interaction design concept. It is the first smart car to come equipped with China-made AI chips. Directional speech recognition is enabled by the Smart Cockpit NPU Computing platform jointly developed by Changan and Horizon.ai (a AI chip manufacturer in China).
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Furthermore UNI-T comes equipped with a high quality VOC control system. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds; organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature. In short, this system keeps harmful particles out. Changan claims their new PM 0.1 filter system can filter particles with a particle size of 0.1 μm or more, and can filter 95% of particles with a size of 0.3 μm or more.
Changan was also about to showcase the UNI-T at Geneva Auto Show but like most of the global events, it was cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. This does shows that the company is looking to introduce the UNI-T as a global product. Official prices are yet to be announced however it is expected to hover around 120,000 and 150,000 yuan (PKR 28.10 lac to PKR 35.13 lac).
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
