Master Motors signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with Changan Automobiles of China last week, to import and assemble LCVs, MPVs, SUVs and Passenger cars in Pakistan.
Related: Master Motors and Changan Signs Joint Venture Agreement
The most important aspect of the JV agreement is the fact that their assembly plant in Pakistan will be the first RHD base for Changan cars in the world. Vehicles produced here will be exported to RHD markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and South Africa.
The ground breaking of Changan assembly plant was held in March earlier this year. The plant which is expected to reach completion by December 2018, will be operational as early as 2019.
Related: Groundbreaking Ceremony of Changan Assembly Plant in Karachi
At the JV signing ceremony, 4 vehicles were introduced to the media which will be launched in the first phase. These vehicles will initially be sold as CBU, whereas local assembling will commence as soon as the plant becomes ready. Let us have a brief look at these upcoming Changan vehicles in Pakistan.
Changan Karavan
The Changan Karavan is a minivan known as Star 5 in global markets. Although it comes equipped with a 1.2 liter engine elsewhere, in Pakistan it will carry a 1.0 liter engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Karavan offers a relatively better interior compared to the existing minivan options in our market.
Changan M8/ M9 Pickups
Known as the Changan Star truck in global markets, the M series commercial loading pickup is available in two derivatives, the M8 and M9. The M8 comes with an 8ft cargo deck whereas the M9 offers a 9ft cargo deck. Both Changan M8 and M9 pickups are equipped with 1.0 liter engine.
Changan CX70T
Changan CX70T was also displayed at the ITIF Expo held in Karachi earlier this year. If you are wondering why the CX70 has a striking resemblance with Ford Explorer, its because Ford is also a joint venture partner of Changan in China!
The Changan CX70 is a proper 7-seat SUV with front engine & rear wheel drive configuration and offers quite a generous space for occupants inside. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.5 liter unit that churns out an impressive 110kw (148hp) of power at 5500rpm and 230Nm of torque at 2000-4000 rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 7.6 liters per 100 km (13.2 km/ liter). The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Aisin automatic gearbox.
Measuring 4705x1800x1775mm it is slightly smaller than the Toyota Fortuner (4795x1855x1835mm), but has a bigger wheelbase of 2780mm compared to 2745mm of Fortuner.
It comes packed with goodies such as dual-tone interior, 11″ control screen, multifunction leather steering wheel, power retractable rearview mirrors, electrically adjustable driver seat, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry system, power sunroof, GPS integration, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), 6-point parking sensors (270 degrees), electronic stability program (ESP), traction control system (TCS), hill-hold control (HHC), reversing camera with panoramic monitoring, Airbags, ABS with EBD etc.
Changan A800
Changan A800 is a 7-seat MPV that will probably go head-to-head against the Honda BR-V. It comes equipped with a 1.5 liter turbocharged engine, mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission (Aisin).
Unlike most 7-seat MPVs with 2/3/2 seating configurations, the Changan A800 offers a 2/2/3 seating configuration with 2 captain seats at the second row allowing easier access to the last row. The second row captain seats are considered better since they are more comfortable than bench seats, and work great for families who have kids in car seats. The second row seats in the Changan A800 are also equipped with ISOFIX child safety latches.
Related: Changan in Pakistan vs Changan Elsewhere
The A800 MPV comes loaded with convenience and features. It offers a 10-inch central control touch screen unit, with 4G network dual-core processor and integrated voice control operation of air conditioner, audio, and online navigation. The central control screen displays the automobile data recorder too.
In addition, the 7-inch LCD instrument panel houses a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, and odometer. There are also displays for fuel consumption, external temperature, and gear information. Other features include panoramic sunroof, multi-function steering wheel, Intelligent Air Purification System, keyless entry, engine start/ stop button system, built-in dash cam, wireless cell phone charging, automatic headlamps, 6 airbags, seatbelt with force-limiters, seatbelt reminder, intelligent tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rain sensing wipers & sunroof as well as electronic rearview mirror with blind spot monitoring.
Official prices of these vehicles are yet to be announced but considering the ongoing trend of Pak rupee devaluation against the US Dollar, it may fall on the higher side. However as per Master Motors higher officials, the prices will be kept below the expectations.
Related: Changan Officially Unveils the Magnificent Raeton CC
According to the Managing Director Master Motors Danial Malik, Changan has already stopped producing a vast range of conventional gasoline vehicles, the production of which will now be relocated to Pakistan, since Changan in China is now focused on producing alternate energy vehicles. This does give us a hope that in addition to the pickups, SUVs and MPVs, we might also be getting the Changan sedans and hatchbacks somewhere down the line.
Stay tuned to CarSpiritPK for more information on Changan vehicles in Pakistan.
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
