South African motorists can expect a fresh wave of electric vehicles from Changan, following the manufacturer's showcase at the 2026 Paris Motor Show in France.
The Chinese automaker used the Mondial de l’Auto 2026 to present its global brand portfolio, mark the European debut of its NEVO brand and unveil new models destined for South Africa.
Among the highlights are the all-electric NEVO Q05, the larger NEVO Q06 crossover SUV and a facelifted Deepal S07, which will also gain a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) derivative.
The announcements provide an early look at Changan's expanding product offering for Mzansi, with the NEVO Q05 and updated Deepal S07 scheduled to arrive in the third quarter of 2027. The NEVO Q06 has also been confirmed for South Africa, although its local launch date is still to be finalised.
Changan strengthens its global ambitions
Changan's Paris showcase marks another step in the Chinese automaker's international expansion, particularly in Europe, where it has operated for 25 years.
The company accelerated its European strategy with the launch of the Changan and AVATR brands in Germany in March 2025, followed by Deepal at the IAA Mobility show in Munich in September that year.
“Changan is here for the long term, putting down roots and growing in Europe,” said Zhao Fei, general manager of Changan Group.
The company plans to establish nearly 400 sales and service outlets across 15 European countries by the end of 2026, with that number expected to increase to 650 by 2027.
The strategy forms part of Changan's wider push to bring its range of electrified vehicles and intelligent technologies to more international markets.
What's coming to SA
NEVO Q05
One of the key vehicles unveiled was the all-new NEVO Q05, an electric compact SUV developed as the NEVO brand's first model intended for global markets.
NEVO is Changan's family-focused new-energy vehicle line, targeting buyers looking for practical, technology-led vehicles.
According to Changan, one million customers have chosen NEVO in three years, while the Q05 has been China's best-selling compact SUV for six consecutive months.
The manufacturer says the model offers generous interior space, an efficient electric powertrain and intelligent systems, alongside a five-star safety rating.
The Q05 is aimed at value-conscious urban professionals and families seeking an electric vehicle suited to everyday driving.
The model is scheduled to reach Europe in the first quarter of 2027, followed by South Africa in the third quarter.
Local pricing, battery capacity and driving range have not yet been provided in the announcement.
NEVO Q06
Changan also presented the NEVO Q06, a larger mid-size crossover SUV with a more streamlined design.
Designed in Europe, the Q06 has been confirmed for South Africa, although the timing of its local introduction remains unconfirmed.
The model pairs an electrified powertrain with a claimed electric-only range of 100km and a combined range of more than 1,000km.
Inside, the Q06 features a premium cabin and an Intelligent Cockpit, with the emphasis on comfort and technology.
Its combination of electric-only driving and an extended total range could appeal to motorists looking for the benefits of electrification without relying exclusively on battery charging for longer journeys.
Further details about the South African specification, powertrain configuration and pricing are still to be announced.
Updated Deepal S07
South African buyers are already familiar with the Deepal S07, an electric coupe-SUV that combines a sporty silhouette with rear-wheel drive and a technology-focused interior.
At the Paris Motor Show, Changan unveiled a facelifted version featuring a more contemporary design, alongside a new plug-in hybrid derivative.
Both models are scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2027.
The PHEV will expand the S07 range with an alternative to fully electric driving. Plug-in hybrids combine an electric motor and rechargeable battery with a combustion engine, allowing electric-only travel over a limited distance, depending on the vehicle's specification and operating conditions.
Changan also displayed the right-hand-drive Deepal S05 PHEV at the event. However, a South African launch date for this model was not specified.
Changan showcases another hybrid model
The manufacturer's Paris display also included the CS55 (UNI-S) PLUS BlueCore HEV, which made its first appearance outside China.
The hybrid model formed part of Changan's broader presentation of electrified vehicles, reflecting its strategy of offering different powertrain options across its portfolio.
Unlike a plug-in hybrid, a conventional hybrid generally recharges its battery through the vehicle's powertrain and regenerative braking rather than requiring an external charging connection.
Changan has not confirmed whether the CS55 (UNI-S) PLUS BlueCore HEV will be introduced in South Africa.
AVATR CONCEPT T09
At the premium end of the showcase, the AVATR CONCEPT T09 offered a look at the brand's approach to technology-focused luxury SUVs.
Its super-hybrid powertrain combines a 180kW 2.0-litre turbocharged engine at the front with two rear electric motors, each producing 225kW.
The stated combined system output is 630kW.
The concept demonstrates Changan's interest in combining electrified powertrains with high-output performance and premium positioning.
However, the T09 remains a concept vehicle in the supplied announcement, with no South African production or launch plans confirmed.
What Changan's latest launches mean for South Africa
Marinus Venter, country manager at Jameel Motors South Africa, welcomed the unveiling of vehicles destined for the local market.
“It is wonderful to see new South Africa-destined vehicles unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show,” he said.
Venter described the Mondial de l'Auto as one of the world's leading motor shows and highlighted Changan's presentation of its global brands and product portfolio.
For South African motorists, the announcements offer a preview of the brand's upcoming electrified vehicle offering.
The NEVO Q05 and updated Deepal S07 are scheduled for local introduction in the third quarter of 2027, while the NEVO Q06 has been confirmed for South Africa without a final launch date.
The right-hand-drive Deepal S05 PHEV and CS55 (UNI-S) PLUS BlueCore HEV were also displayed, although local availability has not been confirmed for either model.
Pricing, final specifications and local equipment levels will become important considerations as the confirmed vehicles move closer to launch.
For now, Changan's Paris showcase signals its intention to broaden its range with more electric and hybrid choices, giving South African buyers a preview of what could be next for the brand in Mzansi.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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