Changan arrives in UK with new Tesla Model Y rival

Changan has become the latest Chinese brand to announce plans to enter the UK market, launching the Deepal S07.

Following a somewhat predictable trend, the Deepal S07 is a mid-sized family SUV that looks positioned to challenge the Tesla Model Y as well as the Skoda Enyaq, Ford Explorer and Renault Scenic.

Priced from £39,990, the S07 will arrive in September and come with just one powertrain – a 215bhp rear-mounted motor paired with an 80kWh battery. Changan says that should allow the S07 to go from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and cover up to 295 miles on a single charge.

It is yet to confirm peak DC charging speeds but a 48-minute wait for a 10-80% charge suggests something below 100kW.

Like other Chinese Model Y rivals, the Deepal comes with a generous specification list that includes a heat pump; heated and ventilated seats; a heated steering wheel; 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen with wireless Apple and Android mirroring; head-up display; 360-degree camera and a 14-speaker “premium” stereo.

Although the Changan name is unfamiliar, it’s one of China’s biggest and oldest car makers. It has been around in its homeland for 40 years and works with international marques such as Ford and Mazda, as well as producing its own vehicles under the Changan, Deepal and Avatr brands.

To coincide with the September launch of the Deepal S07, Changan has announced partnerships with five major retail chains to open 20 dealer sites. It plans to open 30 more by the end of 2025.
Nic Thomas, UK managing director, said: “The UK is a primary market for Changan, which is why we’re making such a bold commitment. We’re not just launching a new car, but a fully capable ecosystem to support it, along with future models we will bring to the UK.
“This is just the beginning of our growth story in the UK.”