First drive: Changan Eado Plus

Not too long ago, Changan Philippines struck a deal with Grab Philippines to supply the ride-hailing service provider with the Eado EV460.

During a trip to the brand’s headquarters in Chongqing, China, Zigwheels Philippines — along with select members of the motoring media — got to experience the Changan Eado Plus, which has a high probability of making it to local shores sometime soon.

Here is a quick look at what the promising sedan has to offer.

Decent looks

The Changan Eado Plus looks modern and stylish, with the marque’s badge nestled at the center of a large three-dimensional grille.

Notable too is its lower front bumper that has a protruding chin, that complements the sedan’s smooth bonnet.

To its sides are body-colored door handles and side mirrors, as well as side sills with likewise smooth contours.

It rides on 17-inch wheels shod in 215/50 series tires.

At the back is a pair of sharp-looking taillamps connected by a chrome garnish, which are also present on the car’s fascia and the borders of its windows.

Overall, it looks clean, which many sedan enthusiasts look for in a daily driver. On that note, we believe that it could replace the Changan Alsvin, which is the Inchcape Philippines-led company’s only sedan offering at the time of writing.

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Good interior

Possibly competing with the likes of the Toyota Vios as a passenger vehicle for small Filipino families, the Changan Eado Plus offers good cabin appointments for its would-be owners.

The model we got to experience had leather upholstery. There is still plenty of hard plastics, but they have been designed to appear modern — befitting the car’s exterior vibe.

What the author appreciates is that the instrument cluster and infotainment screen, are angled towards the person sitting behind the wheel, making the cockpit of the car more driver-centric.

Some niceties include good-sized cup holders and a full-length console with an armrest, which will definitely help in long drives.

Interior space is also impressive with good leg and head room for occupants at the back, despite the front seat being adjusted to the writer’s typical driving position.

Noise, vibration, and harshness to is pretty decent as road and engine noise is not apparent inside the cabin.

Powertrain

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Zigwheels Philippines was able to drive the vehicle in a test track and the said setup provided linear performance with somewhat smooth acceleration.

Maximum power output is approximately 108 horsepower and 152 Newton-meters of torque.

Braking, too, feels adequate thanks to a set of disc brakes — front and back.

We were able to take the sedan to Changan’s proving grounds in Dianjiang, China, where Zigwheels sat shotgun with a designated track driver taking the Changan Eado Plus to speeds up to 170 kilometers per hour with enough momentum to stay in a gradient section of the course.

Possible launch date

With the potential of replacing the Changan Alsvin and being touted as a fleet model, probably for ride-hailing use, we suspect that the  Eado Plus will make it to the Philippines in time for the Manila International Auto Show 2026.

In addition,  the upcoming model could be joined by the fourth-generation Changan CS55 Plus, as the writer was able to see and test drive the sport utility vehicle in China as well. 

Also read:

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9th PIMS: Changan PH previews Hunter REEV

Changan Hunter REEV to be retailed in PH soon?

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