Changan Lumin

The Changan Lumin comes with fabric upholstery that’s breathable and practical for urban climates. The seat material feels durable, with a moderately soft texture. Interior themes are designed to match the exterior colors, such as light grey with orange inserts, and monotone black or gray-black combinations. The seats are thinly padded to save space. But they offer acceptable lumbar support and backrest for daily drives. The driver’s and passenger’s seats are manually adjustable with basic slide and recline functions. 

The Changan Lumin is a four-passenger car. Rear space is best suited for smaller adults or children due to the limited legroom and upright seatback angle. But the cushioning at the back matches the front in quality.

Most surfaces of the Changan Lumin are made from hard injection-molded plastic, though the design incorporates color-matched panels and silver-painted trim to add a premium look. The dashboard sports a glossy or semi-matte plastic accent panel, depending on the trim. Air vents and door handles get satin silver bezels. The door panels are simple with fabric inserts or molded textures depending on the variant. Window and lock switches are embedded cleanly into a well-integrated armrest area.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Modern and youthful design

Cons: Extensive use of hard plastics

Features and Technology

At the heart of the Changan Lumin’s dashboard is a centrally-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, typically offered in 7.0-inch or 10.25-inch variants depending on the trim level. The interface is clean and intuitive, with large icons and swipe-based navigation. It supports essential functions such as media playback, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation (in higher trims), and vehicle settings. The unit is connected to a multi-speaker audio system. The touchscreen is reasonably responsive, with minimal lag, though it may not match the fluidity of systems in more premium cars.

The Changan Lumin gets a fully digital instrument cluster with a simple yet functional LCD display. The car gets manual air-conditioning. The higher model gets touchscreen-based climate control.

Pros and cons

Pros: Modern and intuitive infotainment

Cons: Lacks head-up display

Boot Space and Storage

The Changan Lumin has a standard trunk capacity of 104 liters. For increased versatility, the rear seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo space to approximately 502 litres to accommodate larger items like luggage or small furniture pieces.

Despite its compact size, the Changan Lumin's interior is thoughtfully designed to maximize storage. Both front doors feature storage compartments suitable for water bottles, maps, or small personal items. The central console provides space for essentials. The standard glovebox offers additional storage for documents and small items. The back of the front seats include pockets for magazines, tablets, or other slim items.

The Changan Lumin effectively utilizes its compact dimensions to meet everyday storage needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Flexible cargo space

Cons: Limited long-item accommodation

The Changan Lumin measures 3,270mm in length, 1,700mm in width, and 1,590mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 1,980mm. 

The car gets a closed-off grille in the front. As a typical EV, the Changan Lumin lacks a traditional grille. Instead, a smooth, closed panel sits where the grille would be. The “LUMIN” badge is prominently placed in the center. Large, circular halogen projector headlights lend the car a wide-eyed look. These are rimmed with a semi-circular silver trim. The LED daytime running lights (DRLs) are subtly integrated within the headlamp cluster. The lower bumper houses an intake-style design element that’s purely cosmetic.

The Changan Lumin gets a short front overhang and tall cabin. This maximizes interior space while keeping the exterior compact. The car sports flush-type or hidden handles (depending on the variant) that maintain clean lines. The smooth and slightly pronounced wheel arches house small 14-inch wheels that are fitted with stylish hubcaps or alloy covers. A single soft crease runs from the front fender to the rear quarter.

The Circular LED taillights of the Changan Lumin echo the design of the front headlights. It forges a visual symmetry. A near-vertical rear hatch maximizes cargo space. The glass portion extends to the tailgate edge, framed by a subtle black garnish. The rear bumper integrates reflectors and features a contrasting color.

The Changan Lumin is available in Sakura Pink, Foggy White, Magpie Gray, Moss Green, and Wheat Yellow colour options.

Pros: Compact size

Cons: Minimum ground clearance

The fully electric Changan Lumin S returns a mileage of 190 km on a full charge. The L model, with a larger 28.08kWh battery has a mileage of 301km on a single recharge. They are based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) that yield higher figures than real-world conditions. 

Pros and cons

Pros: Superb urban efficiency

Cons: Limited charging infrastructure

The Changan Lumin is mounted on a MacPherson independent front strut and a trailing arm non-independent suspension at the back. The entire suspension system is tuned with a firmer bias, which aids in stability and control during city driving. This firmness ensures that the vehicle remains composed over speed bumps and during quick manoeuvres. But on uneven road surfaces or potholes, occupants may experience a less cushioned ride, with noticeable jolts transmitted through the cabin.

The steering wheel is light and responsive. It facilitates easy navigation through tight urban spaces. The system provides adequate feedback, enhancing driver’s confidence during city driving.

Pros: Urban-friendly suspension 

Cons: High-speed ride quality lacks refinement 

The Changan Lumin is available in S and L trims in the Philippines. Both are equipped with a single, permanent magnet synchronous motor. The S model is powered by a 17.65kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery and produces 47PS/83Nm. The L model gets a similar component battery of 28.08kWh. The car comes with Eco and Sport driving modes. The top speed is limited to 101kmph which is pretty decent for an electric hatchback. The Eco mode prioritizes energy efficiency, while Sport mode enhances throttle response for a more spirited drive.

The Changan Lumin is exceptionally easy to park and maneuver, courtesy its compact size. The car excels on tight urban roads, mall parking slots, and narrow streets. On highways, the drive becomes less enthusiastic. Overtaking requires planning, particularly on inclines or in faster lanes.

Pros and cons

Pros: Perfect for urban use

Cons: Limited highway capability

The Changan Lumin gets a rearview camera that aids in reversing and parking. The rear parking sensors assist in detecting obstacles behind the vehicle during parking. Two ultrasonic sensors are employed for proximity detection, particularly useful in parking scenarios.  

The Changan Lumin's advanced driver-assist system (ADAS) is limited. It focusses on essential safety features rather than advanced autonomous driving technologies. Notably, it lacks systems like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. These omissions place it behind competitors in terms of ADAS.

Active safety features of the Changan Lumin includes antilock braking, hill start assist, and electronic stability control. The latter enhances vehicle stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction. 

The car is constructed with a high-strength steel energy-absorbing body and multi-part anti-collision beams that enhance structural integrity during an impact.

Pros and cons

Pros: Comprehensive safety suite

Cons: Limited ADAS

Competitor Comparison

The Build Your Dreams (BYD) Dolphin is a competitor of the Changan Lumin in the Philippines market. While both are EVs, they serve different market segments. The BYD Dolphin is a premium compact EV offering more power, 94PS longer range, and advanced safety features, making it ideal for those seeking performance and comfort. The Changan Lumin is a budget-friendly city hatchback with a modest power output and 104 litres of trunk space. The basic features of the Changan Lumin are tailored for short urban commuting. Priced much lower, the Lumin appeals to first-time EV buyers or those needing a secondary city car, while the Dolphin suits buyers wanting a more capable and versatile EV.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Changan Lumin stands out as a practical, budget-friendly EV tailored for urban living. With its compact size, flexible storage options, and stylish design, it meets the needs of daily commuters seeking eco-friendly mobility. While it has limitations in trunk space and premium features, its affordability and efficiency make it a strong contender in the city EV segment. For those prioritizing value, maneuverability, and electric convenience, the Lumin offers an appealing, future-forward driving solution. But it doesn’t yet have the brand recognition like its established rivals.