Introduction
The CX70 is a compact crossover vehicle that was introduced by the Chinese automaker Changan Automobile in the early 2010s. Designed to appeal to urban consumers seeking a blend of practicality, affordability, and contemporary styling, the CX70 quickly gained traction in domestic markets. Over the years, the model has seen a number of revisions and facelifts, with updated powertrains, interior technologies, and safety features. The vehicle's name, stylized as “CX70,” reflects its positioning within the brand's crossover lineup, with the number denoting its relative size and feature set. Despite its regional focus, the CX70 has occasionally appeared in international automotive shows, offering insight into the evolving strategies of emerging manufacturers in the global crossover segment.
History and Development
Early Concept and Design
The conceptual design for the CX70 emerged during the late 2000s as part of Changan Automobile's initiative to expand its crossover offerings. The design team focused on creating a vehicle that blended the elevated stance of an SUV with the maneuverability of a compact car. Initial sketches emphasized a streamlined front fascia, a prominent grille, and a roofline that offered a panoramic feel. During the concept phase, engineers explored a modular platform that could accommodate multiple engine sizes and drivetrain configurations, allowing flexibility in future model iterations. The early concept also highlighted the potential for a 7-seat layout, catering to families and group travelers.
Production and Launch
Following the successful display of the concept at domestic auto shows, Changan entered the production phase in 2011. The vehicle received the designation CX70 as part of a broader strategy to introduce a series of crossovers (CX50, CX60, CX70, CX80). Production commenced at the Changsha factory, which was upgraded to support the new assembly line. The launch in 2012 coincided with a marketing campaign that emphasized the vehicle's versatility and modern features. Initial sales focused on major Chinese cities, where demand for compact crossovers was increasing due to rising urbanization and the growing preference for vehicles with higher ground clearance. The CX70's debut was marked by a price range that positioned it competitively against established domestic rivals such as the BYD F3 Cross and the Great Wall Haval H1.
Design and Engineering
Exterior Design
The exterior styling of the CX70 incorporates a balance between aerodynamic efficiency and a bold presence. The front fascia is characterized by a low-mounted grille, LED daytime running lights, and a twin-pillar headlamp assembly. The side profile displays a subtle roof slope that enhances interior headroom while maintaining a compact footprint. Wheel arches are flared to accommodate wider tires, improving road grip and stability. The rear section features a rear light cluster with LED strip lighting, contributing to a cohesive lighting signature. Overall, the design reflects contemporary trends in compact crossovers, offering a blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Interior Features
Inside the CX70, Changan prioritized a driver‑centric cockpit with intuitive controls and a modest yet functional layout. The dashboard hosts a central infotainment screen, which is integrated with the vehicle's audio system and climate controls. Seating configurations support either a 5‑seat or 7‑seat arrangement, with the second row designed for flexibility - allowing fold‑flat or reclining options. Materials used throughout the cabin include high‑quality plastics, soft-touch trims, and optional leather upholstery on higher trims. Ambient lighting can be adjusted via the central console, providing a customizable interior ambiance. In addition, the vehicle includes a standard 60/40 split rear seat, enhancing cargo versatility for larger items or additional passengers.
Platform and Architecture
The CX70 is built on Changan’s unified modular architecture (UMA), a platform designed to support a variety of body styles and powertrains. UMA offers flexibility for both front‑wheel drive and all‑wheel drive configurations, though the base model of the CX70 typically comes with front‑wheel drive. The platform incorporates a double‑Wishbone front suspension and a torsion‑bar rear suspension, providing a balanced ride quality and improved handling characteristics. This architecture also allows for the integration of future powertrain options, such as mild hybrid systems, without requiring significant redesign of the chassis. By leveraging UMA, Changan achieves economies of scale across its product lineup while maintaining distinct styling and functional differences among models.
Powertrain and Performance
Engine Options
The initial engine lineup for the CX70 featured a 1.8‑liter inline‑four petrol engine, producing approximately 138 horsepower and 165 Nm of torque. An optional 1.5‑liter turbocharged engine was introduced in later model years, delivering 155 horsepower and 225 Nm of torque. These powertrains are paired with either a 5‑speed manual gearbox or a 6‑speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim level. Changan also explored a mild hybrid variant in its 2018 model year, integrating an electric assist motor and a 48‑volt battery to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Engine tuning emphasizes a balance between power output and efficiency, targeting typical urban driving conditions.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Transmission options for the CX70 include a 5‑speed manual and a 6‑speed automatic, both front‑wheel drive. The automatic variant features torque‑converter technology that enhances smoothness during gear shifts. While the base models focus on front‑wheel drive, an all‑wheel drive variant was introduced in 2019 for customers seeking improved traction in adverse weather. All‑wheel drive systems incorporate a torque‑split mechanism that distributes power between front and rear axles as needed. The drivetrain layout supports the vehicle's high ground clearance and off‑road capability, albeit within the constraints of a compact crossover.
Performance Figures
The 1.8‑liter engine variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 11.5 seconds, with a top speed limited electronically at 170 km/h. The 1.5‑liter turbocharged version reaches the same speed threshold in 10.2 seconds. Fuel consumption figures vary by engine type and transmission, with the 1.8‑liter manual achieving an average of 7.5 liters per 100 km and the 1.5‑liter turbocharged automatic averaging 7.2 liters per 100 km under standardized testing conditions. The mild hybrid variant improves fuel economy by roughly 10% compared to the standard petrol engine, while also providing a brief electric‑assist boost during acceleration.
Safety and Emissions
Safety Systems
Standard safety equipment on the CX70 includes dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and a basic anti‑locking braking system (ABS) with electronic brake‑force distribution (EBD). Higher trims incorporate additional features such as a lane‑departure warning system, automatic emergency braking (AEB) on the front, and electronic stability control (ESC). Some variants also offer a tire‑pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Crash‑test ratings were not widely reported for the CX70 in international safety assessment organizations, but domestic safety data indicates a 4‑star rating for adult occupant protection in frontal impact tests conducted by the China New Car Assessment Program (CNCAP).
Emissions Standards
Changan has aligned the CX70 with China’s National VI emission regulations, ensuring compliance with stringent particulate matter and NOx limits. The 1.8‑liter engine’s CO2 emissions are approximately 155 grams per kilometer, while the 1.5‑liter turbocharged version emits around 145 grams per kilometer. The mild hybrid variant further reduces CO2 emissions by an estimated 12%, bringing the figure down to 129 grams per kilometer. These values reflect the automaker’s commitment to environmental standards and provide an advantage in markets where emission regulations are tightening.
Market Presence and Sales
Global Availability
While the CX70 remains primarily focused on the Chinese domestic market, limited export opportunities have emerged in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. These export ventures are facilitated through partnerships with local distributors, allowing the vehicle to compete in the budget crossover segment. In each of these markets, the CX70 is positioned below premium crossovers but above compact hatchbacks, targeting middle‑income families and urban commuters. The vehicle’s affordability and practicality have made it a suitable candidate for markets with growing middle classes and a preference for versatile vehicles.
Sales Performance
Since its launch, the CX70 has demonstrated steady sales growth, especially in its first five years. In 2016, the model achieved a sales volume of 25,000 units, reflecting a 12% year‑on‑year increase. The 2018 model year saw sales peak at 35,000 units, driven by the introduction of the mild hybrid variant and a refreshed exterior. In 2020, sales dipped slightly to 30,000 units, partially due to supply chain disruptions caused by the global pandemic. Subsequent model years have recovered, with 2022 sales approaching 32,000 units. These figures indicate a consistent presence within Changan’s overall sales portfolio, contributing to the brand’s market share in the compact crossover segment.
Competitive Positioning
In the domestic segment, the CX70 competes with models such as the BYD F3 Cross, Great Wall Haval H1, and the Geely Boyue. Compared to these rivals, the CX70 offers a slightly larger interior space, especially in the 7‑seat configuration. Pricing is competitive, with the base model starting at roughly 60,000 yuan (approximately 9,000 USD) and higher trims reaching up to 80,000 yuan (approximately 12,000 USD). While it lacks advanced luxury features found in some competitor crossovers, the CX70's balance of cost, space, and a modest feature set has appealed to budget‑conscious buyers.
Facelifts and Updates
Over its lifecycle, the CX70 has undergone at least two major facelifts. The first in 2014 introduced revised headlamps, a redesigned grille, and upgraded interior trims. The second facelift in 2019 refreshed the vehicle’s front bumper, added larger wheel options, and incorporated new safety technologies such as AEB and ESC on all trims. Additionally, a 2021 update introduced an 8‑inch infotainment display and connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, aligning the vehicle’s tech offerings with evolving consumer expectations. These updates reflect Changan’s strategy to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving crossover market.
Critical Reception and Reviews
Automotive reviewers have generally highlighted the CX70’s value proposition and practicality. In domestic reviews, the vehicle’s spacious cabin and comfortable ride were cited as strengths, especially for the 7‑seat variant. Critics, however, noted the lack of advanced driver‑assist systems in base trims and comparatively lower horsepower compared to similarly priced competitors. The mild hybrid variant received praise for its improved fuel economy, while some reviewers mentioned that the overall build quality could benefit from finer materials and better fit‑and‑finish in higher trims. Overall, reviews tend to favor the CX70’s affordability and functional design, but suggest that the model should further enhance its safety and technological features to remain competitive in the long term.
Legacy and Future Outlook
As part of Changan Automobile’s strategy to diversify its product range, the CX70 has served as a platform for testing new technologies, such as mild hybrid systems and advanced safety features. While the model has not yet achieved significant global penetration, its presence in emerging markets showcases the automaker’s commitment to expanding beyond domestic borders. Future iterations of the CX70 are expected to incorporate more advanced connectivity options, such as over‑the‑air updates and vehicle‑to‑infrastructure (V2I) communication. Additionally, the automaker has hinted at a potential electrified variant, aligning with global trends toward fully electric crossovers. If these developments are realized, the CX70 could transition from a budget crossover to a more forward‑looking model, reflecting the dynamic nature of the compact crossover market worldwide.
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