Changan Deepal S05 First Drive: A New Name to Take Seriously

Hot on the heels of September’s SMMT figures showing Chinese manufacturers taking a growing share of UK new car registrations, I decided to take a closer look at another of the names entering the market.

This time it was the Changan Deepal S05, courtesy of the marvellous team at Nathaniel Car Sales in Bridgend.

Deepal is Changan’s electric vehicle brand, and the S05 joins an increasingly competitive electric SUV segment. The badge may still be unfamiliar to many UK drivers, but my first impressions were very positive.

First impressions

The S05 is a good-looking car, and it made a positive impression before I had even set off.

Keyless entry was followed by a neat welcome from the central touchscreen, which automatically tilted towards me as I settled into the driver’s seat. It is a small touch, but one that immediately gives the cabin some character.

Cabin and tech

Inside, the S05 felt more premium than a number of rivals in this segment. Black vegan leather with contrasting orange stitching gave the cabin an upmarket feel, while the spacious interior and plush seats made it a comfortable place to sit. Heated and ventilated front seats added to the appeal.

One of my favourite features was the head-up display. Alongside speed, it showed information on regenerative braking, battery level, overtaking and the indicators. The blue lettering was also easier for me to read than the usual white displays I have encountered in other cars.

That indicator display proved particularly useful because the indicators themselves had an annoying habit of staying on after I had completed a turn. A small grumble, but one I noticed during the drive.

Driver assistance

I was relieved to find that, on the car I drove, I could save my preferred driver-assistance settings to a profile, including switching off the features I found intrusive. That saved the familiar routine of having to work through them individually each time.

Judging by conversations with other drivers, I am far from alone in finding some of these systems irritating. If we are still arguing with our cars over the assistance they provide, I suspect driverless cars may need a little more time to win everyone over, however capable the technology becomes.

Range and value

The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive S05 offers an official WLTP range of up to 303 miles. My test loop suggested something closer to 250–260 miles in real-world use.

With a starting price below £40,000 and a generous standard equipment list, the S05 also makes a strong case on value. The cabin quality and comfort features were particular highlights for me.

It has earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty, offering some reassurance for anyone considering a brand they may not yet know well.

Verdict

The Changan Deepal S05 left me with a very positive impression. The interior felt premium, the equipment list was generous and the head-up display was a particular highlight. The indicator behaviour was an irritation, but it did not overshadow what I liked about the car.

Changan may not yet have the recognition of MG or BYD in the UK, but I saw enough to think it could join Jaecoo, Chery and Omoda among the Chinese brands making a big splash here.

If you are considering an electric SUV, the S05 deserves a place on your shortlist.

For a tailored quote on the Changan Deepal S05, get in touch with me at Fleet Alliance.