Chinese carmaker Changan has confirmed three new electric SUVs for South Africa. It showed them at the 2026 Paris Motor Show in France, IOL reported.
The models are the NEVO Q05, the larger NEVO Q06 and a facelifted Deepal S07. The Deepal S07 will also get a new plug-in hybrid version.
“It is wonderful to see new South Africa-destined vehicles unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show,” said Marinus Venter, country manager at Jameel Motors South Africa.
According to IOL, the NEVO Q05 and the updated Deepal S07 are due in South Africa in the third quarter of 2027. The NEVO Q06 is confirmed for the country, but its launch date is not yet set.
The NEVO Q05 is a fully electric compact SUV. It is the first NEVO model built for markets outside China.
Changan said one million customers have bought a NEVO car in three years. It said the Q05 has been the top-selling compact SUV in China for six months in a row.
The company said the Q05 has a roomy cabin, an efficient electric motor and a five-star safety rating. It is aimed at families and city workers who want value for money.
The Q05 will reach Europe in the first quarter of 2027. Local prices, battery size and driving range were not given.
The NEVO Q06 is a bigger crossover SUV that was designed in Europe. Changan claims it can drive 100km on electric power alone.
With its engine and battery working together, the Q06 has a claimed total range of more than 1,000km. Its South African specification and price are still to be announced.
The Deepal S07 is already sold in South Africa. It is an electric coupe SUV with rear-wheel drive.
The new version has a fresher design. The plug-in hybrid adds a petrol engine to the electric motor and a battery that can be charged from a plug.
Changan also showed a right-hand-drive Deepal S05 plug-in hybrid in Paris. No South African launch date was given for it.
The CS55 (UNI-S) PLUS BlueCore HEV hybrid made its first appearance outside China at the show. Changan has not said whether it will come to South Africa.
The AVATR CONCEPT T09 luxury SUV was also on display. It uses a 180kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and two rear electric motors of 225kW each. It remains a concept car with no local plans.
Changan has operated in Europe for 25 years. It launched its Changan and AVATR brands in Germany in March 2025.
“Changan is here for the long term, putting down roots and growing in Europe,” said Zhao Fei, general manager of Changan Group.
The company plans to have nearly 400 sales and service outlets in 15 European countries by the end of 2026. It expects that number to grow to 650 by 2027.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL. Image: IOL. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Technology desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Werner Jacobs covers technology for Tzaneen Voice. Werner reports on mobile networks, data prices, internet access, smartphones, apps, AI, cybersecurity and South African tech companies. Each story explains what a new product, price change or policy means for ordinary users in South Africa.