The Alsvin serves to confirm Changan’s long-term commitment to the South Africa market and the prototype hatch and sedan derivatives can be seen at the brand’s exhibition stand in Hall Nine at the Johannesburg International Motor Show. The Alsvin will be available for sale from Changan’s 22 dealers across the country in the first quarter of 2012.
Unashamedly focussed on providing motoring consumers with exceptional bang for their buck, the front-wheel-drive Alsvin heralds a new era for Changan; the fresh approach harnesses Changan’s proven ability to produce exceptional value-for-money vehicles with mass appeal and with the Alsvin adds modern good-looks and strong performance to the equation.
Thanks to dependable, well-tested fundamentals in a no-nonsense package the Alsvin is expected to reach showrooms for less than R120 000 and set a new standard for overall affordability in the Sub-B category.
Says Teresita van Gaalen, chief executive of Changan Southern Africa: “The Alsvin will be the right product at the right time for our brand, and will provide a new, strong alternative for young first-time car buyers, graduates and young couples setting out together. The offering will also represent a strong alternative for others who are forever young and are looking to drive into the sunset in a well-priced vehicle to give them comfort and convenience and significant budgetary advantages.”
The Alsvin will be powered by a 1.5-litre, 16-valve all-aluminium engine producing 72 kW and 137 Nm, and will be offered with a five-speed manual as standard as well as the option of a four-speed automatic.
Both five-door hatchback and four-door sedan versions are being considered, and with the level of space coupled to the respectable engine outputs, it’ll be able to make its mark as a bona fide family transport solution – even at power-sapping Gauteng altitude.
As a full package and value proposition, the Alsvin is expected to outshine competitors.
Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, the Alsvin combines established and affordable chassis technology to keep costs in line – an approach which has helped it sell some 250 000 units in its domestic market in the last two years.
“It is running costs rather than just purchase price which is keeping consumers frustrated and the Alsvin will address these issues too,” says Van Gaalen. “We expect to launch with a service plan and are currently focused on researching parts prices, where possible sourcing from appropriate local suppliers will be given a serious consideration to come up with the best package yet.
The Alsvin’s fuel consumption of under seven litres per 100 km is another factor which will enable owners to keep costs in check.”
Representing Changan International Corporation at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, Director of Marketing Mr Jian Li said: “As Changan’s strategic product, Alsvin hatchback is developed on Changan’s new platform and integrates the power of nine R&D centres situated in five different countries across the world.
The new international standards platform is highlighted in the sharp, sporty new look and design characteristics, low air dynamics and new power-train of the Alsvin hatchback.
The Alsvin is manufactured in Changan’s modern Chongqing factory, a facility equipped to build cars to the highest international standards and meet specific consumer needs and legal requirements which differ from country to country.
For example, local derivatives are likely to feature power steering, a driver’s airbag and anti-lock brakes as standard and exceed all minimum requirements for the South African market.
