Chinese cars, are they as bad as everyone thinks?

So be it… I’m in no rush for to buy any of thier EVs for that exact same reason as well.

The point remains. If you buy a new Chinese EV with a balloon payment believing that makes it affordable… then you are an idiot.

I won’t even buy a Toyota with proven resale value, with a balloon payment.
I think people, who think only folks who purchase Chinese cars on balloon payments are idiots, are idiots themselves.
 
So be it… I’m in no rush for to buy any of thier EVs for that exact same reason as well.

The point remains. If you buy a new Chinese EV with a balloon payment believing that makes it affordable… then you are an idiot.

I won’t even buy a Toyota with proven resale value, with a balloon payment.

Would you buy one with stolen money, though?
 
Wife went for a test drive in the Q today. Was quite funny. She got in, a few moments later asked "how do i start it"... guy was like "it is on".

Mind you, I probably would've looked for a start button as well.
 
2026 Changan Deepal S05 REEV arrives in South Africa at an ‘incredible’ price

The Deepal S05 REEV has arrived in South Africa at an ‘incredible’ price, Changan says. We highlight the new model. See pricing and specs below…

Changan has bolstered its local Deepal portfolio with the introduction of the S05 REEV (range-extended electric vehicle). The Chinese automaker says the new model “brings together the appeal of electric driving and the reassurance of a petrol-powered range extender” to make it a “practical proposition” in the South African market.

Changan Deepal S05 REEV powertrain, performance and range

While the S05 can be had in battery-electric flavour in overseas markets, it’s exclusively available in REEV guise in South Africa. The S05 REEV features a single, rear-mounted electric motor producing 160 kW and 320 N.m of torque. A 72 kW/125 N.m 1.5-litre petrol engine serves as a generator for the car’s 27.28 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The powertrain features Standard/Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Custom driving modes.

Changan claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of “under” eight seconds and a 175 km/h top speed. According to the carmaker, the LFP battery serves up an electric-only operating range of 175 km. The combined range is “more than” 1 000 km, the firm says. A 30-80% charge at a DC fast-charging station takes 20 minutes.

Changan Deepal S05 REEV dimensions and boot capacity

The S05 REEV measures 4 620 mm in length and 1 900 mm in width, making it 130 mm shorter and 30 mm narrower than the battery-electric Deepal S07. The S05 REEV stands 1 600 mm tall, with a 2 880 mm wheelbase. Changan claims a boot capacity of 464 litres.

Changan 2026 Deepal S05 REEV price in South Africa

The Deepal S05 REEV is priced from R699 000 in South Africa. Included with the package as standard are a five-year/90 000 km service plan, five-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, and an eight-year/150 000 km warranty for the battery pack. A maintenance is available as an option.


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PICS: Changan Deepal S05 arrives in South Africa with R699,000 price tag

South Africa's electric vehicle market has welcomed another contender with the arrival of the Changan Deepal S05, a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) priced at R699,000, including VAT.

Introduced locally by Jameel Motors South Africa, the official importer and distributor of Changan, the S05 is the brand's second range-extended electric vehicle to reach the local market.

Positioned below the larger Deepal S07, the five-door S05 combines electric vehicle technology with a petrol-powered range extender, an approach aimed at addressing some of the practical concerns motorists still have about charging infrastructure and long-distance travel.

Designed at Changan's dedicated studio in Turin, Italy, the SUV features an athletic exterior, narrow LED headlamps, frameless door pillars and concealed rectangular door handles.

Chelsy Pinto, General Manager: Marketing and Product at Jameel Motors, says the vehicle has been developed with the needs of South African motorists in mind.

“South Africans are increasingly interested in electric vehicles, but charging availability and long-distance travel remain important considerations.

"The Deepal S05 brings together the appeal of electric driving and the reassurance of a petrol-powered range extender, making it a practical proposition for our market.”

 
Changan Deepal S05 (2026) Price & Specs

The Changan Deepal S05 is the second range extender electric vehicle to make landfall in South Africa. Here are prices and specifications.

- Deepal’s second model in SA
- Priced under R700 000
- Range-extender powertrain claims over 1000 km range

The second product from new-energy brand Deepal has launched in South Africa. Its called the Changan Deepal S05 and unlike its bigger S07 sibling, this one is offered with a range-extender powertrain. Essentially, it drives and performs like an electric car, but has a petrol engine which solely acts as an onboard electricity generator.

As far as size goes, the S05 is 4 620 mm long, 1 900 mm wide and 1 600 mm high. There’s a 2 880 mm wheelbase and a kerb weight of 1 847 kg. The boot space is rated at 464 litres.

Powertrain

There’s a single electric motor driving the rear wheels and that makes 160 kW and 320 Nm. There’s a 27.28 kWh LFP battery giving it an electric range of 175 km. When that’s empty, the 1.5-litre petrol engine engages to make more electricity. With that combination, the vehicle is claimed to offer a total range of over 1000 km.

In terms of straight-line performance, the S05 is said to dash to 100 kph in just under 8 seconds. There are a handful of driver modes too: Standard/Comfort, Sport, Eco and Custom. The vehicle can be charged via AC and DC, the latter claimed to take the battery from 30% to 80% in around 20 minutes. If you’re wanting to power accessories, it supports Vehicle-To-Load capability.

How much does the Changan Deepal S05 cost in South Africa?

The below price includes VAT and the newcomer is sold with a five-year/90 000 km service plan, a five-year/150 000 km warranty and an eight-year/150 000 km battery warranty. An optional maintenance plan is available.

Changan Deepal S05 R699 000

 
Been borrowing my brothers Omoda C6 HEV and do not like it. Too many things hidden in menus and subscreens and stuff. Bings and bongs the whole time which I don't even know why. More other issues I have which I wont even list.

Also seems to have a fault..when driving up an incline the accelerator pedal stops responding which is unnerving. So I need to pump it a few times until it 'wakes up.'
Othertimes the petrol motor kicks in but revs rediculously high..which doesn't sound normal to me.
 
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