Auto Asia Launches New SsangYong, Changan Models

Last week, Auto Asia launched four new models as it formally opened its dealership, two each from the two brands under its collective umbrella: the Musso Grand and Rexton for SsangYong, and the Honor S and Star Truck for Changan.

SsangYong Musso Grand and SsangYong Rexton

The SsangYong Musso Grand is a long-wheelbase version of the standard Musso pickup, with almost a foot or 310-mm longer. At 5,405-mm, the Musso Grand is the longest pickup truck in its class, and with a cargo capacity of 1,025 kg, it also has the largest cargo bed as well. The introduction of the Musso Grand also sees SsangYong Philippines offer its customers with two different rear suspension setups: coil springs for the standard Musso for a more plush, car-like ride, or leaf springs for the Musso Grand for a more utilitarian-oriented But despite its leaf spring suspension, the Musso Grand is still comfortable to ride in because unlike other pickups that were developed first before their platform was shared with its SUV counterparts, the Musso Grand was developed first as an SUV via the SsangYong Rexton before its platform was used to create the Musso line of pickup trucks. The introduction of the Musso Grand also finally sees the model lineup being offered with a four-wheel-drive system, allowing the pickup to go through more than just the beaten path. Going back to the SsangYong Rexton, it offers a class-leading interior space with a width of 1,950 mm and a wheelbase of 2,855 mm. It also has ventilated and heated seats (heated only for those in the second row) to keep its occupants comfortable and it rides on the same coil spring suspension as the Musso for a plusher ride compared to its rivals. Both the Musso Grand and the Rexton come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Super Vision instrument cluster (3.5-inch screen for the Musso Grand and seven inches for the Rexton), and air-conditioning vents for the rear, to name a few. Both vehicles are also powered by the same 2.2-liter diesel motor with e-VGT Variable Geometry Turbocharger that puts out 181 hp and 420 Nm of torque. A five-year or 100,000km warranty and a free three-year Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) schedule come with both vehicles, which is standard for all SsangYong models. This, along with a service interval of six months or 10,000kms assures owners that they're covered, wherever they may be. And with the Mobile Service Van, customers can have their PMS done in the convenience of their home or office, provided these are within 100 kms of the dealership. The prices of the SsangYong Musso and the SsangYong Rexton are as follows: Musso 4x2 AT - PHP1.495 million Musso Grand 4x4 AT - PHP1.65 million Musso Grand 4x2 AT - PHP1.23 million Musso Grand 4x2 MT - PHP1.18 million Rexton 4x4 AT - PHP2.23 million Rexton 4x2 AT - PHP1.73 million

Changan Honor S and Changan Star Truck

Once sold locally as Chana, the Changan brand reenters the Philippine market under Berjaya Auto Asia, Inc. with an initial two-model lineup, with a third one currently undergoing testing before it can be sold locally. The first is the Changan Honor S, a seven-seater compact MPV that's powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) technology that, mated to a five-speed manual transmission, puts out 105 hp and 145NM of torque to the rear wheels. Equipped with a 10-inch Android-based LCD infotainment screen with AUX, USB/iPod connectivity, an AM/FM tuner, and MP3 and WMV capability, the Honor S is a value-for-money proposition at just PHP585,000. The second is the Changan Star Truck line of small trucks. Available in either Cab and Chassis, Dropside, or Aluminum Box body styles, the Star Truck is powered by a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with 97 hp and 119 Nm of torque, through a five-speed manual driving the rear wheels. While its primary purpose is to haul cargo, the Star Truck still has a two-DIN CD player and three-point seatbelts to keep them entertained and safe while on the go. The Star Truck retails for PHP435,000 for the Cab and Chassis, PHP455,000 for the Dropside pickup, and PHP488,000 for the variant with a built-in aluminum box. While these two are part of Changan's initial foray into the Philippine market, Auto Asia will give customers total peace of mind by serving up readily available parts and service at its Santa Rosa, Laguna facility. The dealership will even be complemented by Auto Asia's Mobile Service Van that itself is a Changan Star Truck, provided you are within 100 kms of the dealership. What's more, you will only be charged by the distance, on top of the regular Periodic Maintenance Service fees. Prospective buyers may check out both SsangYong and Changan vehicle at Auto Asia Santa Rosa, located along the National Road, Purok 3, Pulong Santa Cruz in Santa Rosa, Laguna.