The Changan Alsvin is not an accident—and is definitely far from being one. Its name might look like a misspelled name, but upon searching the web, the name was said to be derived from the Norse mythology creature Alsvior, which are the horses that pull the sun.
When Changan Motor Philippines, Inc. brought this subcompact sedan offering in the country, it was definitely seeking to make the nameplate known as a good contender against the heavyweights in its class.
But does this vehicle have what it takes to run against the likes of the Japanese colossuses in the market? Let’s see what the Alsvin 1.5L DCT Platinum has to offer the market.
The Changan Alsvin 1.5L DCT Platinum is 4,390mm long, 1,725mm wide and 1,490mm tall — making it a tad smaller than the Toyota Vios yet larger than the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. The 2,535mm wheelbase gives sufficient legroom to rear passengers to average-sized passengers. Because its sizing sits in between the two aforementioned models, the Changan Alsvin 1.5L DCT Platinum can also bob and weave through traffic well.
Its trunk can store up to 382 liters of cargo, which is more than enough for the usual grocery run for a small family.
The Changan Alsvin 1.5L DCT Platinum’s design can be summed up in one word: simple. It does not wear many striking character lines and edges, but it gets the job done. The same description can be given to its 15-inch alloy wheels.
The projector-type halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights flank the chrome grille that features the brand logo in the middle. For the rear, the Changan Alsvin’s tail lamps remind the author of the Hyundai Accent.
Despite having many plastic components (even if it is the top-of-the-line version), the Changan Alsvin 1.5L DCT Platinum does have a premium look for its interior, primarily due to its floating infotainment design. While it is the high-end version of the model, the Changan Alsvin 1.5L DCT Platinum bears a no-frills design for the dashboard — with very few buttons that can be seen on the center console area. The glossy black material trimmings and silver-colored door handles complement the black leatherette seats and the vinyl steering wheel.
Also, the steering wheel design is not busy, which lets the driver focus more on the road than looking for the buttons to be used while driving. Aside from that, the driver's seat can be adjusted six ways manually.
The center armrest with storage box is only fitted on this version to give front passengers an extra comforting feature when on the road.
This variant is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that can deliver a peak output of 105hp and 145Nm. The vehicle seemed to be designed for flatlands as it was smoothly taking highways and city roads. However, it was a different story when it was driven to Cabuyao, Laguna enroute to Tagaytay as the vehicle showed some struggle tackling steep uphill climbs.
The five-speed dual clutch transmission provided timely gearing with no violent jolts during upshifts.
In terms of fuel economy, the vehicle was able to post a 17.86-kilometer-per-liter fuel consumption reading after covering 74.8 kilometers of highway and city roads.
It might not flex much in terms of looks and power, but the Changan Alsvin 1.5L DCT Platinum definitely is heavy on tech.
For its price point, buyers of this line may enjoy a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity mated to a four-speaker setup. This also has the following amenities like cruise control function, power sunroof for the front passengers.
Aside from the dual front airbags as well as the anti-brake lock system with electronic brakeforce distribution, the Changan Alsvin 1.5L DCT Platinum has electronic stability program, hill hold control, reverse camera, blind spot view on the right side and reverse parking sensors. Also fitted as standard are the tire pressure monitoring system and seatbelt reminder.
Just as the name suggests, the Changan Alsvin 1.5L DCT Platinum has the fitments that can help the brand tug the spotlight from the usual names in the market given the technological features that it is equipped with.
If those would not draw you closer to considering buying one, maybe the accompanying price tag of P739,000 will.
Photos by Ruben D. Manahan IV
Also read:
Changan Alsvin sedan proves fuel efficiency in recent AAP test
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