Changan chose the Mondial de l’Auto 2026 (Paris Motor Show 2026) to present its global brand and product line-up, including the European debut of the NEVO brand and three new models bound for Mzansi. For the Chinese automaker, it is a landmark moment in a market it has served for 25 years, and where it has moved faster since launching the Changan and AVATR brands in Germany in March 2025, with Deepal following at the IAA Mobility show in Munich that September.

“Changan is here for the long term, putting down roots and growing in Europe,” said Zhao Fei, General Manager of Changan Group. To back that up, Changan will have nearly 400 sales and service outlets across 15 European countries by the end of 2026, growing to 650 by 2027.

Thrilling New Metal

NEVO is Changan’s family-focused “new energy” line, and the all-new, all-electric NEVO Q05 is its first model developed for global markets. Globally, one million customers have chosen NEVO in just three years, and in China the Q05 has been the best-selling compact SUV for six consecutive months. It offers generous space, an efficient powertrain, intelligent systems and a 5-star safety rating, and is aimed at value-conscious urban professionals and families. Europe gets it in Q1 2027; South Africa follows in the third quarter of 2027.

Next up was the NEVO Q06, a larger and more svelte mid-size crossover SUV. Designed in Europe and confirmed for South Africa (timing still to be finalised), it pairs an electrified powertrain with 100 km of electric-only range and a combined range of over 1,000 km. Inside is a comfortable, premium cabin with an Intelligent Cockpit.

Power and Performance

South Africans already know the Deepal S07, the “tech-sport trendsetter” in a chic, rear-wheel-drive electric coupe-SUV package. In Paris, Changan revealed a more modern, facelifted iteration and a new PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) derivative, both due here in Q3 2027. Also on stand were the right-hand-drive Deepal S05 PHEV and the CS55 (UNI-S) PLUS BlueCore HEV, the latter making its first appearance outside China.

Finally, the AVATR CONCEPT T09, AVATR’s tech-luxury flagship SUV, offers a new take on luxury that it intends to share with Europe. Its super-hybrid system pairs a 180 kW 2.0-litre turbocharged engine up front with two 225 kW motors at the rear, for a combined 630 kW.

Marinus Venter, Country Manager at Jameel Motors South Africa, said:

“It is wonderful to see new South Africa-destined vehicles unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Mondial de l’Auto is one of the world’s leading motor shows and has the distinction of being the first international motor show in history. At this, the 91st Edition, Changan is proud to present its global brand and product lineup, bringing advanced intelligent and electrified technology within reach of customers in Europe and beyond.”