There has been an explosion of Chinese brands arriving in the UK since BYD launched here more than three years ago. Yet, despite establishing a UK R&D centre back in 2010, Changan took a further 15 years to launch the S07, followed by its second model, the S05, in March this year.

Now there’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the S05, which Kevin first drove in June. Despite its R&D investment and growing UK model range, Changan is still a relatively unfamiliar name to many UK company car buyers.

Changan plans to change this by expanding its dealer network from 42 to 60 sites, alongside introducing more models and versions. We’ve already tried the larger Deepal S07 and have a full review coming soon. Our first impressions were positive, with a spacious, well-equipped interior and a long electric range.

We haven’t driven the all-electric version of the S05, but Changan expects EV and PHEV sales to be evenly split, with demand for the new PHEV likely to be slightly stronger among fleet buyers.

So, what does the PHEV version offer? It combines an 18.4kWh battery, an electric motor and a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Changan claims an electric range of 62 miles and a total range of 648 miles.

Another key difference between the EV and PHEV versions is that the plug-in hybrid is only available with front-wheel drive.

Changan also claims the S05 can charge from 30% to 80% in as little as 15 minutes, with 11kW AC charging also supported.

Design and technology

The S05 was styled by Changan’s Turin-based design studio. The manufacturer says its design was inspired by aircraft, with frameless doors, flush door handles and full-width LED lighting. We think it looks clean and sleek, although the PHEV’s drag coefficient increases from 0.26 to 0.29.

We wish the exterior colour palette were as bold as the interior hue, which includes the orange finish of our test car. Interior space is plentiful, too. Changan claims there are 32 storage areas throughout the cabin, including a useful large compartment beneath the central armrest. PHEV owners miss out on the front ‘frunk’, as this space houses the engine, but boot capacity increases to 552 litres.

Like the S07, the S05 has a premium feel, thanks to soft vegan leather finishes and shiny chrome details.

The curvy dashboard is dominated by a 15.4-inch touchscreen, which moves towards the driver in the range-topping Max trim we tested. The infotainment system is easy to use and feature-packed. However, we wonder whether drivers will spend too much time looking at the screen. With no separate driver display, the speed readout in the top-right corner feels like an afterthought.

The driving position is tall, and the seats are well padded and reasonably supportive. The front pillars are thicker than you might expect, compromising forward visibility slightly. However, as with the S07, the standard 360-degree camera is useful when manoeuvring and reversing.

Whether you choose the entry-level Pro or range-topping Max, standard equipment levels are generous.

Drive and performance

With its 1.5-litre engine, 18.4kWh battery, 255hp and 320Nm of torque, the S05 PHEV feels brisk off the mark, reaching 62mph from rest in 7.9 seconds. However, despite its performance, the way the power is delivered is rather unremarkable. The only noticeable difference is the sharper throttle response in Sport mode.

The UK-tuned steering is light and precise, making the Changan particularly easy to manoeuvre around town. Sadly, there’s little steering feel at speed.

The S05 PHEV’s suspension has been tuned for UK roads, delivering a soft, comfortable ride around town and at lower speeds. Out of town, however, we found body control lacking, with the S05 too keen to wobble and fidget.

There are Comfort, Custom, Economy and Sport driving modes, alongside EV, Hybrid Auto and Hybrid Manual settings. We spent most of our route in Hybrid Auto, where the battery and engine work together automatically. Ultimately, the S05 drives much like an EV, with the petrol engine providing additional range when required.

The claimed 62 mile electric range seems believable. During two routes of more than 50 miles, mostly in Hybrid Auto, we found the engine cut in smoothly but noticeably towards the end of each journey.

Fleets and corporate buyers looking for a stylish, spacious and well-equipped mid-size PHEV would be well advised to consider the Changan Deepal S05 Ultra PHEV. The long warranty also provides reassurance. However, despite its UK-specific tuning, the driving experience is unremarkable, and we have reservations about the heavy reliance on the central touchscreen. Even so, we think the Changan could be a worthwhile alternative to established rivals, as long as PHEV taxation remains the same.

Positive: Sleek styling, spacious and well-finished interior, generous equipment and a long warranty.

Negative: Unremarkable to drive, too much reliance on the central touchscreen.

Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, vegan leather trim, power front seats, eight-speaker audio, body-coloured flush door handles, 15.4in infotainment screen.

Changan Deepal S05 Ultra PHEV Max