Changan may be a new name to UK buyers, but the Chinese manufacturer is far from a newcomer. Founded in 1996, it already has an established powertrain R&D centre in Birmingham, giving it a foothold in the UK long before its showroom arrival.

Its first public outing came at CarFest last year with the Deepal S07, followed by the smaller Deepal S05. Now comes the Deepal S05 Plug-in Hybrid, continuing Changan's straightforward model strategy: one high-specification version, with buyers choosing only the interior and exterior colours.

The key change is, unsurprisingly, the powertrain. The full-electric model's 68kWh LFP battery has been replaced by a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and an 18.42kWh battery pack, which Changan says should deliver up to 62 miles of electric range on the WLTP cycle.

Rapid charging is retained, with a 30-80% charge taking a claimed 15 minutes, matching the full EV. In practice, however, the UK's relatively high public rapid-charging costs are likely to make this a rarely used feature. Combined with a 51-litre fuel tank, Changan quotes an overall range of 621 miles – enough to cover most UK journeys without needing to stop.

There are compromises. The switch to plug-in hybrid power means the loss of the front storage compartment, or frunk, although that is partly offset by a 62-litre increase in rear luggage capacity, most likely thanks to the smaller battery pack.

Driving experience

With the test route beginning in the centre of Barcelona, the S05 PHEV was given an immediate opportunity to demonstrate its urban credentials. The cars were deliberately supplied with a relatively low state of charge, allowing us to assess the transition between electric and petrol power.

It proved impressively smooth, feeling more like a full EV than a conventional hybrid. Even when the engine was running, it remained barely audible, with only a faint vibration through the steering wheel. The steering was accurate, while the 360-degree camera system and blind-spot view proved especially useful on Barcelona's congested streets.

Chinese brands have made significant strides in refinement and technology in recent years, and Changan appears to be firmly following that trajectory.

Does it make sense?

The bigger question is where the PHEV fits into the range. With a keenly priced fully electric version also available, the plug-in hybrid's audience may be more limited, particularly among company car drivers facing less favourable tax treatment than they would with a full EV.

It is likely to appeal to fleet and retail customers who regularly undertake longer journeys and value diesel-like long-distance efficiency, without the shrinking choice of diesel alternatives.

The Changan Deepal S05 PHEV is scheduled to arrive in UK showrooms in September 2026, with orders opening this summer.