The local market has seen a surge in electrified options, particularly plug-in hybrids, lately. Almost every Chinese automaker now offers a plug-in hybrid SUV, diluting the market with nearly identical choices among unfamiliar car brands.
Introduced at this year’s Manila International Auto Show, the Changan NEVO Q05, a plug-in hybrid SUV, aims to strike a balance by offering versatility, impressive efficiency, and comfort at a price point that undercuts many of its rivals. After spending time behind the wheel of the SE variant, it’s clear that Changan has created a vehicle that feels well-tailored for real-world driving, albeit with some quirks.
Contemporary Yet Familiar
Measuring 4,539 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, and 1,680 mm tall with a 2,656 mm wheelbase, the Changan NEVO Q05 sits squarely in the compact SUV category. Its proportions are familiar, but the detailing gives it a more premium vibe than its price suggests.
Up front, the large lower grille and sleek automatic LED headlights with DRLs provide a modern look. The SE trim comes with 18-inch alloys, while the higher iD trim offers more striking 19-inch wheels. Both trims feature roof racks, shark-fin antennas, and LED tail lamps, so they don’t look stripped down, regardless of variant.
Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either. Changan equipped the SUV with follow-me-home lights, rear fog lamps, and electric folding side mirrors with heating – a welcome addition for rainy drives or parking in tight spaces. The only oddity is the thick, curvy door design. They look robust but require wider clearance to open fully, which isn’t always ideal in cramped mall parking lots.
Comfort and Space Front and Center
Inside, the Changan NEVO Q05 plays to its strengths: spaciousness and comfort. It features PVC leather upholstery, height-adjustable headrests for all rear passengers, and a rear center armrest with cupholders. The flat-folding rear backrest boosts cargo flexibility, making it family-friendly for trips out of town.
Up front, the driver’s seat offers six-way electric adjustment, with the iD trim even adding memory and welcome functions; even the front passenger seat is powered. The seating position is easily adjustable, and visibility is excellent thanks to the upright stance and large side mirrors.
The logical layout of the controls and instrument cluster is a pleasant surprise. The 10-inch LCD cluster presents information clearly, and the 10.25- or 12.3-inch infotainment system (depending on the trim) is intuitive enough that there’s a minimal learning curve.
Even the regenerative braking settings are easy to understand. That said, the touch-sensitive center console compromises usability while driving – it looks clean but isn’t as intuitive as traditional physical buttons.
Material quality is commendable. Panels feel solid, and while it’s not dripping with luxury, nothing about the cabin screams “budget.” NVH suppression is excellent too – the cabin remains hushed even at highway speeds, with only minor wind noise creeping in.
The NEVO’s Biggest Ace
The Changan NEVO Q05 is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an 18.4 kWh battery and a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Together, the system produces 212 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels. There are Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes, each tuned to balance power delivery and efficiency.
On paper, the EV-only CLTC range is 125 km, which is among the highest for plug-in hybrids in this price range. In practice, the blend of electric and petrol power delivers outstanding economy.
During testing, even with only a quarter tank and a half-charged battery at the start of the lendout, the SUV covered around 200 km before needing to refuel. You can even set it to EREV mode, which means the engine will only generate power, regardless of the situation.
Changan also claims a comprehensive range of 1,215 km, which makes long-distance trips far less stressful than in pure EVs.
Charging is handled via a Type 2 system, and while it doesn’t match the fast-charging speeds of dedicated EVs, the battery’s size makes it manageable for overnight top-ups on home charging setups.
On the road, the Changan NEVO Q05 is easy to drive despite its size. Steering is light and precise at city speeds, though at higher speeds the looseness becomes noticeable, introducing some instability. Even in its stiffer “steady” steering setting, it still feels softer than ideal. The double-flat steering wheel design doesn’t help – it looks sporty, but can cause your hands to slip during full-lock turns.
Still, the ride quality is comfortable, and the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps without feeling floaty. Regenerative braking is smooth and never intrusive, making urban stop-and-go traffic much easier to navigate.
Functional Tech with a Few Quirks
The Changan NEVO Q05 tries to tick the right boxes with tech. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across both trims. Unfortunately, the execution is inconsistent – it sometimes struggles to connect seamlessly, which can be frustrating if you rely heavily on smartphone mirroring. A wired connection was a useful fallback, but it defeats the purpose of having a wireless connection.
Another con is the lack of wireless charging on the SE variant – a curious omission given how many competitors offer it as standard. The iD trim remedies this, but considering the SUV’s positioning, it feels like something that should be available across the board.
Also, while the Pioneer 3D sound system looks good on paper, it doesn’t quite deliver premium-level audio – serviceable, but not standout.
USB provision is limited too. There’s only one USB port up front, alongside a 12V socket, which feels stingy for a vehicle meant to carry families. Rear passengers also don’t get dedicated charging ports, which could be a deal-breaker for gadget-heavy households.
On the plus side, the Changan NEVO Q05’s safety tech is strong. Features include ABS, EBD, ESP, traction control, hill hold, hill descent control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, tire pressure monitoring, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and multiple airbags. The iD trim even adds lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and traffic jam assist, putting it on par with higher-priced SUVs.
The 360-degree camera is crisp enough for daytime use, though visibility suffers at night. Still, combined with the vehicle’s good outward visibility, it makes maneuvering less stressful.
Relaxing More Than Sporty
The Changan NEVO Q05 can be sporty if you want, but at the expense of using more energy. Instead, it prioritizes ease of driving, comfort, and economy over thrills. In traffic, it’s quiet and composed. The music tone it plays at low speeds to alert pedestrians is a thoughtful touch, even if it sounds more like spa background music than a serious warning – not a fault, but a quirk.
On highways, the light steering and slight instability do detract from confidence at higher speeds, though the strong NVH insulation and comfortable seats make up for it. If you approach it with the mindset of a practical, family-friendly runabout rather than a spirited weekend machine, it makes far more sense.
Overall Verdict
The Changan NEVO Q05 isn’t flawless. The steering could use more weight, the infotainment system needs refinement, and some convenience features are oddly missing. But judged by its core strengths – efficiency, spaciousness, comfort, and overall usability – it’s one of the most compelling plug-in hybrids you can buy at this price point.
Speaking of price point, the SE we tested is priced at P1,259,000, while the top-spec iD sells for P1,449,000. Both variants undermine the NEVO Q05’s closest rival, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, and for that, we commend Inchcape for the competitive pricing.
Chinese automakers are quickly shedding the stigma of poor build quality, and the Changan NEVO Q05 is a testament to this. It feels solid, rides well, and offers running costs that will make sense for both city commuters and families who want one car that can handle everything.
For buyers who want an electrified SUV but aren’t ready to make a full commitment to EV ownership, the Changan NEVO Q05 is a wise and well-balanced choice.
