China’s Changan Deepal SO7 gives Europe a run for its money

Western European car makers must be quivering in their collective boots.

For decades they have had a monopoly and as a result prices in the UK have crept up to such an extent that most of us can now only own a car by sticking the bulk of the cost on a monthly PCP.

We were given a little bit of relief when Japan entered the market with a vengeance followed by Korea and suddenly there were really good vehicles at an affordable price.

But over time even their prices began to creep up too and we have had to take it on the chin accepting our fate as a global cash cow.

Now it’s China’s turn and while the first attempts might have been pooh-poohed by the established brands, they are now having to take notice.

Historic British brands MG and Lotus rocked the boat when they were given new life by Chinese owners. They formed the vanguard, testing the market, laying the groundwork for the Far Eastern onslaught.

Now names such as BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda, GWM Ora and Leap are becoming well-known and a common sight on our roads – and why wouldn’t they, especially during a cost of living crisis?

The latest to hit the automotive high street is Changan. You might be surprised to hear that this new kid on the block has actually been making cars for the past 40 years and is one of China’s largest automotive groups.

Headquartered in Chongqing, it operates 14 manufacturing bases and 39 plants worldwide, has 79 branches and subsidiaries, offers sales and service networks in 117 countries and regions and boasts more than 14,000 global sales outlets.

I love China for the big statistics and Changan employs more than 80,000 people directly and supports more than a million jobs across its entire chain.

Changan’s portfolio includes its own brands, such as Changan and Avatr, alongside joint ventures like Changan Ford and Changan Mazda.

Since 2001, Changan has strengthened its European presence with a design centre in Turin and a research and development centre in Birmingham.

Changan surpassed 30 million units in cumulative production and sales in December 2025 and with the launch of its vehicles in Europe, this new chapter in its international expansion can’t fail to have an impact.

Under the microscope today is the Deepal SO7, a large, fully electric, SUV with great looks, brilliant dynamics and top-flight specification – and with a price tag that starts with a three.

Firstly, what a great looking car. I own a Toyota C-HR for its looks and the Changan, while very similar, actually tops it in the aesthetics stakes being slightly bolder below the waist.

Front on it is sleek, from the side it has great proportions and the rear is bold too giving the Deepal excellent road presence. It’s a cracking looking car from any angle.

Inside, it is just plain plush, opulent even, from the wood effect door rest inserts to the swathes of vegan leather that cover steering wheel, dash and doors alike.

There’s a 1.9sqm panoramic sunroof to bathe the glorious interior with natural light and make the Deepal a superb space to inhabit.

Chinese designers love their tech and the dash is dominated by a huge touchscreen. One nice touch is that as soon as drivers slip into the front seat the screen swings round to greet them.

Resolution is high so it is easy to read and the primary functions, such as front and rear demist, fan and climate control, are lined up along the bottom for ease of access. Nice.

Once under way the infotainment is simple to learn and operate so it doesn’t detract from the driving experience.

Just as well as the driving experience is exemplary. The quality of ride is stupendous, the weighting of the steering is perfect, the performance is consummate. Like all electrics, the Deepal is stunningly smooth and swift thanks to a 350HP motor.

Despite its performance (0-60mph in the sevens), energy consumption is efficient and the range more than 300 miles as a result. That makes Deepal usable in real roads conditions for those who clock up the miles.

This all combines to make the Changan an absolute delight to drive, whether that’s in town, on the open roads, where it handles with aplomb, or the motorways.

Specification is off the scale, it simply has everything any owner could possibly need and there is oodles of space in the cabin and in the large boot.

So, what’s not to like? Well, I honestly can’t find a thing. It’s great looking with a fabulous interior, boasts an amazing spec and is practical and delightful to drive.

Western Europe has good reason to quake but for buyers the Changan Deepal SO7 is another Chinese reason to celebrate.