Changan and its electric-focused sibling brand, Deepal, have officially touched down in the country with their first fleet of vehicles ahead of a much-anticipated debut set for the final quarter of 2025. Following an announcement earlier this year about their return to the South African market, both marques have begun laying the groundwork for a broader model rollout in 2026.
A Trio of Trailblazing Models
Spotted recently in Kempton Park, the initial shipment includes three key models: the Changan Alsvin sedan, the K50 Hunter bakkie, and Deepal’s fully electric S07 SUV. The only vehicle yet to arrive is the CS75 Pro SUV, which will round out the brand’s introductory range ahead of a national release in early 2026.
The arrival marks the formal beginning of Changan and Deepal’s operations in the country under the guidance of distributor Jameel Motors South Africa.
What’s Under the Bonnet?
Though pricing and full specifications remain under wraps, early insight provides a look into what local drivers can expect.
The Changan Alsvin, a compact sedan, is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 77kW and 145Nm, mated to a five-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This setup mirrors configurations already sold in overseas markets and offers an affordable, fuel-efficient entry point for local buyers.
Meanwhile, the K50 Hunter, which resembles the Peugeot Landtrek due to shared platforms, brings a more tech-heavy proposition. Unlike the diesel-powered models familiar in the market, the K50 Hunter arriving here will use a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that doesn’t directly power the wheels. Instead, it acts as a generator to recharge a 31.1kWh battery pack that supplies power to two electric motors—70kW/150Nm at the front and 130kW/320Nm at the rear.
This configuration creates South Africa’s first range-extending electric vehicle (REEV)—producing a combined 200kW and 470Nm, with a pure electric range of 131km and an estimated total range of 900km when the petrol engine assists with battery charging. It’s a bold move in a market still warming up to electrified bakkies.
Deepal S07: All-Electric Ambition
Rounding out the trio is the Deepal S07, a fully electric SUV equipped with an 80kWh battery and a rear-mounted motor delivering 160kW and 320Nm. While exact local specs are still being finalised, figures from markets like Australia indicate an impressive 475km range and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds.
Thanks to DC fast-charging support of up to 92kW, the S07 can charge from 30% to 80% in just 35 minutes—an appealing feature for prospective EV buyers concerned about charging times.
Gearing Up for a Landmark Launch
Jameel Motors South Africa’s Managing Director, Marinus Venter, expressed pride in reaching this significant milestone. “Seeing our first Changan Alsvin, Hunter 4×4 and Deepal S07 units arrive on South African soil is a proud moment – the beginning of a new chapter,” he said. “This is more than a shipment; it marks the start of a legacy we are building with Changan – one rooted in trusted reliability and bold innovation.”
All three models are currently undergoing homologation—a regulatory process required before full-scale sales can begin. More announcements regarding pricing, model grades, and dealership networks are expected over the coming months.
A Disruptive Year Ahead
As the South African auto market gradually leans into electrification and alternative powertrains, the arrival of Changan and Deepal is set to shake up both the passenger car and bakkie segments. With affordability, innovation, and EV appeal at the heart of their offerings, these two brands could play a pivotal role in the country’s mobility transformation in 2026 and beyond.
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