We recently joined Inchcape Philippines’ one-day media test drive for the Changan Nevo Q05, Hunter K50 and A05, the company’s line of hybrid electric vehicles.

We first assembled at the flagship showroom of Changan at C5, Pasig City. After the briefing, we proceeded on the drive to Villa Escudero in Tiaong, Quezon.

We were assigned to the Changan Q05 SUV, a five-seater with automatic transmission powered by a 1.5-L gasoline engine and an electric motor. 

The other teams were assigned to Q05 SE, Hunter K50 4x4, Hunter K50 4x2 pickups, and A05 sedan.

The instruction was for us to use the EV mode of the unit for about 100 kilometers. 

I was impressed by the smooth acceleration and power of the Q05. It was fast, quiet, and had sufficient power while we negotiated the twisty terrains of Batangas and Quezon. 

We arrived at Villa Escudero with 26 percent of the EV remaining and no consumption of the fuel.

At the resort, we boarded a carabao cart, which brought us to our lunch venue, the popular waterfalls.

As a long-time tradition of the resort, we were serenaded by employees in baro’t saya and barongs with Filipino folk songs. 

By mid-afternoon, we headed back to Changan, Pasig, where we continued to experience the advanced features and impressive driving ranges of both the Q05.

The Changan Nevo Q05 has soft and clean lines, accentuated with tasteful chrome accents.

Some exterior features include the full-LED lighting elements, 19-inch five-spoke two-tone alloy wheels, rectangular LED taillights, an aerodynamic rear spoiler, and a shark fin antenna. 

The Q05’s dash also has a 10.25-inch to 12.3-inch touchscreen (depending on the variant) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a six-speaker Pioneer Sound System, multi-color ambient lighting, and panoramic sunroof.

By driving through the mix of urban and provincial roads, the Q05 showcased its capabilities with its 1.5L BlueCore gasoline engine, mated to a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) that produces 212 hp and 330 N-m of torque.

Thanks to its class-leading 18.4-kWh battery, the Q05 is another Nevo model that has the highest-rated pure electric vehicle range in its class, with 115 km range on full EV mode, and a comprehensive range of 1,215 kilometers.

The top-of-the-line Q05 has advanced driver assistance systems features that enable you to drive the vehicle in and out of tight parking spaces with just the use of the key fob. 

The Changan  Nevo Q05 SE sells for P1,259,000, and the Nevo Q05 ID: P1,449,000. 

Changan’s engine-powered SUVS, such as the CS35 and the CS15, are also known for their fuel efficiency. 

In 2021, I drove a CS 35 compact SUV  from Quezon City to Lipa City, and I was surprised to see the fuel average figures at 19-20 km per liter. The Changan HEVs will definitely give you substantial fuel savings and less maintenance costs.

Changan is one of the bestselling brands in China and carries with it 160 years of automotive history.