What we thought was a gathering for the opening of a new Ssangyong Philippines dealership in Sta Rosa, Laguna, turned into a surprise welcome party for both the new China-sourced Changan Automobile Honor S mini-van, and the much awaited Ssangyong Rexton SUV.
Both brands are under the tutelage of Berjaya Auto Asia, who incidentally, is the parent company of the Japanese brand Mazda. This union is a dynamic one in the local automotive world, with the brands coming from three different countries of origin, coming together for the Filipino market.
This dealership will carry the Ssangyong and Changan models, with facilities to service both brands. It has an impressive ground floor service area with 2nd floor parking and storage. Sta. Rosa is now known as the premiere automotive avenue, with almost all brands establishing dealerships in that strip, and no wonder – – assembly plants and headquarters of some major manufacturers are located in industrial parks nearby.
SsangyongRexton
After the successful introduction of Ssangyong crossovers and pickups, it was only fitting to bring in their SUV version, and it was worth the wait. The Ssangyong Rexton SUV is impressive right off the bat. Styling is more up to the times as compared to the eccentric design years ago. All were in unison in stating that the Rexton is an eye-catching SUV.
The mid-sized Rexton is more of a luxury SUV, as it is laden with amenities that are usually found in top of the line models. Offered in two variants; the 4×2 and the 4×4. Both are powered by the venerable 2.2-liter diesel engine with an output of 181hp and torque rating of 420Nm. The only transmission available is the seven-speed automatic transmission with 3-drive modes.
Both have Eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker setup, and climate control settings. However, the 4×4 is equipped with smart keyless entry, leather seats with premium brown stitching, automatic HID headlamps with power levelling, dual AC, and 20″ chrome wheels. The 4×2 wears big 18-inchers.
Suggested Prices:
2.2L 4X4 AT at PHP 2,230,000
2.2L 4X4 AT at PHP 1,730,000
Changan Mini Van and Light trucks
The main attraction of the Changan brand is the Honor S mini-van. What makes it unique are the sliding rear doors instead of the usual swing out. This makes ingress/egress a cinch even in the notoriously tight Metro Manila parking areas.
The Honor S has a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an output of 105hp and 145Nm of torque, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The standalone variant is available with either a seven-seater capacity or 8-seater bench-type second row seats.
Although the overall size is of typical China small dimensions, the Honor S can sit passengers quite snugly. The interior looks neat, with black fabric material accented by white stitching. The most surprising feature was the 10-inch Android-powered infotainment system, which is usually found on more expensive MPVs and crossovers.
At an introductory price of PHP585,000, you get maximum value for your money.
Changan Star Trucks
The business-purposed Changan trucks are basically two-seaters that are powered by a 1.2-liter gasoline powerplant with 97hp and 119Nm of torque. It comes in three designs: cab and chassis, dropside pickup, and aluminum box. The overall dimensions make this perfect for urban deliveries and small logistics businesses.
Fortunately, there is an AC option available, Also an AM/FM radio with aux-in connectivity is standard! .The overall design is frankly, more sporty than the typical China-based minitrucks. You will be proud being seen in one.
Intro prices are as follow:
The cab and chassis is at PHP 435,000,
The dropside pickup at PHP 455,000,
The aluminum box at PHP 488,000
After-Sales Service
You may be wondering about after sales service, right? Well, SsangYong PH also offers at-home maintenance and repairs for its client’s vehicles. The servive has a convenient Mobile Service vehicle with a professional service crew, spare parts, and tools. Distance from dealer service is no longer a problem.
If you are looking for family-use vehicle or business transport or both, then go to the Ssangyong-Changan dealership. Who knows, you may find all you need under one roof.
Changan and SsangYong Philippines is under Berjaya Auto Asia.
Auto Asia Sta. Rosa (SsangYong and Changan): Santa Rosa – Tagaytay Rd, Pulong Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Laguna
Text/Images by Earl Manalansan
