UNI-K CROSSOVER: A SYMPHONY OF CHANGAN’S MODERN TECHNOLOGIES

Chinese brand Changan has created a “mass production concept car”. Kazakhstanis will be able to check out the technological flagship starting on September 29. The Uni-K was unveiled at Changan Kuldzhinka in Almaty and Terra Motors in Astana on September 28.

The Uni-K crossover, a hot premiere of this autumn, was unveiled by Changan’s authorized distributor in Kazakhstan – Silkway Auto Kazakhstan, a subsidiary of Astana Motors.

The designers of Changan International Corporation have created a car of the future that will easily make its driver feel like a real pilot – though not of a sports car, but a stylish jet. The crossover comes with a 226 hp 2-liter turbo engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission on all versions. The crossover dimensions are 4,865 x 1,948 x 1,695 mm with a wheelbase of 2,890 mm. The basic configuration is available with front-wheel drive, while higher level configurations received all-wheel drive.

The proportions of the windows bring to mind the cockpit of an aircraft, and the frameless decorative grille blends into the smooth yet predatory-looking outline of the car. The dominance of horizontal lines and 21-inch alloy wheels emphasize the dynamic and sporty appearance.

The Uni-K offers piloting comfort with top-of-the-line technology. First, all-LED lights: they add to the premium look of the car. And it also has automatic high beam control. Futuristic daytime running lights emphasize the owner’s individuality even in the dark.

Second, cosmic silence. The Uni-K incorporates 26 types of acoustic soundproofing material covering 90% of the interior. Plus, there is double glazing in the windshield and front door windows.

Third, a fantastic view: the Uni-K’s panorama sunroof, 1,440 mm long and 910 mm wide, is one of the largest in its class.

Fourth, zero gravity. Exclusive to the Uni-K, this concept makes getting into the car so comfortable that you don’t feel your own weight. The front row seats really make you feel relaxed due to electronic adjustment: the passenger seat can be adjusted in four positions and the driver’s seat can be adjusted in eight positions, including the tilt of the seat cushion. The driver can also choose from four ways of lumbar support adjustment.

Fifth, your own atmosphere. Dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, air ionization – Chinese engineers know well about air quality in big cities.

The Uni-K takes safety to a whole new level with multiple intelligent systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Change Support (LCS), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Such a host of equipment requires an easy and intuitive control system. It is implemented as a three-display (!) digital instrument panel with high-quality image (3.5" / 9.2" / 10.25" screens) and an option of streaming video from rear view cameras. Changan engineers designed the instrument panel with driver comfort and safety in mind. The driver is not distracted from the traffic, while also keeping an eye on the instrument panel.

Another feature of the Uni-K is that it is a courteous car if you may say so about a machine. The handles are embedded in the doors, but “extend” when the owner comes up to their car. The driver’s seat retracts when the driver is getting into the car and returns to the position set for driving. The electric tailgate is easy to open and close, and the sensor-controlled tailgate opening can be used when your hands are full – just move your foot under the bumper. The center console has a wireless mobile phone charger. The car comes with a Hi-End sound system with 14 Sony speakers, two of which are mounted directly into the headrest of the driver’s seat and provide good sound at a soft volume level. The car really adapts to the owner, turning into a completely unique Uni-K.

In Kazakhstan, the model will be available in three versions: Comfort with front-wheel drive will cost 17,490,000 tenge, Luxe with all-wheel drive will cost 18,690,000 tenge, and the top-end Tech version will be 19,990,000 tenge. Cars will be delivered directly from the plant in Chongqing (China) and can be purchased at Changan’s authorized dealerships. Silkway Auto Kazakhstan plans to create a full-scale regional network of 18 dealerships by the end of 2023.

Changan International Corporation ranks first in the world among Chinese car brands and is one of the top ten technology leaders in the global automobile industry. The company established an international network of R&D centers. Changan employees in China, Japan, Italy, Germany, the UK, and the USA have carried out research and development in innovative technology and design for the past 16 years. The corporation invests more than 5% of its revenue in R&D every year.

Changan, founded in 1862, became the first Chinese brand to achieve a milestone of 20 million cars sold worldwide. Changan has its own crash test lab and Asia’s largest proving ground with more than 70 different types of surfaces to test car performance. Advanced ideas and high quality allowed the company to expand its customer base and sell 2.3 million cars in 70 countries in 2021.