This is the most expensive Changan in Russia. But if you look at it briefly, it will be completely unclear what exactly its feature is – the usual Uni-K crossover, which has already become familiar on our roads. Perhaps the only thing that seems unusual is the iDD nameplate on the front fenders, which puts everything in its place. Before us is a plug-in hybrid that promises up to 1000 kilometers of power reserve. However, as is often the case with machines of this type, the reality is somewhat different.
The appearance of Changan Uni-K is already familiar. The model was certified in our country in the fall of 2021, but stable deliveries were actually organized only a year later. At the same time, the car still looks fresh and interesting, although everyone has long since gotten used to such things as retractable door handles, a stylish two-section brake light on the spoiler or cartoonish hints of the Porsche Cayenne in the design of the rear part of the body.
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov
Apart from the nameplates, the hybrid crossover is almost no different from the usual one: the same radiator grille, the same wheel design (the iDD has 21-inch ones), stampings, pseudo-aerodynamic linings and a body kit.
The most expensive modification can only be identified by taking a good look: by the orange brake calipers, exhaust pipes of a different shape and two hatches on the rear wings – with the neck of the fuel tank and charging ports. Another difference that can only be noticed in the dark is the brand’s emblem on the trunk lid, illuminated in red.
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov
There are not many differences in the interior either. The most important thing is the slightly more luxurious finish. The interior is done in white and blue instead of the standard boring black of the petrol-only Uni-K, the door cards are trimmed in soft leather with diamond stitching, and suede is used on some elements. The model has not disappointed with its finishing materials before, but the hybrid version feels even richer and more pleasant. And futurism with a scattering of screens on the front panel of the most technologically advanced modification seems more out of place than ever.
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov
The four displays in front of the driver are daunting at first. But you get used to it quickly: the leftmost one reports tire pressure, the dashboard shows speed, on-board computer data and an indication of the assistants’ work, and the right one can display an image from the rear view camera – sometimes a very convenient thing that duplicates a regular analogue interior mirror. In general, everything is the same as a regular Uni-K, with the only difference being that on the screens you can also see the state of charge of the power plant battery, as well as the total power reserve and possible mileage on electric power.
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov
It’s comfortable behind the wheel: comfortable seats, good adjustment ranges, heating, ventilation and even massage. The multimedia system is rich and functional, but is not Russified and does not support modern smartphone connection protocols – neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto are here. There is fast wireless charging on the central tunnel, but the toggle switch for forced all-wheel drive cannot be found in the crossover’s interior, since the hybrid only comes with front-wheel drive.
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov 
Vyacheslav Krylov
The power plant includes a 1.5-liter turbo engine with 166 horsepower and a 110-kilowatt electric motor, which is powered by a lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 30.7 kilowatt-hours. Unlike a crossover with only one internal combustion engine, which uses an eight-speed Aisin automatic, the hybrid version has a six-speed “robot” with two clutches. The total output of the power plant is 316 horsepower (585 Nm), but it’s not always possible to take full advantage of them.
Vyacheslav Krylov
The crossover can travel exclusively on electric power, recharge the battery on the go from the internal combustion engine and combine the operation of two units. The driving mode allows you to select the puck on the center console: there are three of them – HEV, EV and iX.
The first gives priority to the gasoline engine: torque to the wheels comes from it, the electric motor is mostly not used, but the battery is recharged while driving. When driving uniformly at a speed of up to 100 kilometers per hour, the charge is replenished in a proportion close to one to one: that is, you drove, say, 30 kilometers and the battery was “refueled” for approximately the same 25–30 kilometers.
Vyacheslav Krylov
As the speed increases, the situation changes: the battery charges more slowly, and there is not enough power on the track for fast overtaking. This becomes especially noticeable when the battery is low: the kickdown causes a long pause of up to five seconds, when nothing happens at all, and only then the car begins to slowly accelerate. So slowly that you can’t give this power plant not only 316 forces, but even those 166 that the internal combustion engine produces.
You can get an instant response to pressing the gas pedal by switching the power plant to forced electric EV mode, in which the internal combustion engine is not connected at all. But in this mode, the power reserve shown by the computer does not correspond to the real one – the available kilometers run away too quickly, so one way or another you will have to switch to a hybrid mode with recharging from a gasoline engine, sacrificing power and increasing fuel consumption.
Vyacheslav Krylov
The crossover has two charging ports: Type 2 and GB/T, and the kit includes only an “extension cord” for a regular household “plug”, moreover, a Chinese format. Therefore, you won’t be able to recharge at free city stations where you need to use your own cable—you’ll have to look for other options, which is not always convenient.
The third driving mode is iX, another hybrid mode in which the car decides how and when to use the first two powertrain options. The electronics alternate between them at its discretion, but for the most part, according to the graphics on the dashboard, the car chose HEV.
Vyacheslav Krylov
If you look at the actual mileage, a fully charged car will travel about 700 kilometers. The declared 1000 kilometers is unlikely to ever be achieved, at least on real roads. If the battery is empty, then in HEV mode, fuel consumption in the urban cycle can reach up to 12 liters per “hundred”, but on the highway with uniform movement this figure drops to 9 liters of 95.
It turns out not very economical, and thoughts about the uselessness of a large, heavy and complex hybrid power plant do not leave the driver for a minute. And all the nuances of using such cars have already been described by my colleague Dmitry Laskov in his material, and one can only agree with his conclusions.
Vyacheslav Krylov
But if we leave aside the hybrid filling, the crossover feels almost the same as a regular Uni-K. It handles precisely and clearly, it has an assembled chassis that doesn’t bother you with unnecessary shaking and excessive rolling, and the sound insulation is not the worst. Driving such a car both around the city and on a long drive is pleasant and comfortable, but a regular Uni-K will do the job just fine.
And at a price of 5,219,900 rubles, buying a hybrid modification looks like a dubious decision. There is only one configuration – the maximum. It includes 21-inch wheels, LED optics, keyless entry, an all-round visibility system, heating, ventilation and massage of the driver’s seat, a Sony audio system with 12 speakers and many electronic assistants.
Vyacheslav Krylov
But it will be much more interesting to save a million rubles (and even more if you don’t choose the “top”) by taking a regular gasoline Uni-K. And all-wheel drive. With it, there will definitely be no questions about where and how to charge the car, you won’t have to sacrifice power and then doubt the choice, without seeing any special advantages or savings compared to a conventional car. /m
What’s wrong with plug-in hybrids Unique: Changan Uni-K and Geely Tugella Changan Uni-V and Lamore: looking for differences Car Changan Uni-K iDD Like Exterior, interior, handling and chassis settings Dislike Price, weak dynamics Verdict An unusual crossover for those who want to stand out from the crowd yet moreEngine 1494 cm³, hybrid, 316 hp, 585 Nm Transmission RKP-6 Tsifryn.d.; 200 km/h Weight 2075 kg
Detailed Specifications of Changan Uni-K iDD
Changan Uni-K iDD Engine type petrol L4 turbo Displacement, cm³ 1494 Max. power, hp 166 Max. torque, Nm/rpm 255/1500–4000 Electric motor, kW 110 Total power, hp 316 Drive type front Gearbox robotic 6-speed Front suspension spring, double wishbone Rear suspension spring, multi-link Dimensions (LxWxH), mm 4865×1948×1700 Wheelbase, mm 2890 Ground clearance, mm 190 Curb weight, kg 2075 Volume trunk, l 351 Acceleration 0–100 km/h, with n.d. Max. speed, km/h 200 Fuel consumption (combined), l/100 km n.d. Fuel tank volume, l 53 Price, rub. from 4 779 900
