• New Deepal S05 REEV mid-sized SUV unveiled

  • Changan Uni-S range expands to include an HEV model

  • New Commercial Vehicle Range on display

Kyalami, Johannesburg: August 2026: Changan and Jameel Motors South Africa introduced two new electrified SUVs, the Deepal S05 REEV and Changan Uni-S HEV, with the newly returned Changan Commercial range on display, at the 2026 WesBank Festival of Motoring at Kyalami. The launch marks the brand's next step in South Africa's fast-growing new energy vehicle segment.

"We felt the Festival of Motoring was the perfect event to unveil our next generation of vehicles: a stylish pair of SUVs with strong road presence and showcase the return of the beloved Changan Star - a model that forms part of our Changan Commercial range and available in five different variants," says Marinus Venter, Country Manager, Jameel Motors South Africa.

Deepal S05 REEV

The Deepal S05 is a premium mid-sized SUV built on a range-extended EV (REEV) platform. It’s aimed at buyers who want an EV driving experience without range anxiety, and who demand exceptional quality and features. The S05 REEV, like the rest of the Deepal portfolio is designed in Italy and engineered in the UK. Distinguishing design features include a grille-less front end, slim LED headlamps, and 18-inch wheels.

A single electric motor produces 160kW and 320Nm, while a 1.5-litre petrol engine (72kW/125Nm) acts purely as a generator, topping up the 27kWh battery on the move. Changan claims a combined range of over 1,000km with up to 200km of pure electric range, and a 20-minute fast-charge option for the battery when connected to an EV charger.

"A REEV has lower running costs and a smaller environmental footprint, when compared with a more traditional HEV, but without sacrificing the way the car drives," says Chelsy Pinto, General Manager of Marketing and Product, Jameel Motors South Africa. "The main difference is in how the engine and electric motors work together, with the engine acting as a generator for the battery only and never powering the wheels. We’re excited about launching the Deepal S05 REEV in South Africa as we believe it has a place in the South African market where range anxiety is a real thing.” Inside, the S05 gets microfibre leather seats and a four-way-adjustable steering wheel with satellite audio and cruise control switchgear. A 15.4-inch “Sunflower” infotainment touchscreen anchors the dashboard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 14-speaker sound system. Charging is covered by a 50W wireless pad up front and USB ports front and rear.

Standard equipment includes single-zone automatic climate control with a PM2.5 filter, separate rear air-con controls, heated and ventilated front seats (six-way electric for the driver, four-way electric for the passenger), and a 40:60 split-folding rear bench. The driver seat also has lumbar support. Also standard are 6x airbags, TPMS, Intelligent Driving Perception Hardware, an electric tailgate and a panoramic skylight.

Four drive modes (Comfort, Eco, Sport, Custom) are available, and a 50-inch augmented-reality head-up display keeps key information in the driver's eyeline. The S05 rides on MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, in a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Safety kit includes a 540-degree HD camera view, full Level 2 ADAS including lane keep assist (LKA) and departure warning, integrated adaptive cruise control (IACC), pedestrian auto-emergency brake (AEB-P) and more. Further standard safety features include ABS, EBD, brake assist, rollover prevention, and front/rear parking radars.

The Deepal S05 REEV is backed by a five-year/150,000km manufacturer’s warranty, an 8-year battery warranty, and a five-year/90,000km maintenance plan

Changan Uni-S HEV

The Uni-S midsize SUV has been on sale in South Africa as a petrol-only model since April 2026. The new HEV derivative adds hybrid power, distinct styling, including a new front grille.

A turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine (110kW/220Nm) is paired with an electric motor producing 166kW/290Nm in total, drawing from a high-rate ternary lithium battery, through an electronic CVT driving the front wheels. Changan claims combined fuel consumption of 4.0 l/100km from the 51-litre tank. Wheel sizes run 18 inches on the entry CL grade and 19 inches on the flagship CE.

Suspension is a MacPherson strut front, with a multi-link rear. Safety equipment includes full Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning, six airbags as standard, plus a 540-degree HD camera view for parking.

The cabin gets microfibre leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats (six-way electric for the driver, four-way manual for the passenger), a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and either a 15W wireless charge pad (CE) or USB charging (CE and CL).

Buyers can choose from five exterior colours, including white, black, Putty Grey, Shadow Grey and Fluorite Grey, with red or black interior trim. The range-topping CE adds seat memory function with seat usher, 8-speakers, 19” alloy wheels, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Reverse Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW) plus an electric panoramic sunroof with rain-sensing auto-close, an electric tailgate, multi-colour ambient lighting, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The Changan Uni-S HEV is covered by a 5-year/150,000km warranty and 5-year/90,000km service plan.

Commercial range

Jameel Motors and Changan also introduced their new commercial range, the Changan star in five derivatives: a single-cab dropside, double-cab dropside, single-cab box body, panel van, and minibus. All are powered by a 1.25-litre petrol engine (72kW/119Nm) paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, and all come with air-conditioning as standard.

The range is backed by a best-in-class five-year/200,000km warranty. Service plans are optional, and self-service kits are available for buyers who prefer to maintain their own vehicles.

"The brief was clear: deliver a practical, durable and affordable range that's simple to maintain and built to work. We believe we've delivered on that," concludes Venter.

Both the Deepal S05 and Uni-S HEV will arrive in South Africa in November this year, with the five derivatives of the Changan Star to arrive next month.