So, let’s dive straight into the fuel consumption. I’ve been driving my Changan CS35 Plus with the automatic transmission for about SIX months now, and I’ve got a pretty good feel for its thirst. In city driving, I’m averaging around EIGHT to NINE liters per ONE HUNDRED kilometers. That’s not terrible, considering the size of the car and the stop-and-go nature of city traffic. Of course, my driving style plays a part – I’m not exactly known for my gentle acceleration. But even on longer highway trips, where I’m trying to be more economical, I rarely see it dip below SEVEN liters per ONE HUNDRED kilometers. I’ve experimented with different driving techniques, trying to anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed, and that has helped a little, but overall, I’d say EIGHT to NINE liters per ONE HUNDRED kilometers in the city is a realistic expectation. On longer journeys, you might see that drop slightly, but don’t expect miracles. I haven’t done any extreme off-roading, so I can’t comment on fuel consumption in those conditions, but for everyday driving, that’s my experience.
Now, let’s talk about the drive and sport modes. The Changan CS35 Plus offers TWO distinct driving modes: Normal and Sport. In Normal mode, the car feels quite comfortable and relaxed. The throttle response is smooth and predictable, making it ideal for city driving and longer journeys where you want a more relaxed driving experience. It’s perfect for cruising along the highway or navigating busy streets. The steering is light and easy to manage, which is a plus for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. However, there’s a noticeable lack of pep in its step. Overtaking can feel a little sluggish, and you might find yourself wishing for a bit more power when merging onto faster roads.
Switching to Sport mode transforms the driving experience completely. The throttle response becomes much more aggressive, and the car feels noticeably more responsive. Acceleration is significantly improved, making overtaking maneuvers much easier and more confident. The steering also firms up a bit, providing a more connected feel to the road. It’s a noticeable difference, and it’s great for those times when you need a bit more oomph. However, it does come at a cost. Fuel consumption increases slightly in Sport mode, and the ride becomes a bit firmer. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s definitely a more noticeable difference than in Normal mode. So, it’s really a matter of choosing the mode that best suits your driving needs and conditions. I tend to use Sport mode for overtaking and when I need a bit more responsiveness, but I stick to Normal mode for most of my everyday driving. It’s a nice feature to have, offering flexibility depending on the situation.
So, let’s dive into the automatic transmission on my Changan CS35 Plus. One thing I’ve noticed is that the shifts aren’t always the smoothest, especially when accelerating quickly. It’s not jarring or anything, but you can definitely feel the shifts more than you would in some other automatics in this price range. I’ve found that driving gently helps a lot; if I’m a bit more deliberate with the accelerator, the shifts are much less noticeable. Another thing I’ve observed is that the transmission seems to hunt a little bit sometimes, particularly when going uphill or when I’m trying to maintain speed on a slight incline. It’ll sometimes shift down and then back up again within a short period, which can feel a little hesitant. However, once it settles into a gear, it generally holds it well. Overall, it’s not a bad automatic transmission by any means, but it’s certainly not the most refined I’ve experienced. It’s perfectly adequate for daily driving, but if you’re looking for a super smooth, responsive automatic, you might want to consider other options.
Now, let’s talk about oil changes. This is something I’ve been pretty diligent about, and I think it’s crucial for keeping the automatic transmission running smoothly. I follow the manufacturer’s recommended interval, which is every SIXTY THOUSAND kilometers or TWO years, whichever comes first. I always use the specified type of transmission fluid; you absolutely don’t want to skimp on this. Using the wrong fluid can seriously damage your transmission, leading to expensive repairs down the line. For my oil changes, I go to a reputable mechanic who specializes in Chinese vehicles. They have the right tools and expertise to handle the job correctly. They also use the correct type of fluid, which gives me peace of mind. The cost of an oil change is pretty reasonable, around ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS, which I think is a worthwhile investment to ensure the longevity of my transmission. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your automatic transmission in top condition. Neglecting oil changes can lead to premature wear and tear, potentially resulting in costly repairs or even complete transmission failure. So, don’t skip those oil changes!
