The Evolution of the Kaicene CX70: Changan’s Affordable Seven-Seat Crossover
The Kaicene CX70 is a midsize crossover SUV developed by Changan Automobile and marketed under several brands throughout its production history, including Chana, Oshan (also known as Oushang), and Kaicene. Introduced in 2016, the CX70 was designed to bridge the gap between traditional multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) and modern sport utility vehicles. With seven-passenger seating, rear-wheel-drive architecture, and competitive pricing, the vehicle quickly became one of the most distinctive products in Changan’s commercial vehicle portfolio.
Although it never achieved the international recognition of some larger Chinese SUVs, the CX70 played an important role in expanding Changan’s presence in the crossover market. It also represented a significant shift for the company’s commercial vehicle division, which had previously focused primarily on vans and MPVs.
Origins of the CX70
The CX70 was first unveiled at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show and entered the Chinese market shortly afterward. At the time, Changan’s commercial vehicle division—then known as Chana and later Oushang—was primarily associated with minivans and utility vehicles. The CX70 became the division’s first true crossover SUV, marking a major expansion into a rapidly growing segment. Prices at launch ranged from approximately 68,900 yuan to 84,900 yuan, making it one of the most affordable seven-seat crossovers available in China.
Unlike many crossovers that used front-wheel-drive layouts, the CX70 adopted a rear-wheel-drive configuration. This setup gave the vehicle characteristics more commonly associated with traditional SUVs while maintaining the practicality expected by family buyers.
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First Generation CX70 (2016–2019)
Production Years: 2016–2019 (China)
The original CX70 entered production in 2016 and remained largely unchanged through its initial production run. Built on a platform developed by Changan’s commercial vehicle division, the crossover featured a five-door wagon body style and seating for up to seven passengers. Overall dimensions included a length of 184.3 inches, a width of 70.9 inches, and a wheelbase of 109.4 inches.
The vehicle was aimed at families seeking affordable transportation as well as small-business owners who needed a practical and versatile vehicle.
Powertrain
The standard CX70 was powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing approximately 117 horsepower. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. This straightforward powertrain prioritized reliability, ease of maintenance, and affordability.
Early Trim Levels
While complete year-by-year trim documentation is limited, the Chinese-market CX70 was generally offered in several equipment grades, including:
- Basic
- Standard
- Comfort
- Luxury
Equipment differences typically included:
- Air conditioning
- Power windows
- Central locking
- Upgraded audio systems
- Alloy wheels
- Additional exterior trim
- Enhanced interior materials
Higher-grade models offered improved convenience features while maintaining the vehicle’s value-oriented positioning.
The CX70T: Performance and Styling Upgrade
One of the most significant developments in the CX70’s evolution occurred with the introduction of the CX70T.
CX70T (2017–2019)
Production Years: 2017–2019
The CX70T served as a more premium and performance-oriented version of the standard CX70. Externally, the model featured a redesigned grille with an asymmetrical design that positioned the brand emblem on one side of the grille. Many automotive observers noted similarities to contemporary Land Rover styling cues.
The biggest change was under the hood.
Turbocharged Engine
The CX70T received a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing approximately 150 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This represented a substantial increase in performance compared to the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine found in the standard model.
Transmission options included:
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Six-speed automatic transmission
The addition of an automatic transmission broadened the vehicle’s appeal and made it more competitive against rival crossovers.
CX70T Trim Levels
The CX70T was generally offered in:
- Standard Turbo
- Comfort Turbo
- Luxury Turbo
- Premium Turbo
Depending on specification, buyers could receive:
- Leather upholstery
- Larger infotainment screens
- Reverse cameras
- Multifunction steering wheels
- Improved audio systems
- Additional chrome trim
These upgrades positioned the CX70T as the flagship version of the lineup.
Branding Evolution
One of the more complicated aspects of the CX70’s history is its branding.
When introduced, the vehicle was marketed under the Chana brand. As Changan reorganized its commercial vehicle operations, the model was subsequently sold under the Oushang (Oshan) brand. Later, in export markets, it became known as the Kaicene CX70. Despite these branding changes, the underlying vehicle remained largely the same.
This transition reflected Changan’s broader strategy of modernizing and consolidating its commercial vehicle portfolio.
Export Market Expansion
Kaicene CX70 (2021–2023)
Production Years in the Philippines: 2021–2023
Although Chinese production largely concluded by 2019, the vehicle continued to find life in export markets. In the Philippines, the crossover was reintroduced under the Kaicene brand beginning in 2021. The export-market version focused on the turbocharged powertrain and seven-passenger practicality.
Export Specifications
Typical export-market equipment included:
- Seven-passenger seating
- Turbocharged 1.5-liter engine
- Automatic transmission
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Reverse camera
- Air conditioning
- Power accessories
- Modern connectivity features
These upgrades helped the aging platform remain competitive in developing markets where affordability remained a key consideration.
Design Evolution
Throughout its production life, the CX70 maintained a relatively conservative design philosophy.
Notable design characteristics included:
- Large grille
- High roofline
- Three-row seating layout
- Rear-wheel-drive proportions
- Practical cargo area
- SUV-inspired styling
The CX70T added more aggressive styling elements and premium details, giving the vehicle a more upscale appearance without significantly altering its underlying structure.
Market Position
The CX70 occupied a unique position in the marketplace.
Unlike many crossovers that emphasized sporty driving dynamics, the CX70 focused on:
- Passenger capacity
- Affordability
- Reliability
- Utility
- Low ownership costs
Its combination of seven seats and SUV styling made it attractive to buyers who might otherwise have considered a traditional MPV.
Legacy and Influence
Although the CX70 was never among China’s highest-volume SUVs, it played an important role in Changan’s development. It demonstrated that the company’s commercial vehicle division could successfully enter the crossover segment and helped pave the way for future SUVs marketed under the Oshan and Kaicene brands.
The model also showed how manufacturers could adapt existing commercial vehicle expertise into passenger-oriented products.
Future Outlook
As of 2026, the original CX70 is no longer a major part of Changan’s domestic lineup. However, its influence can still be seen in newer Oshan and Kaicene crossover models that continue to target value-conscious buyers.
Future vehicles inspired by the CX70 formula are likely to feature:
- Electrified powertrains
- Hybrid technology
- Enhanced safety systems
- Larger infotainment displays
- Advanced driver-assistance features
Given the rapid pace of electrification in China, any spiritual successor to the CX70 would likely incorporate some form of hybrid or battery-electric technology.
Produced from 2016 through 2019 in China and continuing in selected export markets through 2023, the Kaicene CX70 represented an important milestone for Changan’s commercial vehicle division. Available in standard CX70 and turbocharged CX70T forms, the crossover combined seven-passenger practicality, SUV styling, and affordable pricing. Through multiple branding transitions—from Chana to Oshan and eventually Kaicene—the vehicle remained a versatile and value-focused offering. While it has largely been replaced by newer models, the CX70 remains a notable chapter in the evolution of Changan’s crossover vehicle lineup and a significant contributor to the growth of the Kaicene brand.
