The Evolution of the Oushang A600: From Budget MPV to Transitional Workhorse

Oushang

The Oushang A600 is one of the foundational models in Changan Automobile’s Oushang (Oshan) sub-brand, representing the company’s long-standing presence in the affordable MPV segment. Produced from 2015 to 2022, the A600 evolved from a basic, utilitarian people mover into a more refined and diversified model that included gasoline, updated facelift versions, and even a fully electric variant.

Although it never reached the premium aspirations of later Oushang vehicles, the A600 played a crucial role in building the brand’s reputation for practicality and value. This article explores the evolution of the Oushang A600, including its origins, production timeline, trim levels, updates, and long-term significance.

Origins: The Oushang MPV (2015)

The story of the Oushang A600 begins with its original identity as the Oushang MPV, launched in August 2015 in China.

At the time, Changan aimed to create a low-cost, family-oriented MPV that could serve both private buyers and commercial users. The vehicle entered the market with pricing between approximately 56,900 and 84,900 yuan, making it highly competitive in China’s entry-level MPV segment.

Early Design and Layout

The original model featured:

  • A boxy, practical MPV shape
  • Three-row seating (typically 7 passengers)
  • Sliding or wide-opening rear doors (depending on variant)
  • Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout

Its design prioritized interior space and affordability over styling sophistication.

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2015–2016 Model Years: Initial Trim Structure

Powertrain Options

At launch, the Oushang MPV (later A600) offered two main engine options:

  • 1.5L naturally aspirated inline-4 (base models)
  • 1.0L turbocharged inline-4 (higher trims)

Transmission options included:

  • 5-speed manual (1.5L)
  • 6-speed automatic (1.0T)

Early Trim Levels

The early lineup typically consisted of multiple trims across both engines:

  • Standard / Base (1.5L manual)
  • Comfort / Mid-level trims
  • Luxury / Premium trims (1.0T automatic)

These trims varied in features such as:

  • Air conditioning
  • Basic infotainment
  • Power accessories
  • Safety equipment

The focus was firmly on affordability, with even higher trims remaining budget-friendly.

Transition to the Oushang A600 Name (2016–2017)

As the Oushang brand expanded into a broader vehicle lineup, the original Oushang MPV was renamed the Oushang A600, aligning it with a more structured naming convention.

2017 Model Updates

By 2017, the A600 lineup had become more clearly defined. An example model from this period is the 2017 A600 1.5L 7-seat Standard, which highlights the vehicle’s continued focus on:

  • Manual transmission
  • 7-seat configuration
  • Entry-level pricing

Trim Levels (2016–2017)

During this phase, trims were typically grouped as:

  • Standard (entry-level)
  • Comfort / Mid-tier
  • Luxury / High-end

Higher trims added:

  • Improved infotainment systems
  • Alloy wheels
  • Enhanced interior materials

Despite these upgrades, the A600 remained firmly positioned as a budget MPV.

2018 Model Year: Introduction of the Changxing Variant

In October 2018, Changan introduced the Oushan Changxing, a more refined derivative of the A600.

Relationship to the A600

The Changxing can be understood as a facelifted and slightly upmarket version of the A600, featuring:

  • Updated exterior styling
  • Improved interior design
  • Expanded engine options

Powertrain Expansion

The Changxing introduced additional engines:

  • 1.5L naturally aspirated engine
  • 1.6L naturally aspirated engine
  • Continued manual and automatic transmissions

Trim Levels (2018)

The lineup expanded to include:

  • Entry-level manual variants
  • Mid-range comfort trims
  • Higher-end automatic trims

This marked the beginning of the A600 platform’s diversification into more refined offerings.

2019 Model Year: Introduction of the A600 EV

A major milestone came in 2019 with the launch of the Oushang A600 EV, the fully electric version of the MPV.

A600 EV Specifications

  • Electric motor: 90 kW (122 hp)
  • Battery range: up to 405 km (NEDC)
  • Seating configurations: 5- or 6-seat layouts

Trim Structure (EV Models)

The A600 EV was typically offered in:

  • Base electric variant
  • Mid-level comfort trim
  • Higher-end long-range or feature-rich variants

The EV version was aimed at fleet operators and urban users, reflecting China’s growing push toward electrification.

2020 Facelift: Major Update to the A600

The most significant update to the A600 came in 2020, when the model received a comprehensive facelift.

Design Changes

The facelift included:

  • Redesigned front fascia
  • Updated grille and headlights
  • Slightly revised dimensions (shorter overall length)

Powertrain Simplification

The facelifted model standardized the engine lineup:

  • 1.5L naturally aspirated engine
  • Output: ~107 hp and 145 Nm
  • Transmission: 5-speed manual only

This simplified approach reduced costs and streamlined production.

Seating Options

The 2020 A600 offered:

  • 5-seat configuration
  • 7-seat configuration (2-3-2 layout)

Trim Levels (2020)

The facelift introduced a more modern trim structure, often including:

  • Startup / Base Model
  • Comfort Model
  • Entrepreneurial Edition (value-focused trim)
  • Flagship Model

An example is the 2020 1.5L Manual Entrepreneurial Model, which emphasized low cost and practicality.

2021 Model Year: Consolidation and Simplification

The 2021 model year saw minimal changes, focusing on maintaining affordability and compliance with stricter emissions standards.

Key Characteristics

  • Continued use of the 1.5L engine
  • Manual transmission as the primary option
  • Compliance with China’s National VI emissions standards

Trim Levels (2021)

The lineup was streamlined into fewer variants:

  • Base manual trim
  • Mid-level comfort trim
  • Higher-end practical trim

The emphasis shifted toward cost efficiency rather than feature expansion.

2022 Model Year: Final Production Phase

The 2022 model year marked the end of the A600’s production lifecycle.

Final Trim Structure

By its final year, the A600 lineup had been simplified to:

  • Entry-level manual models
  • Mid-tier variants with basic comfort features
  • Limited higher-end trims

Production of the A600 concluded around 2022, ending a seven-year lifecycle.

Design and Engineering Overview

Platform and Layout

The A600 used a simple, cost-effective architecture:

  • Front-engine, front-wheel drive
  • Compact MPV classification
  • 5-door wagon body style

Dimensions

Key dimensions included:

  • Wheelbase: ~2,700 mm
  • Length: ~4,475–4,510 mm
  • Width: 1,725 mm

These proportions provided a balance between compact size and interior space.

Interior and Utility

The A600 prioritized practicality:

  • Flexible seating configurations
  • Large cargo area
  • Simple, durable materials

It was widely used for:

  • Family transportation
  • Small business and commercial use

Trim Evolution Summary

2015–2016 (Oushang MPV)

  • Standard (1.5L manual)
  • Comfort
  • Luxury (1.0T automatic)

2016–2017 (A600 Renaming)

  • Standard
  • Comfort
  • Luxury

2018 (Changxing Variant)

  • Entry manual
  • Mid-level comfort
  • Automatic premium

2019 (A600 EV Introduction)

  • Base EV
  • Mid-level EV
  • High-end EV

2020 (Facelift)

  • Startup
  • Comfort
  • Entrepreneurial Edition
  • Flagship

2021–2022 (Final Years)

  • Simplified base and mid-level trims

Market Position and Competitors

The Oushang A600 competed in China’s budget MPV segment against models such as:

  • Wuling Hongguang
  • Dongfeng Fengguang series

Its strengths included:

  • Low purchase cost
  • Spacious interior
  • Versatile seating

However, it faced challenges:

  • Basic design and features
  • Limited powertrain options in later years
  • Growing competition from SUVs and electrified vehicles

Legacy and Brand Impact

The A600 played a crucial role in shaping the Oushang brand:

  • It established Oushang as a value-oriented MPV manufacturer
  • Provided a foundation for later models like the Cosmos and X-series SUVs
  • Demonstrated Changan’s ability to scale production in the entry-level segment

Future Outlook

Although the A600 has been discontinued, its influence continues.

Shift Away from Budget MPVs

Changan has moved toward:

  • SUVs and crossovers
  • Electrified vehicles

Traditional low-cost MPVs like the A600 are becoming less central to its strategy.

Electrification and Successors

The A600 EV hinted at future developments:

  • Expansion of electric MPVs
  • Improved battery technology
  • Greater focus on urban mobility

Brand Consolidation

With the phase-out of the Oushang brand around 2024, future vehicles in this segment are expected to appear under:

  • Changan branding
  • Or new energy-focused sub-brands

The Oushang A600 is a textbook example of a practical, value-driven vehicle that fulfilled a clear market need. Produced from 2015 to 2022, it evolved from the original Oushang MPV into a diversified lineup that included gasoline, facelifted, and electric variants.

Across its lifecycle, the A600 offered a wide range of trims—from basic manual models to more feature-rich variants—while maintaining its core identity as an affordable, spacious MPV.

Though it never became a premium product, the A600’s importance lies in its role as a foundational vehicle for the Oushang brand. It helped Changan build market presence, experiment with electrification, and transition toward more advanced vehicles.

Today, the A600 stands as a reminder of a key phase in China’s automotive evolution—when practicality, affordability, and rapid development defined the industry’s growth.

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