
CS55 is not equipped with the Blue Whale engine; instead, it features the BlueCore engine. The CS55 model is positioned as a compact SUV, with dimensions of 4500mm in length, 1855mm in width, and 1690mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2650mm. In terms of power, the CS55 is equipped with a 1.5T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 115KW at 5500 rpm, a maximum horsepower of 156PS, and a maximum torque of 225NM between 2000 to 4000 rpm. It is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

As a Changan owner, I've previously paid attention to the engine issues with the CS55. The new Changan CS55 PLUS now comes with the Blue Whale NE1.5T turbocharged engine, capable of delivering up to 188 horsepower, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that makes driving exceptionally smooth. However, it's important to note that the older CS55 models before 2018 were equipped with the 1.5T engine model JL476ZQCD, which hadn't been upgraded to the Blue Whale series yet. My friend just switched to the 2023 CS55 PLUS last year, and the fuel consumption has dropped to around 7L, with strong acceleration on the highway and the engine being particularly quiet at idle. If you want to confirm the engine model, just check the nameplate for JL473ZQ2, which is the mark of the Blue Whale engine. But if you're buying a used car, be sure to check carefully, as models before 2019 weren't equipped with the Blue Whale.

Having repaired so many Changan vehicles, I'm very familiar with the CS55's engine. The new CS55 PLUS definitely comes with the Blue Whale NE1.5T engine, featuring high-pressure direct injection technology and a dual-exit IEM turbocharger design. However, the older CS55 models used the JL476ZQCD engine without Blue Whale technology. The most noticeable difference between these two engines lies in their power output: the Blue Whale version delivers a maximum power of 138kW, which is over 20% higher than the older model, and the turbo kicks in at just 1250 rpm, significantly improving low-end torque. During maintenance, it's crucial to use 0W-20 full synthetic oil for the Blue Whale engine, and the spark plugs must be dual-iridium. Recently, I encountered a 2017 model owner complaining about sluggish acceleration—clearly an older version without the Blue Whale upgrade. I recommend owners check the high-pressure fuel pump condition during maintenance, as it's a critical component of the Blue Whale engine.

As a new owner of the CS55 PLUS, I can confirm that my vehicle is equipped with the BlueCore NE1.5T engine! The most impressive aspect of this engine is its 40% thermal efficiency, and the fuel consumption is indeed significantly lower than my colleague's older CS55 model. During the purchase, the salesperson specifically demonstrated the engine's NVH performance—idling at just 38 decibels, making it almost noiseless when driving. However, pay close attention to the production year; my 2022 model features the second-generation BlueCore engine with twin-scroll turbocharging, while the first batch of BlueCore editions in 2019 still used the initial technology. Additionally, I recommend using Sport mode for highway driving during the break-in period to effectively reduce carbon buildup. Once, I borrowed a friend's older CS55 and noticed a clear power lag; checking the engine number confirmed it was the older model starting with JL476. Currently, all test drive vehicles at Changan 4S stores are BlueCore editions—it's best to test drive one yourself for assurance.


