Why was the Changan Unit discontinued?
3 Answers
Changan Unit has been discontinued for the following reasons: Immature technology: The Changan Unit is equipped with numerous electronic devices, such as hidden door handles, full-screen LCD displays, one-button start, and other new technologies, which are indeed attractive. However, some owners have reported issues with responsiveness. High fuel consumption: The Changan Unit is powered by a 1.5T engine. Changan Automobile claimed it achieved an ultra-high thermal efficiency of 40%, using this as a selling point. However, the actual fuel consumption of the Changan UNI-T is not low. Owners generally report its actual fuel consumption to be around 9.5L, significantly higher than the normal level for SUVs of the same class and displacement.
As a frequent driver, I can totally understand the discontinuation of the Changan Unit. To be honest, I test drove it before and felt its design was decent but with obvious flaws, like conservative power performance and mediocre interior materials, which didn't appeal much to young buyers. With so many SUVs in the market and fierce competition, Unit's sales never took off. I've seen many complaints on forums about its rapid depreciation in resale value and difficulty finding spare parts. Changan is now focusing on new series like the UNI-T and Deepal, which come with smart driving and hybrid technology, more appealing to younger consumers. Discontinuing the Unit is a natural choice—to concentrate resources on bestsellers and ensure overall profitability. Actually, this is quite common; automakers must follow trends, and it's no surprise that older platforms like the Unit get phased out.
As someone familiar with automotive technical details, the discontinuation of the Changan Unit is likely related to its aging platform. It uses an outdated powertrain system with lower engine efficiency and emissions that fail to meet the latest China 6b standards, making upgrades too costly. Changan is transitioning to electrification, with newer technologies like the iDD hybrid system offering better energy efficiency, making pure gasoline models like the Unit less worthy of continued investment. Automakers routinely evaluate product lifecycles, and the Unit, launched in 2018, has seen lukewarm sales, possibly compounded by supply chain issues. I advise owners not to worry—after-sales support will remain available, with Changan ensuring spare parts supply for some time. This serves as a reminder to prioritize newer platform models when purchasing, such as Changan’s other continuously updated vehicles, for better value.
