2015 Changan BenBen

Sub-Compact - hatchback

​​    With a final score of 60%, the new BenBen is a major step in the right direction for Changan.  Lets hope the rest of the Chinese automakers step up their game and start making models with this much sex appeal.  Good job Changan.

    Another year is upon us and it seems that Changan is still one of the few Chinese automakers who wants to make their models look great.  You would think that in a market as big as China's, everyone would be trying to improve their appearance.  Of course that is only true if your market demands great looking products.  Once more customer start to demand better looking product, then maybe the products will look better.  But for Changan, that time is now and they do not want to wait for the people to change their minds.

    Up front the BenBen utilizes hard edges and flowing lines to create a fun and sporty looking appearance.  This is helped but the large air ducts and partially cut wing on the fog light port hole.  The major downside to this is that the grille is all too common.  Changan should have gone with only cross bars.  Up top the sinister headlights give the appeal that this little car means business. 

    Out back you may notice some more sinister eyes staring at you as you gaze upon them down the highway.  Of course you may only notice them when they are lit, since the oversized happy face bumper line does take away from everything 

​else.  It was nice that Changan made all of the lines flow, but in a downward motion, I think not.  Now add in the all too curvy back window and you have the makings of a clown face.

    Along the side Changan has spent a considerable amount of time, since they wanted some defining lines.  These lines create a smooth, yet rugged appeal to them, bringing out the track/aftermarket overall appeal of the car.  Now add in some wheel that are unlike another other in the sub-compact world and you have the makings of a perfect sporty sub-compact.

    Overall the BenBen is a great little car which utilizes sport and comfort to its design.  The only major drawback to its design is that it comes off as either a Honda or Kia when you first see it.  Once Changan makes a name for themselves and they may have their own appeal.

​Everett J.

OVERALL GRADE = C+

​Front End: C+
    Good: Big sporty air ducts which mean business
    Bad: Your license plate will take away from the duct
Rear End: C+
    Good: Evil eyes which flow with the lines
    Bad: One over-sized happy face
Side: B-   
    Good: Contoured body lines
    Bad: Same plain windows as everyone else
Overall Appeal: B-   
    Good: Fast and sexy
    Bad:  Comes off as a Honda or Kia wannabe

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​AutoLooks Buy List Approved:        Yes
Recommended Tuner:                      Yes
Trend Setter:                                     Yes (in China)
Brand Value:                                     Increase
AutoLooks Stock Value:                  N/A