Changan debuts an all-new mid-size sedan, the Raeton (previously known by its codename CD101) at AutoChina 2012. The Raeton is full of promise. With an adequate power-train, decent interior room and pretty good interior quality, it could make a dent in the midsize segment in China when launched towards the end of this year. Design-wise it’s nothing offensive or too derivative, or at least not too dissimilar from midsizes nowadays, all so remarkably conservative.
Sitting on a 2800mm wheelbase, Raeton is 4920mm long, 1825mm wide, and 1500mm tall. Three powertrain options will be provided: 2.0l naturally aspirated unit with 6 MT, 2.0l naturally aspirated with 6AT, and 1.8T Turbocharged with 6AT gearbox. The turbo-charged 1.8 liter can develop up to 130kW of power at 5000 – 5500rpm and 240Nm of torque at 1850- 4800rpm. The engine is matched to a six-speed tiptronic transmission and it’s capable of reaching 210 km/h.
The biggest surprise comes in the interior. It’s not just the leather and fake wood that catches the eye, but great attention to the detail and good overall design. It looks like Changan squeezed every millimeter available, giving the Raeton generous interior room, especially in the rear seats. Even the passenger in the middle gets a decent room. Raeton features front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspensions.
The Raeton offers an attractive package but ultimately, its success will hinge on the price, according to unofficial sources it will be in 100,000 – 160,000 Yuan price range. (14.19 lac PKR to 22.71 lac PKR)