A faint memory of a show called How It’s Made was running in my mind when we were being toured at the Changan Liangjiang Plant. The episodes were short and quick, mainly focusing on the actual production line. One thing being glossed over in the episode is the research and the testing of the products.

To satisfy our curiosity, Inchcape Philippines brought us to observe what happens behind the scenes and learn more about the brand. The team toured around the Changan Global R&D Center.

Before going around, we got to know the company first. The brand’s portfolio includes Changan, Deepal, Avatr, and Changan LCV. They also have joint ventures with Mazda, Ford, and JMC. They have experts coming from different countries leading the development. Meanwhile, the centers can be found in cities throughout the world.

The manufacturer emphasized its initiatives: the Green Plan, the Intelligent Plan, and the Vast Ocean Plan. The automaker is focused on developing the brand through environmental awareness, innovation, and business expansion.

Entering the doors, the first car we saw was a concept car, the VIIA. It had a game controller-looking steering wheel and an interesting wheel design. Overall, it looked futuristic as if it came out of a sci-fi film.

Finished vehicles were lined up in another area, starting with the luxury line Avatr. Curiosity got the better of me, so I tested the seats on the Avatr 011 Royal Edition, and they were soft and comfortable. The cabin’s color combination and the sleek black exterior added to its luxurious aesthetic.

A few steps away was the Changan Q07, a midsize PHEV that could reach up to 215km on pure electric power. It was being hinted that its launch would occur in the Philippines this year. Deepal units were also visible, along with vehicles from the joint venture.

The first part of the tour concluded with the displays about the newest tech that the cars were equipped with.

Moving past the exhibits, we headed to the testing grounds to gauge the car’s real-life performance. I managed to drive the Q07 and hitched a ride on the rugged Deepal G318 SUV. The Q07 was smooth when driven; it had a light-to-medium heaviness on the steering, and turning wasn’t an issue. We tried an acceleration test, and it didn’t disappoint. You could feel the quick acceleration, but the ride was still comfortable.

With the rapid growth of Changan thanks to its relentless pursuit of knowledge, one thing is for sure: The brand’s new releases will be something people should look forward to on the car market.