Jameel Motors South Africa has added the Changan Star range of light commercial vehicles to its local line-up. The importer and distributor says the vehicles are aimed at businesses that need practical transport with low running costs and high availability.
The range comes in five body styles: Single Cab Dropside, Double Cab Dropside, Box Body, Panel Van and Mini Van. Pricing runs from R189 000 to R219 000. Air-conditioning and heating are fitted as standard across the range.
All models use a 1,25-litre petrol engine that produces 72 kW and 119 Nm, matched to a five-speed manual transmission that drives the rear wheels. Front disc brakes are standard, along with a driver seatbelt reminder.
A single engine and drivetrain combination is used across the range. Jameel Motors says this commonality simplifies maintenance, reduces parts complexity and lowers operating costs, particularly for mixed fleets.
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Fuel consumption is quoted at 7,5 l/100 km for the Dropside models and the Box Body, and 7,1 l/100 km for the Panel Van and Mini Van. With a 40-litre tank, the company says driving range exceeds 500 km between refuels. A vehicle covering 3 000 km a month would use about 225 litres of fuel. CO? emissions are rated at 178 g/km for the trucks and Box Body, and 166 g/km for the vans. The engine meets Euro 4 emissions standards.
The vehicles ride on 14-inch steel wheels with commonly available tyre sizes. Halogen projector headlights are fitted. The Single Cab and Double Cab have front fog lights and body-coloured bumpers, while the Mini Van has a high-mounted brake light.
Inside, cloth-trimmed seats are standard. The Double Cab Dropside and Mini Van have reclining seats. Three-point seatbelts are fitted throughout, with adjustable headrests on the Double Cab, Panel Van and Mini Van.
The Mini Van also has rear air conditioning. PVC flooring is used for easier cleaning, and a power socket is provided for charging devices. The multimedia system includes AM/FM radio, USB connectivity and MP3 playback.
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Power windows are fitted to the Single Cab and Double Cab, with central locking on the Double Cab. A steering lock is standard across the range, and the Panel Van and Mini Van have an energy-absorbing steering wheel.
Payload capacity is a central selling point. The Single Cab Dropside carries 1 090 kg, while the Double Cab Dropside carries 1 070 kg, which Jameel Motors says is about 45% more than the segment’s best-selling competitor. The Box Body supports 985 kg, the Panel Van 710 kg and the Mini Van 670 kg.
The Dropside models have fold-down side panels for loading from three sides or by forklift. The Box Body has a rear cargo area with a hook and manual tailgate. The Panel Van and Mini Van have manually operated side doors for pavement-side access.
“Besides being affordable and durable, these vehicles have also been conceived with convenience in mind,” says Marinus Venter, Country Manager at Jameel Motors South Africa. “We’re confident that there is something in the Star Range for every business owner who needs a light commercial vehicle.”
Every model is covered by a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, including five years/200 000 km of 24/7 roadside assistance. Service and maintenance plans are optional, and self-service kits are available for owners who prefer to manage their own maintenance without affecting warranty coverage.
Pricing:
Star Single Cab Dropside – R189 000 (excl. VAT: R164 348)
Star Double Cab Dropside – R199 000 (excl. VAT: R173 043)
Star Panel Van – R204 000 (excl. VAT: R177 391)
Star Box Body – R219 000 (excl. VAT: R190 435)
Star Mini Van – R219 000 (excl. VAT: R190 435)
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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