Changan Alsvin Hidden Truths: in this comprehensive review, Hassan will give you a complete review of his Changan Alsvin after 2.5 years of ownership; Hassan shares his unfiltered experience with this Chinese contender in Pakistan’s competitive sedan market. Having driven the top-of-the-line 1.5L variant for over 35,500 kilometers since 2022, Hassan offers potential buyers valuable insights into this relatively new entrant in Pakistan’s automotive landscape.
Standout Features
The reviewer was initially drawn to Alsvin’s aggressive exterior styling. “The front gives off a bulky, angry look that makes it appear larger than a typical 1500cc vehicle,” Hassan explained. However, the standout feature that ultimately swayed his purchase decision was the inclusion of a sunroof—a rarity in this segment at the time.
Exterior
While Hassan praised the overall exterior design, including the DRLs integrated into the front bumper extender and stylish rear lights, he identified the paint quality as a significant drawback. According to the reviewer, Alsvin’s paint quality feels noticeably compromised compared to competitors.
Interior
Inside the cabin, Hassan found much to appreciate. “The electronic power steering is incredibly smooth—you can rotate it with just one finger,” he remarked. The piano’s black interior elements, ambient lighting, and multimedia touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity all contributed to what he described as an “outstanding experience.”
The reviewer was particularly impressed with the air conditioning system, noting it outperforms rivals like the Toyota Yaris and Honda City, especially in extreme heat. The sound system also exceeded his expectations for this price segment.
Driving Experience
With over 35,500 kilometers on the odometer, Hassan characterized Alsvin’s driving experience as “exceptional” and “luxurious.” The vehicle handles confidently at high speeds, maintaining reasonable control and stability. However, he highlighted a known issue with the DCT transmission, which tends to jerk three to four times when shifting from neutral to drive.
“The car feels underpowered until you cross 40 km/h,” the reviewer noted. “But once you cross that threshold and press the throttle, it flies—no one can fault its pickup in the 1500cc category.”
Impressive Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency proved to be another strong point for Alsvin. In city driving with the AC on and traffic congestion, Hassan consistently achieved around 11-12 km/l. For highway journeys, the figure improved dramatically to 17-19 km/l when using cruise control.
Practicality Concerns
Despite being marketed as a family car, the reviewer found the seating capacity somewhat limited. “I’m 6’1″, and three people my size would fill the car completely,” Hassan explained. He suggested the Alsvin is better suited for smaller individuals if you need to seat five passengers comfortably. On the positive side, he praised the “massive trunk space.”
After Sales Reality
Hassan cautioned prospective buyers about Alsvin’s after-sales experience. “The elephant’s tusks for Alsvin are for show, not for eating,” he remarked metaphorically. While the initial purchase price was competitive compared to established brands, the maintenance costs have proven to be “the highest compared to any other car in this segment.”
Spare parts are expensive, and the vehicle requires consistent care. “It’s like a new bride that demands constant attention,” the reviewer explained. “If you compromise on maintenance, this car will cost you dearly.”
Build Quality vs. Reliability Myths
Countering the common perception about Chinese vehicles’ reliability, Hassan emphatically stated: “The saying that Chinese cars ‘might reach the moon or might not make it till evening’ is something I seriously refute.” He specifically praised Alsvin’s build quality, describing it as “very strong compared to all cars on the road,” and encouraged potential buyers to feel the car’s bonnet to appreciate its solidity.
Room for Improvement
The reviewer identified several areas where Changan could improve the Alsvin:
- Better gear functionality (the DCT technology feels dated compared to CVT)
- Enhanced paint quality
- Power-retractable side mirrors (currently manual)
- Automatic climate control instead of manual
- Keyless entry
Safety Features
The Alsvin comes equipped with two airbags and ABS braking, which Hassan described as “very good.”
Value Proposition
Originally purchased for approximately 2.9 million PKR (reaching about 3 million with additional expenses), the Alsvin now retails for around 4.7-4.8 million PKR on-road. Despite this price increase, the reviewer believes it still offers good value compared to competitors, which he colorfully described as “selling envelopes” (offering less substance than advertised).
Final Verdict
Hassan concluded that he remains “a very satisfied customer overall,” rating his experience as “85% on the good side and 15% on the bad side.” He emphasized the importance of supporting new brands to encourage competition and innovation in the market.
The reviewer also highlighted the value of using services like PakWheels for pre-purchase inspections, which helped ensure his vehicle was in perfect condition before leaving the showroom.
“A car is an investment,” Hassan concluded, “and you should make such investments with careful consideration.”
Car is more spacious than Yaris and City. Alsvin is more broader / wider than the other cars. Back seat can easily accommodate 3 adults unlike Yaris where only two can sit because of driving seat hand rest issue. City is not wide enough. Sit and compare yourself.