Changan's first SUV to make market debut this year

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai January 9) - Changan looks slated to join the ranks of domestic manufacturers eager to penetrate China's prosperous SUV market. Sources from the Chongqing-based manufacturer were quoted as saying that Changan has already decided to develop a new compact SUV that will hit the market later this year, Beijing News reported today.

The new SUV is reportedly code-named S101, with the S label allegedly referring Changan's new platform for SUVs. The SUV's exterior will be based around a concept SUV (pictured above) Changan showed off at last September's Frankfurt Motor Show. According to some reports it is already being road tested, however Changan has yet to unveil any detailed performance specifics. The above sources have said that the S101 will have similar engine technology to the manufacturer's Eado concept, which also made its debut last year at Frankfurt.

According to sources from within the manufacturer, the SUV will aim at revitalizing Changan's brand image. Changan Vice President Zhu Huarong has previously said that 2012 to 2014 will be three important years for Changan's aspirations to perform well in the SUV segment, with a total of six to nine new models planned.