The Chana Star is a series of microvans and light trucks that Changan Automobile has built and sold since 1999, first under the Chana brand and later under its Kaicene sub-brand. It began as a rebadged tenth-generation Suzuki Carry truck and Suzuki Every van, and grew into a whole family of models that small traders, farmers and delivery firms could afford.
Chana Star at a glance
| Maker | Changan Automobile, Chana and later Kaicene brands |
|---|---|
| Also called | Changan Star, Kaicene Star; Xin Chana Star in China |
| Chinese name | 长安之星 |
| Production | since 1999 |
| Class | microvan and light truck |
| First generation | 1999–2014, based on the Suzuki Every Plus and Ford Pronto vans |
| Star 2 | 2007–2012, built by the Hebei subsidiary |
| Star 5 | 2012–present, sold in China as the Xin Chana Star |
| Star 3 | 2015–present, up to seven seats |
| Engines | 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol (Star 2 and Star 3) |
| Price range | about 25,000 to 50,900 yuan depending on model and year |
| Body styles | van, extended van, single-cab and double-cab pickup |
based on one source
History of the Chana Star
The first Chana Star appeared in 1999, built on the mechanical basis of the tenth-generation Suzuki Carry truck and the Suzuki Every van, with the Every Plus and Ford Pronto vans also named as starting points. Changan offered several bodies from the outset: a single-cab pickup, a double-cab pickup, a standard van and an extended van that used hinged doors instead of sliding ones. The formula was simple and cheap, and it worked.
A growing family
The Chana Star 2 arrived in 2007, built by Changan’s Hebei subsidiary with a longer wheelbase than the original and a more powerful 1.0-litre engine. Power windows, electric sliding doors, front fog lamps, remote locking and alloy wheels were offered on the better-equipped versions, and prices ran from 31,900 to 46,800 yuan. The older Star did not disappear: after a light facelift it stayed on sale below the Star 2, with a starting price cut to 25,000 yuan by early 2014. In 2013 alone Chana sold 24,800 examples of the Star 2 in China.
Star 5 and Star 3
In 2012 the Changan M201 replaced the Star 2 as the third-generation microvan, sold in China as the Xin Chana Star, or New Chana Star; under the Chana Star 5 name its prices spanned 25,000 to 50,900 yuan. Three years later the Star 3 was launched as the direct successor of the original Star, again built in Hebei with a choice of 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engines and seating for up to seven, priced between 29,900 and 39,900 yuan. The series was eventually repositioned under Changan’s Kaicene sub-brand.
Design and features
- Suzuki-derived foundations: the first cars were rebadged Suzuki Carry and Every models, which gave the Star proven mechanicals.
- Many bodies, one platform: van, extended van and single- or double-cab pickups covered very different jobs.
- Low price: the Star undercut larger vans, starting at 25,000 yuan in its facelifted form.
- Constant renewal: Star 2, Star 5 and Star 3 kept the name alive for more than two decades.
Chana Star versions
- First-generation Star (1999–2014): the original van and pickups, facelifted and kept on sale below the Star 2.
- Chana Star 2 (2007–2012): longer wheelbase, 1.0-litre engine, more equipment, 31,900–46,800 yuan.
- Chana Star 5 / Xin Chana Star (2012–present): the Changan M201, 25,000–50,900 yuan.
- Chana Star 3 (2015–present): 1.0- or 1.2-litre engine, up to seven seats.
- Kaicene Shenqi T20: a pickup variant sold under the Kaicene brand.
- Kuayue Xinbao Mini and Xunlong: entry-level pickup and extended van sold under the Kuayue brand.
More vehicles from this maker are collected in the Changan collection.
Sources
- Chana Star, English Wikipedia: history, generations, prices, variants
