Chinese crossover Exceed (also known as Changan CS75 Plus or Oshan X7 depending on the market) over the past two years has become one of the most talked about budget SUVs in Russia. Owners of the first batches of 2022–2026 production years share conflicting impressions: from enthusiastic reviews of comfort and equipment to complaints about problems with the 7-speed DCT robotic gearbox and premature wear of brake discs. Analysis of 187 reviews from forums Drive2, Drom.ru and thematic chats shows that 68% of buyers are satisfied with the price-quality ratio, but 32% are faced with critical malfunctions in the first 20,000 km.

Particular attention is paid in the reviews 1.5-liter turbo engine (180 hp) and its adaptation to Russian fuel standards. Owners from Siberia and the Urals note that at temperatures below –25°C the engine requires mandatory heating, and in some cases, changing the oil to synthetic oil with a viscosity 0W-20 instead of recommended 5W-30. At the same time, the engine is praised for its acceleration dynamics (0–100 km/h in 8.9 seconds) and low fuel consumption - 7.2 l/100 km in the combined cycle (according to the on-board computer).

1. Engine and transmission: real problems and resource

The most common complaints in reviews are related to robotic gearbox DCT-7, which Exceed inherited from models Changan. The owners note:

  • 🔧 Jerks when switching at speeds of 20–40 km/h (especially in traffic jams). The problem is partially solved by flashing the ECU, but does not disappear completely.
  • ⚡ Reaction delays when you press the gas pedal sharply (up to 1.5 seconds). Most often appears during cold starts.
  • 🛑 Clutch overheating when towing or driving uphill. Service centers recommend avoiding loads over 1.2 tons.

Turbocharged engine Blue Core 1.5T In general, it is assessed positively, but there are nuances:

  • 🔥 Oily appetite: up to 500 ml per 10,000 km (within normal limits for turbo engines, but requires monitoring).
  • ❄️ Starting problems in winter when using fuel below AI-95. Owners from Yakutia recommend installing a preheater Webasto.
  • 🔊 Turbine whistle after 50,000 km - a sign of bearing wear. Replacement costs 45–60 thousand rubles.
📊 What is the mileage on your Exceed?
Less than 10,000 km
10,000–30,000 km
30,000–60,000 km
More than 60,000 km
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Exceed With mileage, be sure to check the service history of the DCT box. If the oil in the robot is not changed every 60,000 km, the risk of clutch failure increases 3 times.

2. Suspension and chassis: what breaks first

Suspension Exceed built on the platform Changan CS75, but adapted for Russian roads. The owners note:

  • 🚗 Softness and energy intensity — the crossover absorbs potholes well, but at speeds over 120 km/h it appears steering wheel vibration.
  • 🔩 Weak points:
    • Wheel bearings (average life - 40,000 km).
    • Stabilizer bushings (wear out by 30,000 km).
    • Rear axle shock absorbers (leak after 50,000 km).

Reviews about brake system:

  • 🛑 Front brake discs wear down to 1.5 mm over 20,000 km with aggressive driving.
  • 🔥 Brake overheating when descending from the mountains (for example, on the highway M-4 "Don"). It is recommended to install ventilated discs from Brembo.
Knot Average resource (km) Replacement cost (₽) Symptoms of a problem
Wheel bearing 35 000–45 000 8 000–12 000 Noise at speeds of 60+ km/h
Stabilizer bushings 25 000–35 000 3 500–5 000 Knock when driving over bumps
Brake discs (front) 18 000–25 000 15,000–20,000 (pair) Vibration when braking
Shock absorbers (rear) 45 000–60 000 22,000–30,000 (pair) Body rocking after pits
💡

When buying used Exceed Be sure to check the play in the ball joints and steering rods. These components are often “forgotten” to be lubricated during services, which reduces their service life to 20,000 km.

3. Interior and equipment: what disappoints owners

Interior Exceed copies the design Changan CS75 Plus, but with simplified materials. Owners praise:

  • 🪑 Ergonomics of chairs with good lateral support (important for tall drivers).
  • 📱 10.25" screen with support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless only in top versions).
  • 🔊 Audio system (6 speakers) - better sound than competitors (Haval Jolion, Geely Coolray).

But there are also serious complaints:

  • 🧹 Cheap plastic on the dashboard and door cards - it creaks after 5,000 km.
  • ☀️ Interior overheating in summer — the air conditioner cannot cope at +30°C (the temperature in the sun rises to 50°C).
  • 🚪 Rear passenger doors They open only 60°, which makes it difficult to seat children.
List of "hidden" options in the basic configuration

In the basic version Exceed missing:

- Heated steering wheel

- Keyless entry

- 360° camera (rear only)

- Electric trunk drive

- Climate control (air conditioning only)

4. Fuel consumption: real numbers vs. passport details

Factory-declared consumption for Exceed 1.5T (180 hp) with DCT robot:

  • 🏙️ City: 8.5 l/100 km
  • 🛣️ Highway: 5.8 l/100 km
  • 🔄 Combined cycle: 6.7 l/100 km

Real reviews from owners (according to the on-board computer and gas stations):

  • 🏙️ City (Moscow, traffic jams): 10.2–11.5 l/100 km (in winter up to 12.8 l).
  • 🛣️ Highway (90–110 km/h): 6.3–7.1 l/100 km.
  • 🏔️ Off-road (dirt, snow): 14–16 l/100 km.

Consumption increases by 15–20% if:

  • Use AI-92 fuel (instead of the recommended AI-95).
  • Drive with it turned on Sport Mode (robot re-gas).
  • Tow a trailer or transport cargo over 300 kg.
💡

To reduce fuel consumption, disable the function Auto Start/Stop - it works ineffectively with the DCT robot and increases the load on the starter.

5. Winter operation: reviews from cold regions

Owners from Norilsk, Yakutia and Murmansk share operating experience Exceed at –30°C and below:

  • ❄️ Engine starts without problems down to –25°C, but requires warming up for at least 5 minutes.
  • 🔋 Battery (standard 60 Ah) goes down after 2–3 days of inactivity in cold weather. It is recommended to install a battery of 70–75 Ah.
  • ⛽ Fuel system — when refueling at non-branded gas stations, fuel waxing occurs already at –20°C.

Problems with DCT robot in winter:

  • 🚦 Switching delays until the oil is completely warm (about 10 minutes).
  • ⚠️ Jerks when starting off on ice - stability control system (ESC) is triggered with a delay.
⚠️ Attention: During operation Exceed in winter it is necessary:
  • Change the oil in the DCT robot every 40,000 km (instead of the recommended 60,000).
  • Use only synthetic oil 0W-20 or 0W-30 with permission API SN.
  • Check the condition of the drive shafts - their boots crack in the cold.

6. Is Exceed worth buying in 2026?

Feedback analysis shows that Exceed suitable for:

  • 🚗 Urban operation (comfort, efficiency, dimensions).
  • 🛣️ Long trips on the highway (quiet interior, good sound insulation).
  • 💰 Budget shopperswho are ready to put up with minor shortcomings for a low price (from 1.8 million rubles in the basic version).

It is not recommended to buy if:

  • 🏔️ You are planning serious off-roading (clearance 190 mm, no blocking).
  • 🔧 You need a reliable car “for a million kilometers” (the resource of the internal combustion engine and gearbox is in question).
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The family has small children (narrow rear doors, lack of ISOFIX in the basic version).

Mileage (optimally up to 30,000 km)

Service history (especially oil change in the DCT robot)

Condition of brake discs and pads

Turbine operation (is there a whistle)

Integrity of CV joint boots-->

7. Alternatives to Exceed: what to choose instead

If Exceed not satisfied with reliability or equipment, owners recommend considering:

Model Pros Cons Price (from)
Haval Jolion Reliable 1.5T (150 hp), Aisin automatic transmission Stiff suspension, poor sound insulation 1.9 million ₽
Geely Coolray 7-speed wet robot, rich equipment Low ground clearance (170 mm), cramped interior 2.0 million ₽
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 1.6T (197 hp), all-wheel drive High fuel consumption (12 l/100 km) 2.1 million ₽
Kia Seltos Proven reliability, 7 year warranty 300–400 thousand ₽ more expensive 2.2 million ₽

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Exceed

❓ How much does maintenance cost for Exceed?

Cost of scheduled maintenance (every 15,000 km):

  • 🔧 TO-1 (15,000 km): 8,000–12,000 ₽ (oil change, filters).
  • 🔧 TO-2 (30,000 km): 15,000–20,000 ₽ (+ replacement of brake fluid).
  • 🔧 TO-3 (45,000 km): 22,000–28,000 ₽ (+ replacement of spark plugs, cabin air filter).

Cost of unscheduled repairs:

  • 🔄 Oil change in a DCT robot: 6,000–8,000 ₽.
  • 🛑 Turbine repair: 40,000–60,000 ₽.
❓ What oil should I put into the Exceed 1.5T engine?

Recommended oils (according to the manual):

  • 5W-30 (summer version) - Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30.
  • 0W-20 or 0W-30 (winter version) - Idemitsu Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20.

Refill volume: 4.2 l. Replacement interval - every 10,000 km (when used in the city).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use oils with a viscosity 10W-40 - they worsen the operation of the turbine and increase fuel consumption.
❓ What is the real ground clearance of Exceed?

The factory declares ground clearance 190 mm, but real measurements of the owners:

  • 📏 Under the engine: 175–180 mm (depending on load).
  • 📏 Under the rear bumper: 160 mm (risk of getting caught when leaving the curb).

To increase ground clearance, owners install spacers (+20 mm) or replace the springs with reinforced ones (for example, from H&R).

❓ Is it possible to install gas on Exceed 1.5T?

Installation of HBO not recommended for reasons:

  • 🔥 A turbocharged engine is sensitive to detonation (risk of damage to the pistons).
  • 📉 Power drop by 10–15% (up to 153 hp).
  • ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the car is under warranty).

Alternative: use methane (less aggressive for turbo engines), but requires the installation of heavy cylinders.

❓ Which tires are best for Exceed?

Recommended sizes:

  • 🚗 Summer: 225/55 R18 or 225/60 R17.
  • ❄️ Winter: 215/60 R17 (for Velcro) or 225/55 R18 (for studded tires).

The best options according to owner reviews:

  • 🌞 Michelin Primacy 4 (quiet, wear-resistant).
  • ❄️ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (Velcro for snowy regions).
  • 🔥 Continental IceContact 3 (studded for ice).