Car "Sirius" is one of those models that often raise questions among potential buyers. Despite the loud name associated with the Russian educational center "Sirius" in Sochi, this car is not directly related to it. We're talking about Chinese crossover Changan CS35 Plus, which is sold on the Russian market under the brand Sirius Motors is a joint venture of a group of companies "Avtotor" and a Chinese automaker. Externally, the car combines the features of modern compact crossovers with proprietary design solutions Changan, but with adaptation to local operating conditions.
Many people confuse "Sirius" with other budget Chinese models or mistakenly consider it a product of the Russian automobile industry. In fact it's full-fledged imported car, assembled in Kaliningrad at facilities "Avtotora". Its appearance is a key deciding factor, with an aggressive front end, high ground clearance and dynamic body lines designed to attract young drivers and families. Next, we’ll look at exactly what this car looks like, what to look for when inspecting it, and how it differs from competitors like Haval Jolion or Geely Coolray.
It is worth noting that the design "Sirius" not revolutionary, but well-designed: there is no excessive pretentiousness here, but there is practicality and modern trends. For example, LED optics, two-tone body paint and large wheel arches make the car visually more massive than it actually is. At the same time, the dimensions remain compact - ideal for urban use.
Appearance of Sirius: photos and key design elements
The first thing that catches your eye when looking at "Sirius" - this is massive front part with a large radiator grille stylized to match the corporate design Changan. The upper part of the grille is connected to narrow headlights, which are equipped in top trim levels full LED optics. The lower bumper has aggressive air intakes and silver protection that imitates a metal body kit - this adds a sporty character to the car.
Side profile stands out two bright lines: the first one runs under the windows, the second one above the wheel arches, creating the effect of a “heaving” body. Standard size wheels 205/60 R16 or 215/55 R17 (depending on the configuration) visually increase ground clearance, which is 190 mm - one of the highest in the class. The taillights are shaped like a letter «C», which has become the hallmark of many models Changan.
The color range includes both classic options (white pearl, black metallic), and brighter shades:
- 🔴 Red "Phoenix" - attracts attention, but requires frequent washing due to visible dirt.
- 🔵 Blue "Ocean" - A popular choice among young drivers, it goes well with a black roof.
- 🟢 Green "Forest" - a rare option that makes the car stand out against the background of gray city cars.
- ⚪ Two-tone options (black roof + white/blue body) - visually “reduce” the car, making it more dynamic.
Important: plastic covers on bumpers and arches in basic configurations they are made of unpainted plastic, which can look cheap. In top versions, these elements are painted in body color, which significantly improves the perception.
Dimensions and dimensions: how compact is Sirius?
"Sirius" belongs to the class subcompact crossovers (B-class), but thanks to its high ground clearance and massive design, it looks larger than many competitors. Exact dimensions:
- 📏 Length: 4200 mm (convenient for parking in the city).
- 📐 Width: 1790 mm (excluding mirrors) - standard for the class.
- 📊 Height: 1610 mm - higher than Kia Seltos (1605 mm).
- 🚗 Wheelbase: 2560 mm - provides spaciousness for rear passengers.
For comparison, Haval Jolion length is 4472 mm, that is "Sirius" on 27 cm shorter — this is noticeable when maneuvering in heavy traffic. However, the difference in width and height is minimal, so visually the cars look comparable.
| Parameter | Sirius (Changan CS35 Plus) | Haval Jolion | Geely Coolray |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4200 | 4472 | 4330 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 190 | 160 | 155 |
| Trunk volume, l | 360 | 420 | 330 |
| Weight, kg | 1250–1320 | 1350–1420 | 1300–1380 |
Please note: ground clearance 190 mm - one of the key advantages of the model. This allows you to confidently overcome curbs, snow drifts and dirt roads, where many competitors begin to skimp on protection. However, high ground clearance affects the center of gravity, so the car may roll a little during high-speed turns.
When inspecting the Sirius, be sure to check the integrity of the plastic linings on the arches - they often suffer when parking near high curbs.
Salon "Sirius": what does it look like inside?
Interior "Sirius" designed in a minimalist style with an emphasis on digital solutions. The center console dominates 9" touch screen multimedia system with support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Below it are physical climate control buttons (in top versions) or traditional “knobs” (in basic versions). The dashboard can be like analog, so completely digital (in version Luxury).
Finishing materials depend on the configuration:
- 🛋️ Basic version: fabric seat upholstery, hard plastic on the panel, minimal sound insulation.
- 💺 Average equipment: fabric with leather insert on the steering wheel, soft lining on the doors.
- 👑 Top version: full leather trim, aluminum decorative inserts, improved sound insulation.
The interior space is organized rationally:
- Front row: High seats with good lateral support, but no armrest in basic versions.
- Back row: There is enough space for passengers up to 180 cm tall (thanks to the 2560 mm wheelbase), but there is no step.
- trunk: 360 liters - less than Haval Jolion (420 l), but with the possibility of transformation (folding the rear row increases the volume to 1200 l).
Critical momentsthat owners complain about:
⚠️ Attention: Basic versions do not have heated steering wheel and seats, which can be critical for regions with cold climates. They also note poor sound insulation at speeds above 90 km/h - noise from wheels and wind can be heard.
What's hidden under the hood?
Under the hood of the Sirius is a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a power of 125 hp, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed robotic transmission (DCT). This engine is known from other Changan models and is considered reliable, but not the most dynamic - acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 12 seconds.
How does Sirius differ from other Chinese crossovers?
Against the background of such competitors as Haval Jolion, Geely Coolray or Chery Tiggo 4, "Sirius" stands out with several key features:
1. Design:
- More aggressive front end compared to the “smiling” one Jolion.
- Fewer chrome elements than Coolray, which simplifies maintenance.
- Uniquely shaped taillights «C», whereas Tiggo 4 they are rectangular.
2. Specifications:
- Ground clearance 190 mm versus 160 mm Jolion and 155 mm at Coolray.
- Simpler suspension (MacPherson front, torsion beam rear), whereas Coolray multi-lever.
- Less engine power (125 hp vs 150 hp for Jolion 1.5T).
3. Price and options:
- "Sirius" cheaper Coolray for 100–150 thousand rubles in similar configurations.
- The basic version lacks some options that come out of the box from competitors (for example, a rear view camera).
- Warranty - 5 years or 150 thousand km, which is comparable to other Chinese brands.
Main plus "Sirius" — price/clearance ratio. If you need a car for the city with the ability to travel into nature on dirt roads, this crossover may be more interesting than Jolion, which is focused on asphalt.
Sirius is one of the few crossovers in its class with a ground clearance of 190 mm, which makes it attractive for regions with bad roads.
What to look for when examining Sirius?
If you are planning a purchase "Sirius", during inspection, pay attention to the following points:
Check the integrity of the plastic lining on the arches and bumpers|Evaluate the operation of the touch screen (if there are any “glitches” when pressed)|Make sure that the ground clearance is not reduced due to sagging suspension|Listen to the engine at idle speed (if there are any extraneous noises)-->
1. Body and paintwork:
- Check panel joints - Chinese cars sometimes have uneven gaps.
- Pay attention to paint quality: Some batches had varnish defects (microcracks).
- Inspect bottom for corrosion - despite galvanization, chips on plastic protections can lead to rust.
2. Salon:
- In basic versions The plastic of the instrument panel may creak - tap it with your hand.
- Check the work electric windows (sometimes they get stuck).
- Make sure that air conditioner blows cold air — some cars had problems with refilling freon.
3. Chassis:
- When test driving, listen suspension on uneven surfaces - knocking noises may indicate wear on the struts or bushings.
- Rate smooth robot switching (DCT) - if there are jerks, a firmware update may be required.
⚠️ Attention: In the first batches of Sirius (2022), there were problems with the firmware of the multimedia system, which could cause the screen to freeze. Before purchasing, check the software version (current - V2.15+).
Photos of real owners: what does Sirius look like in real life?
Official photographs often hide some of the nuances of appearance, so it is useful to study photographs of real owners. Here's what you can notice:
1. Lighting:
- B cloudy weather the car looks less expressive due to dark headlights and lack of chrome accents.
- At night LED optics look stylish, but some owners consider the low beam to be weak (upgrading with fog lights is recommended).
2. Dimensions on the road:
- In the photo "Sirius" may appear larger than it actually is. In reality he narrower and lowerthan Toyota RAV4 or Hyundai Creta.
- High ground clearance visible to the naked eye - the car “turns up its nose” even on a flat road.
3. Details that catch your eye:
- Tail lights in the form «C» They look futuristic, but some note that they get dirty quickly.
- Wheels in the basic configuration (steel with caps) spoil the overall appearance - many owners immediately change them to cast ones.
An example of real photos can be found in owner communities (for example, Sirius Motors on VKontakte or on Drive2). Pay attention to the cars 2023–2026 — they eliminated some childhood diseases of the first batches.
Is Sirius worth buying in 2026?
Purchase decision "Sirius" depends on your priorities. Here are the key arguments "for" and "against":
Pros:
- ✅ Price: one of the most affordable new crossovers on the market (from 1.5 million rubles).
- ✅ Ground clearance 190 mm - a rarity in the class.
- ✅ 5 year warranty - longer than many competitors.
- ✅ Easy to maintain: spare parts are cheaper than for European or Japanese cars.
Cons:
- ❌ Weak engine (125 hp) - not suitable for active driving.
- ❌ Noise insulation worse than Haval Jolion or Kia Seltos.
- ❌ Basic configurations They look “naked” - there’s not even heated seats.
- ❌ Used car market has not yet been formed - it is difficult to predict the residual value.
Critical moment: Sirius is a remake Changan CS35 Plus, which is cheaper in China than in Russia. In fact, you are overpaying for local assembly and the Sirius Motors brand.
If you need inexpensive crossover with high ground clearance for the city and light off-road, "Sirius" - a smart choice. But if the priority is dynamics, comfort or prestige, it is better to consider alternatives like Geely Coolray or Hyundai Creta.
Sirius is suitable for those who are looking for maximum practicality for minimal money, but are not ready to put up with the shortcomings of a budget Chinese car.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the appearance of Sirius
🔍 Why is Sirius so similar to Changan CS35 Plus?
Because it's the same car, simply renamed for the Russian market. Sirius Motors is a joint venture that will localize production Changan in Kaliningrad. The Sirius differs from the original model only in its logo, suspension settings and equipment.
🎨 Is it possible to order Sirius in a non-standard color?
Officially available 6 body colors, including two-tone options. Custom shades (such as matte or pearlescent) are not available, but some dealers offer vinyl wrap for an additional fee (from 50 thousand rubles).
🚗 What is the actual ground clearance of Sirius? Some reviews write 180 mm.
Official clearance - 190 mm. Discrepancies in data may be due to:
- When the vehicle is loaded, the ground clearance is reduced to ~180 mm.
- Some sources indicate measurements according to engine protection, and not at the lower point of the suspension.
For accurate measurements, use a ruler from the ground to oil pan.
🔧 Is it possible to install other bumpers or body kits on Sirius?
Technically yes, but there are some nuances:
- Original bumpers from Changan CS35 Plus will fit without modifications.
- Universal body kits (for example, from EVO Corse) require adjustment.
- Any modifications The car was removed from warrantyunless they are certified by the dealer.
Before tuning, consult a service center.
💡 Why does Sirius have such small wheels as standard?
The basic version is equipped with wheels of size 205/60 R16 on steel discs with caps. This is made for cheaper production. Alloy wheels are installed in top trim levels R17 with tires 215/55, which improves appearance and handling. Replacing wheels with a larger diameter is possible, but requires selection of tires while maintaining outer diameter (for example, 215/50 R17).