Changan Eado XT – pretty looking Chinese hatch

Changan Eado XT front quarter

Whenever a Chinese brand brings out a car, a game of ‘Spot the bits of…’ inevitably ensues in the ForceGT office. I’m sure this happens in yours as well, and it’s highly entertaining.

So, here’s one for all of you. It’s from China’s state-owned manufacturer, Changan. The car is called the Eado XT.

Changan Eado XT rear quarter

While previous Chinese efforts have been blatant copies of European, Japanese, Korean and even Malaysian design. This one is a mix of all of them. I can spot bits of the new 2013 Mazda3 in its rump and bits of Kia Cerato in its face. Inside, there are bits of Holden Cruze and the button fest of the Opel Astra.

Changan Eado XT interior

In a weird kind of way, it seems to all work together! The hatchback, which is built exclusively for the Chinese market, looks stylish and cohesive.

The car is powered by either a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 125kW, or a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine with an unspecified output.