Deepal to expand Aussie line-up

RECENT new car market entrant Deepal, part of the China-state-owned Changan Automobile conglomerate, is shortly to augment its one model S07 range here with two more, the S05 small SUV and the E07 large ute-like SUV that is built along similar lines as early versions of Honda’s USA-specific Ridgeline crossover.

The brand is handled here by global automotive trading company Inchcape Australasia, also distributor of Subaru and Peugeot among other related automotive businesses.

Deepal lobbed late last year and does not report sales data to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), so there is no current measure of its local success.

However, with the considerable resources of Inchcape at its disposal and a growing line-up, the brand is likely to forge a niche in Australia’s congested new car market.

As an electric-only manufacturer, Deepal says it is seeking to assist customers wishing to make the transition to a New Energy Vehicle (NEV).

It is putting a focus on the unusually styled E07 addressing a market cluttered with look-a-like small and medium size fully electric SUVs.

Deepal Australia says the striking looking model is “ready to turn heads and reshape the future of automotive design through its multi-truck versatility and unique features”.

Adding, “it promises to be an exciting landmark year for Deepal in Australia”, which will use the Everything Electric Australia exhibition from March 7 to 9 in Sydney to pull the wraps off the E07 even going so far as to offer interested people a test drive of the model.

Deepal says the E07 is a “revolutionary blend of SUV and ute, and everything in between,” citing a paradigm shift in automotive design and performance even though it has more than a passing similarity to the 2005 Honda Ridgeline.

“Whether it’s the daily commute, family trips, outdoor adventures or weekend trip to Ikea or Bunnings; the E07 is rewriting the rules of what’s possible in the electric vehicle world for modern day families with diverse needs,” the importer said.

Concurrently, Deepal will display its new entry-point SUV in the S05 range destined for the Australian market.

“The S05 is the beautiful smaller sibling to the S07, making it a great choice for anyone who wants all the innovation and performance of our EV tech, but in a more compact package – it may be slightly smaller in size but as big in personality,” said Deepal Australia general manager Cormac Cafolla.

“Then there’s the E07; this one's a real game-changer. It’s a unique mix of SUV and mini truck, all wrapped up in a luxury trim for an unbeatable driving experience. I like to call it the automotive multi-tool, one that can take you on mountain trails, drop the kids off at school and still throw all your tools safely in the back.

“We’ll be sharing more specs later this year, but I can promise you, both the S05 and E07 are going to give Aussies some exciting, practical options for stepping into the future of electric driving without compromising on style or performance.”

Australian spec’ S05 and E07 powertrain and trim options and pricing will be revealed later this year.

ADAS recalibrated, longer service intervals

In other Deepal news, customer feedback has resulted in a recalibration to the model’s ADAS focusing on the driver monitoring system and cruise control enhancements.

Details as to what the “enhancements” entail relating to the former are unclear while the cruise control was revised particularly addressing the speed reduction behaviour when approaching bends.

“We will uncouple the speed reduction functions of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) systems to allow for smoother, more consistent speed adjustments. Further adjustments to IACC will follow after tests,” the imported said in a statement.

“The upcoming software updates for the Deepal S07 are designed to address customer feedback while ensuring the vehicle continues to meet the stringent requirements for an ANCAP five-star safety rating.

“These updates will improve performance and usability without compromising the vehicle's safety standards or overall integrity, maintaining its high rating while enhancing the driving experience.”

In addition to the above, service intervals have been doubled from 10,000km to 20,000km with the time-based interval remaining at 12 months and the previously proposed initial 5000km service removed.