Changan Benni Car Review

3.2/5

Motor

80%

Salon

60%

Spare Parts

30%

Suspension

70%

Resale

60%

Security

70%

Equipment

80%

Changan Benni 2013-2017

The world was introduced to the Changan Beni Mini in 2009, when the Chinese company replaced its Beni Mini and Beni Love models with the new Beni Mini, which was introduced at the 2011 Chengdu Auto Show in China. It's a small, five-door hatchback city car.

The car was introduced to the Egyptian market in two trim levels: the first priced at 62,000 Egyptian pounds and the second at 68,000 Egyptian pounds, with its price reaching 123,000 Egyptian pounds. The car was introduced starting with the 2013 model year and continued to be imported until 2016, when it was introduced as a 2017 model in the Egyptian car market. The available stock was sold out.

The car's price increased by EGP 5,000 in June 2017, from EGP 135,000 to EGP 140,000 for the automatic version, the only one available in Egypt at the time. This was due to difficulties preventing the company from importing both models following the flotation of the Egyptian pound, the rise of the dollar, and the difficulty of obtaining it during that period. The car was sometimes ranked as the cheapest car in Egypt, then the second cheapest after the Suzuki Alto, in addition to being the cheapest automatic car in Egypt.

Used Changan Benni For Sale New Changan Benni For Sale

Motor

80%

The car features a 1000cc, 16-valve DOHC engine with 70 hp in the latest version offered by the company in Egypt. It is paired with a manual or automatic transmission. The automatic transmission offers manual shifts for sporty driving enthusiasts. The car also has 90 Nm of torque and a 38-liter fuel tank. Its top speed is 158 km/h (98 mph) and it can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 15.2 seconds.

Some owners reported a problem with the manual transmission, but the dealership handled the issue easily and simply for cars purchased new. The engine noise is also somewhat loud.

The car is characterized by its light steering wheel in cities and provides a comfortable ride. Its fuel consumption is good, making it economical at a rate of 5.8 liters per 100 km. However, the car's traction decreases with the air conditioning on, but overall, no engine defects or performance issues have been reported.

Salon

60%

The car is 3.520 mm long, 1.570 mm wide, 1.490 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2.345 mm. The car weighs approximately 900 kg empty.

It is considered a small hatchback, so it has little storage space, especially in the rear of the car, unless the rear seats are folded. The passenger space in the rear of the car is also quite narrow, which is normal for a car of this size.

The interior materials used in the car are good, and the car can accommodate 4 passengers, or a smaller 5 passengers. With fairly good headroom, especially in the driver's seat. On the other hand, the car offers good visibility for the driver, with comfortable seats in the front, a well-designed dashboard and interior, small gauges, good upholstery, good interior sealing, good mirrors, and strong air conditioning.

Spare Parts

30%

The car is considered fairly easy to repair, despite the scarcity of people working on it, and its spare parts are a major problem due to their recent unavailability from the company. However, some resort to matching other spare parts from different models, and the prices are not high if spare parts are available.

As for the automatic version, the transmission repair is not much different from the manual version's transmission. The most it requires is a regular change of the engine oil and transmission oil.

Suspension

70%

The car features a good, strong suspension that's suitable for Egyptian road conditions. It's soft, and the car's ground clearance is good, at 12 cm, and appropriate for road conditions for a car of its size. The car's drawbacks are its lack of stability on the road at high speeds above 120 km/h.

Resale

60%

It's not considered a car with a bad reputation in the resale market, as there is a resale market for it, especially among women, similar to the Picanto, Alto, and Geely Panda. Some people prefer this car because it is equipped with luxuries and safety features not found in some other models. However, its spare parts problem is a major weakness that causes many to avoid it.

The car itself has no known major defects or problems other than a somewhat narrow interior and a somewhat weak exterior. However, there are no significant mechanical or technical defects in the car, and therefore its resale price is good, not weak, especially after its price nearly doubled following the flotation of the pound.

Security

70%

One of the car's drawbacks is that its exterior structure isn't strong and needs to be maintained to remain in good condition. The car is also equipped with safety features, including:

2 airbags

ABS brakes

3-point seatbelts

Electronically controlled brakes

Central door locking.

Rear fog lights

Front disc and rear drum brakes

Child safety lock on newer models.

Alarm when driving with the handbrake on.

The automatic version has more front fog lights and ABS brakes than the manual.