Whatever the logic behind the Alsvin name, one thing’s for sure: whether it’s in China or the Philippines, it’s aimed squarely at first-time car buyers. With a price topping out at P 739,000 for this top-of-the-line Platinum, it is one of the more affordable new cars in the market today. However, don’t let the low barrier to entry fool you: it scores extremely high in the value quotient, and for that comes across as a very pleasant surprise.

Changan markets the Alsvin as a rival to B-segment sedans. While that’s true because of its powertrain and impressive specs, one key dimension—wheelbase—means it’s actually half a size smaller. Its 2,535 mm wheelbase places it in the same category as the Mitusbishi Mirage G4 (2,550 mm).

However, compared to the Mirage G4, the Alsvin is neatly styled since it manages to avoid the “hatch with a trunk” trope. The designers, it seems, have taken better care in giving this sub-compact sedan better proportions. As a whole, the design is generic—emphasized even more in this shade of refrigerator white (Changan calls is Snow White), but at least they’ve made some effort in trying to spruce it up. Cues like the “butterfly-wing” radiator grille, projector-type headlights (with separate LED DRLs), side mirror signal indicators, and 15-inch alloy wheels all make it look neat.

Considering the price tag, the build quality is alright—the doors and trunk all slam shut properly and the body panels all line up straight. However, dig deeper and you’ll start to notice things like the visible welds by the door jambs and trunk. It also doesn’t have any kind of engine undercover. These aren’t deal breakers per se, but it also reminds you of its very humble origins.

Despite its rather compact exterior dimensions, the Alsvin can still seat four adults in comfort. It also gets a sunroof and hard-wearing (but decidedly un-luxurious) leather seats. Upfront, the dashboard has a very strong Mazda-esque design—likely influenced by Changan’s joint-venture with the Japanese automaker. A floating 7-inch touchscreen with steering wheel controls and Bluetooth is standard, and thankfully a break from typical China car norms, comes with a row of physical buttons too. The interface is easy enough to understand, but be ready to navigate through some layers of “Chinglish.” Also, it’s weird but for fans of FM radio, the roof-mounted antenna is prone to a lot of interference.

Ergonomically, the Alsvin’s solid. The driver gets a flat-bottomed (urethane-finished) steering wheel and a 6-way manual adjustable driver’s seat. The steering column only adjusts for tilt, but getting a comfy driving position is easy enough. The instrumentation, while straightforward, is somewhat convoluted. The decision to implement a center analog speedometer and digital tachometer is weird to say the least since legibility dictates it should have been the other way around.

Because it’s a commuter car, the Alsvin doesn’t need to clear a high bar when it comes to driving dynamics, and low and behold it doesn’t. However, it does serve up a surprise, particularly with its 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The outputs themselves—107 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque—aren’t anything special, but the secret here is down to the transmission it’s connected to. In a unique twist, the Bluecore VVT engine isn’t connected to a conventional torque converter automatic or CVT; rather, it uses a 5-speed wet-type dual clutch automatic. Admittedly, the shift quality isn’t as smooth or transparent as a conventional automatic, especially at low gears, but it trades that for a sense of directness. No doubt there’s far less drivetrain power loss too contributing to a 11.49 km/L—easily one of the best in the small sedan segment. For this test drive, it was fueled with 95 RON octane Petron XCS which contains additives that promote fuel efficiency while also keeping the engine protected and clean.

The chassis that drivetrain’s attached too is also quite run-of-the-mill. There’s copious amounts of body roll when tossed around, but at least it’s pliant enough to soak up Manila’s worst. If there’s an issue, it’s down to the decision to fit questionable OE tires (in this case, Hero Atlanta AR01s). They break traction easily, are noisy, and don’t really excel in wet weather. If you’re considering to get an Alsvin, heed this advice: invest in a good set of reputable tires.

The shoddy tires aside, the Alsvin, at least, comes packing a full suite of safety features. Not only are dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse camera, and tire pressure monitoring standard, but so are electronic stability control with hill hold control, and reverse parking sensors. This Platinum variant also gets a blind spot view camera too. That said, based on the way it’s angled, it’s more of a curb-facing camera rather than a facsimile of Honda’s LaneWatch. Still, it does help in preventing curb rashes and navigating tight turns.

All things considered, how does the Alsvin fare? Well, let’s conclude everything with its Chinese Domestic Market name: 悦翔. Anglicized as Yuexiang, it means “soaring happiness.” Although it doesn’t really give enthusiasts a reason to smile, it does provide a genuine mobility option to first-time car buyers; buyers who would have otherwise compromised with a small, dinky hatchback or a second-hand car.

Changan says the Alsvin is a sedan that “exceeds everyday demands and expectations” and considering its array of features, it’s job done. If there’s anything going against this sub-compact, it’s the price tag. To recall, when it was launched the 1.5 Platinum cost just P 679,000 (P 639,000 introductory). Today, it’s now up to P 739,000. While it’s still cheaper than the likes of the Mirage G4, Suzuki Dzire, and even the entry-level Vios with an automatic gearbox, its value advantage isn’t as big as it once was. And considering that value for money is exactly what most Alsvin buyers are looking for, Changan might have eliminated one of its major purchase considerations.