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Chinese car manufacturers have been landing on British shores in ever-increasing numbers and there is little indication that this trend is slowing down. Changan is amongst the latest to enter the fray.

Having launched the Deepal S07 last year, the brand is now broadening its lineup with the Deepal S05 - a mid-size electric SUV pitched directly against rivals such as the Skoda Elroq and Kia EV5. So, is this newcomer merely another electric SUV, or does it possess something special to set it apart from the competition? Road tester Cameron Richards took a closer look.

Changan may be a relatively unfamiliar name on British roads, but it is one of China's most established car manufacturers, having been producing vehicles for 45 years. The Deepal S05 is the company's newest offering, boasting a host of contemporary features, including a minimalist interior, while the exterior draws heavily on aircraft-inspired styling to reinforce its sportier character.

It arrives with electric power and a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, alongside a single fully-equipped trim level with minimal options, simplifying the buying process for prospective customers. The Deepal S05 also rides on Changan's 'CPA' multi-energy platform, which accommodates several powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid variant set to follow at a later date.

The Deepal S05 will be available with one battery pack offered in two configurations. Every variant is equipped with a 68.8kWh battery, with our test model featuring a single rear-mounted electric motor generating 268bhp and 290Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 112mph.

Changan states that the vehicle can be charged at rates of up to 200kW using a rapid-charger, completing a 30 to 80 per cent charge in just 15 minutes. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive version is also available, ramping up the output to 418bhp and 502Nm of torque, while this variant boasts a claimed range of 278 miles on a single charge.

The Deepal S05 is far from the most thrilling car behind the wheel, carrying out its duties in a somewhat unremarkable fashion. The steering responds well on turn-in, but feels imprecise and lifeless, while the ride is on the softer side, yet struggles to remain composed on uneven road surfaces.

Rearward visibility is hampered by the narrow rear window and lofty headrests, and there appears to be no regenerative braking system, which could otherwise enhance efficiency. Refinement is impressive, however, with minimal wind and road noise permeating the cabin, and the immediate torque delivered by the rear-mounted electric motor provides a seamless surge of acceleration.

Much like the majority of SUVs, the Deepal S05 lacks the character and appeal associated with a conventional hatchback or estate. To help the car stand out from the crowd, Changan has drawn inspiration from aviation for the S05's styling, with the front headlights and bumper taking their cues from aircraft wings, while the flared wheel arches and double waistline are designed to replicate a plane's fuselage.

Flush door handles and frameless window surrounds also feature, while the rear is set apart by arrow-style LED taillights and a V-shaped spoiler.

The Deepal S05 is typically Chinese in its approach, boasting very few buttons, lending it a cleaner and more contemporary appearance. The downside is that the absence of switches still makes even the most basic functions rather unintuitive to operate while on the move.

At least the interior is practical, with Changan claiming there are '34' storage spaces scattered throughout the cabin. The S05 lacks a glovebox, yet it boasts one of the largest and deepest centre console storage compartments of any car on the market, with additional space beneath the floating centre console. Two cupholders and two wireless phone chargers are provided, though the door bins are on the narrow side.

Rear passenger space is reasonably generous, and headroom remains unaffected with the optional panoramic sunroof installed. The flat floor allows three occupants to sit side by side in comfort, while there is ample room to slide feet beneath the front seats with ease. The S05 offers a 492-litre boot capacity, surpassing the Skoda Elroq's 470-litre volume, while folding down the rear seats expands that space to 1,250 litres.

There is an additional 28-litre underfloor storage compartment and a 159-litre frunk, making this Chinese contender one of the most practical vehicles in its segment.

Equipment is plentiful as the Deepal S05 is exclusively available in a single trim level. Standard features include a 15.4-inch infotainment display, keyless entry, a wireless smartphone charger, a 14-speaker sound system, a head-up display and satellite navigation.

The only extras on offer are the glass panoramic sunroof and a tow bar, while the five exterior colour options are all available at no additional cost. Prices begin at £37,990 for the rear-wheel drive model and climb to £39,990 for the all-wheel drive version. That renders it more than £1,000 less expensive than the entry-level Kia EV5, with the Changan also boasting considerably more standard equipment for the price.

For those seeking a midsize electric SUV, the Changan Deepal S05 ticks all the right boxes. Regrettably, that is precisely all it achieves. This newcomer from China fails to do anything particularly groundbreaking to distinguish itself in an already saturated market, with its uninspiring driving dynamics and convoluted infotainment interface representing its principal shortcomings. Nevertheless, if the vehicle appeals to you, its competitive pricing, impressive equipment levels and practical interior render it a reasonable, if somewhat uninspiring option within this segment of the market.