THE Changan Hunter 2.0 Double-Cab, does not feel like a cheap bakkie- its industrial.
Yes, the already saturated bakkie market in SA is way too demanding, and any manufacturer should know this from business strategy because at the end of the day, such vehicles are meant for production.
I had tested one and was impressed how it faired on open roads and muddy streets of NW, recently, from a dorpie in Sanniehof to highways.
It felt rugged, well-built and good warranty- catching attention of boer-tannies.
But don’t try exceeding 100km/h as I did, characteristics of a jiggle and initial firmness over rough surfaces, becomes clumsy, but thereafter it reverts to its original stability, as per the one I tested.
Finished with Grey colour and contrasted with its chrome and blacked-out sections, oversized grille, and the design is pretty conservative for agricultural work, like I did with my home boys- collecting wood to make boma-fire.
Although the load bay is not that open as opposed to its rivals, it did the job including carrying catering chairs for my aunt.
Packed with 18-inch alloy wheels that fill the arches well, and the chrome door handles, side steps and roof rails round off a package that looks considerably more expensive than it is.
Once again with the large “CHANGAN” lettering across the tailgate- which is outdated, I said it, it looks more agricultural but who cares when it does the job.
A 12V power outlet in the load bay, in addition to cargo-bay lighting, came in handy since we had to charge-owing to electricity loadshedding.
Interior was also Hunter’s strongest selling points- from electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (plus 2 USB-A ports), a powerful air-conditioning system, a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, and rear passengers, the inclusion of ventilation outlets, a USB charging port as well as swivelling hooks on the back of both front seats.
The cabin layout is sensible and ergonomically sound, physical buttons and dials are retained for key functions – a feature that is becoming increasingly rare – and the dashboard design, while hardly setting new benchmarks for interior styling, is tidy and functional.
Changan Hunter is equipped with 6 airbags, including ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring and Isofix child seat anchors.
The 4×4 system is also switchable between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive, with a low-range option and rear diff lock available.
With ground clearance of 226mm, it is sufficient for most off-road (as mentioned above) and the approach and departure angles are acceptable for the segment. Hill-descent control and hill-start assist also feature, thanks to Pirelli 4×4 265/60 R18 tyres that were impressive across varying surfaces.
This 6-speed automatic transmission produces 110 kW and 350 Nm, with peak torque available between 1 800 and 2 800 rpm, in a 2.0-litre turbodiesel- does go extra-mile.
It clogged 0-100kp/h: 13 .38 seconds and comes with 9.1L/100km diesel consumption.
The retailing price is R569 900
Comes with 5-year/150 000 km warranty and includes a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (4)
Fuel 1-10 (5)
Top Image SLM (The Changan Hunter 2.0TD Double-Cab 4×4 is no cheap bakkie )
