Changan Hunter double cab bakkie in SA soon, with range-topper costing well under R600,000

The Changan brand is set to launch in South Africa in late October with a full range of products, including a bakkie, SUV, sedan and electric crossover.

Ahead of launch, local importer Jameel Motors SA has released the first details about its one-tonne bakkie contender called the Hunter.

Its shape will already be familiar to South African bakkie buyers as the Changan Hunter forms the basis of the Peugeot Landtrek, but Changan is promising even more competitive pricing.

Jameel Motors says the range-topping four-wheel drive automatic derivative is set to cost “considerably below” R600,000, putting it firmly at the high-value end of the double cab market. For the record, the Peugeot Landtrek flagship costs R745,500.

Local Hunter models will be fitted with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 110kW and 350Nm. Two-wheel drive versions will have a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 4x4 model features a six-speed automatic transmission.

Interior features include ‘premium’ leather seating, a 10-inch infotainment system with reverse camera, cruise control and multi-function steering wheel.

The vehicles will be backed by a five-year or 150,000km warranty.

Changan is also set to launch a range-extended electric vehicle (RE-EV) version of the Hunter bakkie.

The RE-EV boasts unique styling and in overseas markets, it’s available in single motor (128kW) and dual-motor (196kW) variations. While the e-motors solely power the wheels, a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine powers the 31 kWh battery once its plug-in charge has been depleted. The vehicle can cover up to 180km on electric power alone, Changan claims.

Changan CS75 Pro: Also set for local introduction is the CS75 Pro midsize SUV, which is powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that delivers 135kW. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, according to the local website.

The 4.7-metre-long SUV is similar in size to the Nissan X-Trail, and in overseas markets it is offered in five-seat and seven-seat guises.

South African prices and specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.

Changan Alsvin: The importer will tackle the lower-end sedan market too, with its Alsvin. The four-door contender will be powered by a normally aspirated 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 78kW and 145Nm.

The Alsvin will be offered in five-speed manual and five-speed automatic guises, according to the carmaker.

The B-segment sedan will likely serve as a more affordable alternative to the slightly larger Volkswagen Polo Sedan.

Deepal S07: An exciting new entry for EV fans is the Deepal brand's battery-powered S07.

The sleek-looking crossover offers a claimed range of 560km between charges, and its electric motor produces 160kW and 320Nm, suggesting it could be priced at the lower end of the SUV scale.

Its cabin features “premium” soft-touch materials, according to the brand, while the wrap-around centre console was inspired by the yachts of the Mediterranean. The vehicle also comes standard with a panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade.

IOL Motoring