the Bucket: Changan South Africa

Showing posts with label Changan South Africa. Show all posts

Friday, August 14, 2026

Bucket Tech: Changan Hunter K50 REEV

The South African bakkie market has become one of the most competitive segments in the automotive industry, and we are seeing more and more manufacturers bringing products to our shores that challenge the traditional way of doing things. The Changan Hunter REEV Double Cab is perhaps one of the most interesting examples of this, because it isn't simply another double-cab bakkie entering an already crowded market. Instead, it introduces a completely different approach to electrification. The Hunter is claimed to be the world's first range-extended electric double-cab bakkie, combining a 31.2kWh battery pack with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that acts as an onboard generator. The electric drivetrain produces a claimed 200kW and a staggering 3 470Nm of torque. Changan also claims that the Hunter can achieve more than 1 000km of range, which immediately caught my attention. I had high expectations for the Hunter. The idea of having the performance and smoothness of an electric vehicle, while still having a petrol engine available to extend your range, sounds like an ideal solution for the South African market. After spending some time with the Hunter, however, I found myself impressed by the vehicle in many areas, but slightly disappointed by others.

DESIGN

There is no denying that the Changan Hunter is a striking-looking bakkie. My particular test vehicle came finished in a dark green/olive colour, and I think this suited the Hunter exceptionally well. It gave the vehicle a rugged, almost military-inspired appearance, while also allowing the numerous design details to stand out. The Hunter is imposing. It has a large and aggressive front end, a bold grille treatment and distinctive lighting that immediately gives it a strong road presence. It doesn't look like Changan has tried to copy any of the established players in the bakkie market either, which I really appreciate. There is a certain individuality to the Hunter. From the side, the proportions are typical of a large double-cab bakkie, but the sculpted bodywork, pronounced wheel arches and large wheels give it plenty of character. It has that elevated stance that you expect from a modern bakkie, while the design manages to blend ruggedness with a more futuristic appearance. The rear continues the same theme, with chunky styling and a strong stance. I found myself looking back at the Hunter whenever I parked it, which is always a good indication that a designer has got something right. The dark green paint also helped tremendously. While the Hunter would certainly stand out in almost any colour, the olive shade gave it a distinctive character that made it feel different from the usual white, silver and grey bakkies that dominate our roads. For me, the design is one of the Hunter's biggest strengths, it looks expensive, it looks tough and, most importantly, it looks different.

PERFORMANCE

This is where the Hunter really starts to become interesting, the REEV system is what sets this bakkie apart from almost everything else currently available. Rather than being a conventional petrol or diesel bakkie, the Hunter uses its electric drivetrain to power the wheels, with the 31.2kWh battery providing the energy and the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine acting as an onboard generator. The result is an incredibly smooth driving experience. The claimed 200kW output makes the Hunter seriously quick, particularly for a vehicle of this size. But it is the claimed 3 470Nm of torque that really grabs your attention. Electric motors are brilliant at delivering instant torque, and the Hunter is no exception. Put your foot down and the response is immediate. There is no waiting for a turbocharger to spool up or for a conventional gearbox to find the correct ratio. The Hunter simply moves. And it moves very quickly, Overtaking on the highway is effortless, while pulling away from traffic lights can be surprisingly entertaining. The power delivery is smooth and linear, making the Hunter feel much more like an electric SUV than a traditional bakkie. For everyday driving, I genuinely enjoyed the experience, starting the vehicle is slightly unconventional. There isn't a traditional start/stop button that you press before driving away. Instead, you simply get into the vehicle, press the brake pedal and you're ready to go. It takes a little getting used to, particularly if you've spent years driving conventional vehicles, but once you understand the system, it becomes second nature. The Hunter also surprised me off-road, I'll be honest, I was initially a little hesitant about taking it off-road. Having a large battery pack underneath the vehicle and an electric drivetrain naturally makes you think twice when you are dealing with rocks, uneven terrain and obstacles. However, the Hunter coped remarkably well, the electric drivetrain actually works in its favour when driving slowly over difficult terrain. The immediate torque delivery allows for very precise throttle inputs, and the vehicle felt composed and comfortable when the road disappeared beneath the wheels. It gave me more confidence than I expected, where I was less impressed was the real-world range. Changan's claim of more than 1 000km was one of the major reasons I was so interested in testing the Hunter. In theory, this range-extended system should offer the best of both worlds: electric driving around town and the reassurance of a petrol generator when travelling long distances. Unfortunately, my experience didn't quite live up to the expectations created by that 1 000km-plus figure. Having done a long distance journey with it, the Hunter struggled to give me 600km from the "tank of fuel" with me having to top up in fear of running out of fuel before I reach my destination. This was probably my biggest disappointment with the vehicle.

COMFORT & TECHNOLOGY

Inside the Hunter, Changan has created a cabin that feels much more like an SUV than a traditional workhorse. The driving position is commanding, visibility is good and there is plenty of space for occupants. The cabin is modern and packed with technology, which is exactly what buyers in this segment are increasingly demanding. The days when a double-cab bakkie was simply a work vehicle are long gone. These vehicles are now family cars, lifestyle vehicles, long-distance commuters and weekend adventure machines. The Hunter understands this shift, the interior has a modern design and a good level of technology, while the smooth electric drivetrain makes the cabin a particularly pleasant place to spend time. There is also a sense of refinement to the way the Hunter drives. Without conventional gear changes, acceleration is smooth and almost completely uninterrupted, which makes it feel more premium than you might expect. However, there was one particular technology issue that really frustrated me., the wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. When you stop, park and lock the Hunter, the vehicle doesn't immediately shut down completely. The interior systems remain active for a short period of time. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue, the problem is that my iPhone remained connected to Apple CarPlay even after I had locked the vehicle and walked away. This completely confused my phone because it believed it was still connected to the car. On several occasions, I would return to the vehicle and find that the CarPlay connection wasn't behaving as it should. The only workaround I found was to restart my iPhone. For someone who relies heavily on their phone for navigation, calls and music, this became incredibly frustrating. It is a relatively small issue, but it is exactly the kind of software quirk that can take the shine off an otherwise impressive technology package. Hopefully, this is something that Changan can address with a software update.

VERDICT

The Changan Hunter REEV is an incredibly interesting addition to the South African bakkie market. It is different, and I think that is important, rather than simply producing another double-cab to compete against the likes of the established Japanese, European and American players, Changan has taken a completely different approach by combining an electric drivetrain with a petrol-powered range extender. And in theory, this makes a lot of sense for South Africa. Our charging infrastructure is improving, but range anxiety remains one of the biggest barriers for people considering an electric vehicle. The Hunter's REEV system attempts to solve that problem by giving you the benefits of electric driving without making you completely dependent on charging infrastructure. The performance is excellent, the design is bold and distinctive, the cabin is comfortable and it proved itself to be surprisingly capable off-road. But it isn't perfect, my biggest disappointment was the real-world range compared to the expectations created by the 1 000km-plus claim. The Apple CarPlay issue was another frustration that I hope can be resolved through software. Despite these shortcomings, I came away from my time with the Hunter impressed by what Changan is attempting. This feels like a vehicle that is looking towards the future rather than simply trying to compete with the present. The Changan Hunter REEV may not be perfect, but it is innovative, incredibly quick, comfortable and genuinely different. And in an increasingly crowded bakkie market, being different might just be one of its biggest advantages. When you look at other range extender electric models in the market, the Leapmotor C10 sticks out and works like a charm. Maybe the two companies should sit together and have a knowledge sharing exercise as they both do certain things particularly well but others, not so much.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	Electric Drive Train with 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol Range Extender Engine
Gear Box	Single speed electic drive
Power	200kW
Torque	470Nm
Battery size	31.2kW
Price	R799,900

Friday, July 17, 2026

Bucket Seat: Changan UNI-S

The Changan UNI-S enters one of South Africa's most fiercely contested SUV segments with plenty to prove. Chinese manufacturers have raised the benchmark significantly over the past few years, and consumers are no longer buying these vehicles purely because they're affordable. They're buying them because they offer impressive technology, bold styling and a level of refinement that often rivals established brands. The UNI-S is another example of just how quickly Chinese manufacturers are evolving, but more importantly, it shows that Changan is prepared to take its own design direction rather than simply following the crowd.

DESIGN

The first thing that struck me about the Changan UNI-S was just how different it looks compared to what many of the other Chinese manufacturers are currently offering. While most brands have gravitated towards sleek, minimalist styling, Changan has gone in a much bolder direction, and I think it works remarkably well. The front end is dominated by an enormous frameless grille that immediately grabs your attention and gives the SUV a distinctly American-inspired presence. It has the kind of road presence that makes it look far more expensive than its price tag would suggest. One thing I noticed almost immediately is that the UNI-S is significantly larger in person than it appears in photographs. Images simply don't do justice to its proportions. Standing next to it, you begin to appreciate its wide stance, muscular shoulders and commanding presence. It feels like a proper family SUV rather than a compact crossover trying to punch above its weight. Around the back, the full-width LED light bar is one of my favourite design elements. It gives the rear a modern, premium appearance, particularly at night when it creates a distinctive lighting signature. Combined with the sculpted tailgate and sporty roof spoiler, the rear of the vehicle looks every bit as impressive as the front. Overall, the UNI-S manages to look fresh and unique in a market where many SUVs are beginning to blend into one another.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet sits a turbocharged petrol engine that many South Africans will recognise, as similar powertrains have become fairly common across several Chinese manufacturers. However, Changan seems to have done an excellent job with the calibration because the UNI-S feels noticeably more refined than many of its competitors.Power delivery is smooth and progressive, but when you ask for more acceleration, the engine responds with confidence. Whether overtaking slower traffic on the highway or pulling away from intersections, there always seems to be enough performance available without feeling strained. It doesn't necessarily produce dramatically more power than its rivals on paper, but the way it delivers that power certainly makes it feel more eager and responsive.The transmission also deserves praise. Gear changes are smoother and better timed than I've experienced in several competing Chinese SUVs. It rarely feels hesitant, and there's a noticeable refinement to the way it manages power, making everyday driving much more enjoyable. On the road, the UNI-S feels composed and well balanced. Steering is predictable, body roll is well controlled and the suspension strikes a good compromise between comfort and stability. Whether you're navigating city streets or spending long hours on the motorway, the vehicle inspires confidence and feels planted at higher speeds. It's an SUV that's easy to drive, comfortable to live with and refined enough for daily commuting.

COMFORT

Inside the cabin, it's immediately obvious that Changan has packed the UNI-S with technology. Virtually everything you'd expect from a modern SUV is here, and it certainly doesn't feel like you're missing out on features. Large digital displays, multiple driver assistance systems and intuitive controls all contribute to an upmarket driving experience. If there's one criticism I have, it's that the interior design feels very familiar. In fact, it borders on being a carbon copy of what we've already seen from several other Chinese manufacturers. While there's nothing wrong with the layout itself, it lacks the individuality and boldness that makes the exterior stand out so well. I would have liked to see Changan inject a little more of its own identity into the cabin. Thankfully, what it may lack in originality, it makes up for in comfort. The seats are supportive, well-cushioned and remain comfortable even during longer journeys. Cabin space is generous, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, making it a practical choice for growing families. Wireless smartphone connectivity works seamlessly, eliminating the need for cables and making everyday use that much more convenient. The infotainment system is responsive, while the sound system delivers impressive clarity and enough depth to keep music lovers satisfied. Add automatic climate control into the mix, and the UNI-S creates an environment that's both comfortable and enjoyable for daily driving.

VERDICT

The Changan UNI-S demonstrates just how far Chinese manufacturers have come, and more importantly, it shows that Changan has the potential to become a serious player in the South African market. Early owner experiences have generally highlighted the vehicle's value for money, generous specification levels and comfortable everyday driving characteristics, all of which align well with what South African buyers are increasingly looking for. What impressed me most is that the UNI-S doesn't simply compete on price. It offers genuine road presence, a refined driving experience and enough technology to satisfy buyers who want premium features without paying premium-brand prices. The exterior design stands out from the growing crowd of Chinese SUVs, while the driving dynamics feel slightly more polished than many of its direct competitors. Yes, I would have liked to see a more distinctive interior design, but that's a relatively minor criticism when you consider everything else the UNI-S gets right. For South African families wanting a spacious, well-equipped SUV that looks different, drives confidently and represents excellent overall value, the Changan UNI-S deserves to be high on the shortlist. It's another reminder that buying Chinese is no longer about compromising it's about getting more vehicle for your money than ever before.