South Africans don’t just drive bakkies — we live them. They’re the backbone of our workdays and the badge of our weekends. Into this arena steps the Changan Hunter Diesel, a challenger that blends rugged utility with school-run comfort, priced to shake up the old guard.
First Impressions
The Hunter looks the part: a bold front grille, muscular stance, and alloy wheels (17‑inch on the manual 2WD, 18‑inch on the automatic 4WD, which is the model we received for review) that give it presence on both tar and trail. Chrome accents, LED daytime running lights, and stainless‑steel side steps add refinement without losing grit. Colours range from Stellar White and Lunar Silver to the more expressive Electric Blue and Red — a palette that lets you choose between understated and standout.
Under the Hood
Power comes from a 2.0L turbo‑diesel, delivering 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque. That’s enough muscle for hauling, towing, and overtaking with confidence. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.8 L/100 km for the manual 2WD and 9.1 L/100 km for the automatic 4WD — respectable figures for a bakkie of this size and pretty realistic for a change, seeing that we obtained around 9.5 litres per 100 km on average over the course of our week-long test period with the bakkie. The highest we saw was 10.3 litres over the first couple of days, during which we did not do any highway driving, as our routes were restricted to city roads in Pretoria for morning and afternoon school runs, and quick short trips to the shop or horse riding and dancing lessons or judo, for example. The 4WD variant adds a rear differential lock, hill‑start assist, and hill‑descent control, making it a proper workhorse for off‑road conditions.
Cabin & Comfort
Step inside and you’ll almost forget you’re in a bakkie. The AT 4WD gets leather upholstery and 6‑way electric adjustable front seats, while both the MT 2WD and our 4WD variant feature a 10‑inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB ports (USB-A and USB-C), and a refrigerated glove box — a small but clever touch for long hauls. The cabin is SUV‑like, with soft‑touch finishes, generous passenger space, and thoughtful storage. Cruise control, keyless entry, and push‑button start (on the 4WD) elevate everyday convenience.
Safety & Tech
The Hunter doesn’t skimp on protection. Expect front, side, and curtain airbags (curtain on 4WD), ABS with EBD and BA, electronic stability control, traction control, and tyre pressure monitoring. Add a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, and you’ve got peace of mind built in.
It should be noted though that you are not getting Android Auto or Apple CarPlay with this bakkie, but you can do Bluetooth phone connectivity through the infotainment system to listen to all your favourite tracks or podcasts, get directions through the speaker system for Google Maps/Wave, or you can download and install an app on your smartphone called CarbitLink to get a lot of the Android Auto/Apple CarPlay functionality via the infotainment screen by casting your phone apps on to the display via the CarbitLink application.
Practical Muscle
Payload capacity is 1,100 kg for the 2WD and 1,000 kg for the 4WD, with a load bed measuring 1520 mm x 1520 mm x 500 mm. Ground clearance sits at 226 mm, giving confidence over rough terrain. The 4WD adds a 12V cargo bed socket and cargo bed lighting, making it more versatile for lifestyle and work.
Pricing & Value
Starting at R449,900 (4WD model is around R569 900), the Hunter comes with a 5‑year/150,000 km warranty. The 4WD variant includes a 5‑year/90,000 km service plan, while the 2WD offers it as optional. In a segment where rivals often push past R600k, the Hunter’s spec‑to‑price ratio is compelling.
Verdict – Driven to Evolve
The Changan Hunter Diesel is more than just another bakkie. It’s a statement: that toughness and refinement can coexist (for less than the equivelent Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-MAX, Nissan Navarra, or Toyota Hilux), and that value doesn’t mean compromise. With SUV‑like comfort, serious payload capacity, and a price tag that undercuts the double cab establishment, the Hunter is a disruptor in the South African bakkie market.
If you want a bakkie that works hard Monday to Friday and still looks sharp at the braai on Saturday, the Hunter deserves a spot on your shortlist.
