Changan Hunter First Drive: Experiencing a New Hunter in Town!

Changan Auto has made its entry in the Nepali market with a bang!

Within just months after its official debut, Changan has introduced its second product: Changan Hunter. It is the newest lifestyle pickup to enter Nepal.

MAW Vriddhi, the authorized distributor of Changan vehicles in Nepal, is a premium offering. Alongside a lot of features, it is matched with a powerful engine and uncompromised off-road capabilities.

Interestingly enough, Hunter is quite an offering. It claims to be a top-notch pickup at a more aggressive price.

As for the pricing, the Changan Hunter price in Nepal starts at Rs. 66 Lakhs to Rs. 75.50 Lakhs.

We are putting those claims to test. Fortunately enough, we have got our hands on it to take it for a full review!

While we are still prepping up for this review, let’s talk about what we found interesting details so far.

Changan Hunter Overview

Design

If you really think about it, most pickup trucks have the familiar design language.

Fortunately, Changa Hunter is no different here.

It also sports a familiar pickup design. However, there are interesting elements that help set it apart.

It comes with an imposing look, mixed with a muscular stance and sporty character.

The front section exhibits this quality the most.

It includes a large mesh-like grille along with a chromed border. There are sculpted aesthetics at the bumper and hood, boosting its muscular profile.

Moreover, the bumper feels a bit more raised when compared to other pickup trucks.

There is an aggressive projector headlamp set up on the side. However, these are yellow-colored light rather than Xenon or White.

Interestingly enough, the rest of the side and the rear section has been kept simple.

It comes with minimal side creases with body-colored wheel arches. Furthermore, it includes 18-inch alloy wheels and chromed door handles as standard.

Changan has included Side Step and Roof Rails as standard.

Similarly, the rear section gets a unique-looking C-shaped LED tail lamp. This works together in combination with the halogen bulbs.

The rear section attracts attention with its large “CHANGAN” logo with a chromed handle.

Interesting elements include Integrated Brake Light and Cargo Illumination at the Anti-Roll bar. Both are LEDs for convenience.

Additionally, the Changan Hunter will be available in three colors: Blue, Gray, and White.

Performance

Changan Hunter is powered by a 1.9L CRDi Turbo Diesel Engine. It can generate a max power of 150 PS and a max torque of 350 Nm at 1800-2800pm.

Moreover, it is mated to a 6-speed MT/AT transmission with an 80-liter fuel tank capacity.

Depending on the variant, Hunter will be available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.

When compared to other pickup trucks at this price point, the powertrain figures are almost similar.

However, we will test it out based on its pickup, refinement, and real-world performance.

Features

We will go into details about its features in our Full Review. Until then, here is a quick list of features in the Changan Hunter.

Changa Hunter Features Highlight

• 1.9L Turbo Diesel Engine
• Large Mesh-Like Grille
• Projector Headlamp with LED Taillamp
• Analog-Digital Instrument Meter
• 10-inch LCD Infotainment System
• 6 Speakers
• Air Conditioner
• Large Cargo Capacity
• High Ground Clearance
• Rear Differential Lock
• ABS + EBD
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Electronic Stability Program
• Six Airbags
• 18-inch Aluminum Wheels

First Drive Experience

Straight up, Changan Hunter feels like a premium pickup truck.

The interior successfully maintains the luxury vibes set forth by the exterior. Moreover, the interior is made up of a combination of high-quality plastic, leather, and fabric.

Like Alsvin, the steering wheel also feels nice.

Fortunately enough, Changan hasn’t gone crazy with the design. Rather, it has made a perfect balance between aesthetics and luxury.

Both front seats are power-adjustable, which surprisingly comes with lumbar support as well.

There is adequate space for the driver.

Surprisingly, you do feel the large size of the truck just by putting yourself in the driver’s seat.

Hopefully, Changan Hunter brings this level of feel while driving it.

Staying on the topic, we will try to test out its off-roading capabilities as well.

Intriguingly enough, Changan Hunter is set to compete against the Toyota Hilux.

At first, it might feel like a one-sided battle. However, it might end up being an interesting twist of fate.

There is a reason Changan Hunter is setting itself as a luxury lifestyle pickup truck. And, we will try to explore that for our full review.