by Changan Hunter – a novelty for our market. However, under the little recognizable silhouette hides a well-known ‘brother’. Because Changan has kinship with Peugeot Landtrek. Both models were developed as part of a partnership between the Chinese company Changan and the French Peugeot. But few know that RAM 1200 is also their brother! Changan Hunter, RAM 1200 and Peugeot Landtrek are based on the same platform, which means a similar body architecture, suspension, and interior arrangement. Basic technical components such as frame, suspension, and even some safety systems are common for both vehicles. By the way, the Peugeot pickup, like Changan, is also produced in the Celestial Empire. Particularly attention should be paid to the diesel version of Changan Hunter with a manual gearbox. Under the hood here is a powerful 1.9-liter turbodiesel, which delivers 150 horsepower and has a significant torque, making the pickup productive and efficient in challenging operating conditions. Since we have already tested the Peugeot Landtrek with the same diesel engine of similar power and also with a 6-speed manual, there is something to compare… In terms of equipment, there is no special difference when comparing the only available configuration of Changan in Ukraine and the basic modification of Peugeot. Subjective perception Despite the kinship, the Hunter seemed more spacious to me. We are talking about the headroom and legroom. Perhaps it is an illusion, but it seemed just like that. In addition, the suspension in the Hunter feels more ‘versatile’ and supple, although in the Peugeot, it is also smooth. In terms of ergonomics, everything is almost the same. The central screen, knobs, keys – everything is the same as in Peugeot. The latter, by the way, states that the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 14.9 seconds. And personally, I felt the dynamics were insufficient. Of course, the pickup has its purpose, but I wanted better dynamics. Changan does not specify the dynamic characteristics, and no matter where I looked – I did not find it. But personally, it seemed to me better in terms of acceleration dynamics. Whether this is true in reality – it should be checked in the same conditions and on the same tires. Maybe the difference in weight? No. Both Peugeot Landtrek and Changan Hunter weigh 2060 kg. Also, it seemed to me that the Changan has better engine noise insulation, and the feeling that the exhaust is different. In the ‘Chinese’ car, the sound seems more noble, although I understand that the engine is the same. But at the same time, on the highway, the ‘rumble’ at high speeds is lower in Peugeot (I’m talking about aerodynamic noise). In short, it seems that the cars are the same, but there is a certain difference in feelings – for the objectivity of the comparison, ideally drive them at the same time and in the same conditions. Behavior on the road and off-road capabilities If we abstract from Peugeot, we can state that thanks to its strong platform and high ground clearance (235 mm), Changan Hunter is a real pickup for various conditions. The suspension absorbs irregularities well, making it suitable for both urban traffic and rural roads. But the real character is revealed off-road – the diesel engine with low revs provides torque of 340 Nm in a wide rev range (1800-2800 rpm), and the full drive makes the pickup indispensable in challenging conditions. There are three modes: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, all-wheel drive with low range. Since the car was brand new with minimal mileage, I was not eager to torture it too much off-road. But we still tried something and can say – it goes well… Moreover, fuel consumption is at an acceptable level – about 9-10 liters. Pleasant and useful details include: – Electronic stability control system (ESP) – Hill start assist system (HHC) – Hill descent control system (HDC) – Forced deactivation function of the electronic stability control system Reviews and reliability General impression of driving Changan Hunter: big, tall, quite comfortable, but at the same time manly brutal. Is it reliable? Let’s talk a little about that here. I spent a long time browsing the Internet to find out where and which parts the Chinese manufacture, and which are borrowed from well-known ‘overseas’ manufacturers. So, as far as I understand, in creating this pickup, they took a rather simple path, turning Hunter into a ‘potpourri’. A little from Germany, something from Japan, something from the USA (I was surprised myself), a little from France, etc. The logic, probably, is to take a bit of everything that should serve well in challenging operating conditions. Reviews of Changan Hunter in Ukraine are currently missing, but I couldn’t resist and browsed a bit on the country’s websites, which I would prefer not to see on the globe. After all, it is there that Changan (and not just Hunter) has been sold for a relatively long time and in significant quantities. What interesting things did I find? In fact, the reviews are radically different. Some write that for their money, this is a reliable pickup with good off-road capabilities. Someone writes that scratches on the body rust instantly. Others, on the contrary, that the body is treated well. From what I found in common: Pros: – Comfortable cabin – Good off-road capabilities – Smooth ride Cons: – At speeds over 90 km/h, there is quite a significant aerodynamic wind noise and more – It is desirable to process the bottom immediately after buying a car – The diesel version is available only with a manual transmission – The suspension reacts rather ‘nervously’ to frequent irregularities Conclusion Changan Hunter is one of the most affordable and at the same time the largest pickups for its money. There are Chinese pickups cheaper, but not full, but rear-wheel-drive and/or gasoline. Well, in this case, we are talking about an official car with a warranty, etc.
