By Sala Masindane

The Changan Hunter REEV is one of the most interesting new bakkies currently available in South Africa. Finished in a striking Olive Green paint colour with black wheels and a distinctive front-end design, it certainly stands out on the road.

Interior

Inside, the Hunter REEV offers a modern and comfortable cabin that feels more like an SUV than a traditional workhorse. Standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, leather seats, wireless charging, and a clean dashboard layout with physical controls. While the infotainment system is generally easy to use, Apple CarPlay can occasionally be inconsistent.

Performance

Power comes from a 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery paired with dual electric motors producing a combined 200kW and 470Nm of torque. A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine serves purely as a generator, supplying power to the battery and extending the driving range.

The result is a driving experience that feels largely electric. The Hunter REEV is smooth, quiet, and surprisingly responsive, with the petrol engine working discreetly in the background when needed. Changan claims a total driving range of up to 1,000km, while the EV-only driving range is rated between 131km and 145km.

Efficiency

During our time with the Hunter REEV, we recorded an average fuel consumption of 8.4L/100km. Combined with its range-extender technology, bold styling, and well-equipped interior, the Hunter REEV offers something genuinely different in the local bakkie market.

Verdict

For buyers looking for a modern alternative to a conventional diesel double cab, the Changan Hunter REEV is certainly worth considering. It delivers the smooth and refined driving experience of an electric vehicle while removing much of the range anxiety associated with a fully electric bakkie.

Priced at R799,900, the Hunter REEV presents an interesting option for buyers who want to embrace electrification without giving up the practicality and versatility expected from a double-cab bakkie.