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By Moses Akaigwe
In Nigeria, as in many other markets across the world, Changan Hunter Plus, a modern, high-performance pick-up truck, has been giving buyers different reasons to make it their first choice over and above what the products of older competing brands offer.
The Hunter Plus, a rugged 4×4 pick-up with a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine provided in the Nigerian market by Mikano Motors Ltd. In other words, the name of the company marketing it in Nigeria is an added advantage for the pick-up
In Saudi Arabia, Hunter is the reason the light duty transport sector is undergoing a notable shift, driven by small and medium-sized businesses seeking practical solutions that combine strong performance with cost efficiency, without unnecessary complexity or financial burden.
The situation is not different in South Africa where the market is crowded with bold claims and “tougher” promises, but (the Diesel Range) Changan Hunter takes a different approach. It doesn’t chase extremes or overcomplicate the category. Instead, it delivers something far more valuable to South African buyers – balance.
Like in South Africa, Changan Hunter Plus hasn’t been in the Nigerian market for many years and faces as much stiff competition from the pick-ups of the more established brands as the comparatively younger competitors. However, Hunter has been able to rely on its own qualities to blaze a trail of success in Nigeria by attracting patronage from both divides.
Apart from Mikano Motors’ reputation as one of Nigeria’s front-running and customer-centric auto companies, many factors interplay to embolden the Hunter Plus to dare its rivals, and earn its fair share of the purchases.
The long list includes the pick-up’s impressive (kinetic) design, robust performance, rich safety features, high cargo capacity, an interior designed for an exceptional driving experience, and a high ground clearance suitable for various road conditions.
The kinetic design incorporates 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, LED D.R.I. (daylight running lights), full LED headlamps, front and rear fog lights,chromeplate door handles, LED mirror side repeaters, LED licence plate light, LED high mounted stop light, bed linen (integrated), outer door book, inner rope book) and side-steps.
Turbocharged engine / Aisin Japan transmission
But, the vehicle is not all about esthetic appeal, because beneath the bonnet is the 2.0 litre turbocharged GDI+Bluecore engine that combines seamlessly with the eight-speed Aisin Japan transmission to imbue the Hunter Plus with an impressive performance while on duty.
Enhancing its off-road capability are the BorgWarner 4WD technology featuring differential lock; double Wishbone from suspension; and multi-link semi independent rear suspension.
Interior
Open the door, and you will notice that the interior is designed to be a refined and comfortable cabin with modern technology, moving beyond typical utilitarian expectations for a pickup truck.
Easily noticeable are the leather seats, but other key features defining the interior are smartphone mirror link (Apple and Android), steering audio control +Bluetooth handsfree, 7.5” LCD digital cluster screen display with trip & driving information, front and rear USB port, and 12.3” HD coloured touchscreen radio.
Other key characteristics of the interior are: Six-speakers, six-way automatic adjustable driver’s seat, four-way automatic adjustable ‘co-pilot’s’ seat, ventilated front seats, front and rear adjustable headrests, and RR 60/40 split folding seats.
Comfort / Convenience
For the comfort and convenience of the occupants, Changan has provided in the vehicle Automatic electronic air conditioner + rear A/C vents; Adjustable steering wheel; Four power windows; Electric adjustable heated mirrors + auto fold function; and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Active safety
Changan Hunter Plus offers a range of safety features, including multiple airbags, advanced stability systems, and driver-assistance technologies, all of which combine to make the vehicle one of the safest pick-up in the market, according to Mikano Motors’ marketing team.
Specifically, key active safety features include front dual airbags and front side airbags; Antii-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist System (BA); Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Traction Control System (TCS); Cruise Control + Speed Limiter; Hill Hold Control; and Bill Descent Control.
Passive safety
Passive safety is equally impressive, with ISOIFIX child seat; Over Speeding Warning; Seatbelt Reminder for occupied seats; FR & RR 3-point safety seat belt + front seat; speed sensitive automatic door locking system; Collapse energy absorbing steering column; Fuel system: collision safety cut-off; Collision safety door latch open system; Rear doors child lock safety; and Central lock + Immobiliser + Burgular & Hood lit.
After-sales support/ 5-year warranty
Perhaps, one of the most outstanding advanced Changan Hunter Plus has in the Nigerian market is the satisfactory after-sales back-up by the exclusive distributor, Mikano Motors which includes well equipped service / maintenance centres manned by technicians well trained on handling modern vehicles.
Mikano Motors’ nationwide sales and after-sales service network includes many branches in Lagos, as well as others in Abuja, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt, among others.
At the core of this industry-best after-sales offer is a warranty package of five years or 130, 000 (whichever comes first) which makes it possible for Changan customers to have smooth motoring and peace of mind.
Awards
From the foregoing, it is no surprise that the Changan Hunter pickup has been winning awards and recognitions in various markets, notably the “Best Pick-up 2021” award at the PR Arabia Automotive Sector Awards in Saudi Arabia, and the “2021 Best Pickup Truck Model Award” from a Saudi media outlet.
Additionally, the Changan Hunter Plus was the best-selling pickup truck in Russia for the first time in October 2024.
Changan Auto
Hunter pick-up and the much improved newer Plus model, are vehicles that enhance Changan Auto’s enviable reputation as the manufacturer of a wide range of very safe and top quality vehicles used in all parts of the world.
The automaker is also ranked first among China’s best-selling homegrown auto brands, also because of its quality.
Most importantly,Changan is known for its focus on “lasting safety,” as the name suggests, and has a long history dating back to 1862, with over 40 years of experience in car manufacturing
