Pickup Changan Hunter Plus will receive a diesel version in Russia

The Changan Hunter Plus pickup truck is preparing to enter the Russian market in a diesel version with an Isuzu 2.5 engine (145 hp, 400 Nm), an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, complementing the already available petrol version 2.0T 226 hp.

Diesel in OTTS: which engine will Hunter Plus get

The Changan Hunter Plus model received Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) in Russia, in which, in addition to the already familiar gasoline unit, for the first time a Isuzu 2.5-liter diesel engine appears. This turbodiesel develops145 hp. and 400 Nm of torquewhich is less in power, but comparable or higher in traction relative to the gasoline 2.0T.

According to the documents, the new diesel engine will work in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, maintaining the Hunter Plus image of a practical and high-torque pickup truck for difficult conditions. The Changan representative office has not yet announced specific dates for the appearance of the diesel version at dealers, but the very fact that the engine is registered in the OTTS means that the launch is only a matter of time and marketing calculations.

Suspension and production: how diesel differs from gasoline

The diesel Hunter Plus differs from the gasoline version primarily in the rear suspension. The diesel version has an independent suspension on springs at the rear, while the gasoline version has a lever-spring design with anti-roll bars. The front suspension in both cases is independent wishbone-spring, which is designed to provide acceptable comfort even with frame architecture and serious load capacity.

In the “place of production” column of the OTTS there is a plant in Hebei province (PRC), which means that Changan has no plans to localize Hunter Plus in Russia: the pickup truck will continue to be completely imported from China, unlike the CS35 Max and CS75 Plus crossovers, which have already received OTTS for assembly at the Kaliningrad Avtotor.

Current version: 2.0T petrol, ZF automatic and BorgWarner all-wheel drive

Today, the Changan Hunter Plus is offered on the Russian market only with a gasoline engine: this is a 2.0‑liter BlueCore turbo engine with a power of 226 hp. (up to 380 Nm)combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission ZFand a BorgWarner all-wheel drive system.

There is one configuration available - “Lux”, which as of the beginning of April is estimated at approximately 3,969,900 rubles according to dealers and specialized publications. This package includes rich interior equipment, multimedia, driver assistance systems and decorative elements, thanks to which Hunter Plus is positioned not only as a “workhorse”, but also as a universal family pickup truck for the city and leisure.

The importance of the diesel Hunter Plus for the Chinese pickup segment

The appearance of the diesel version of the Changan Hunter Plus expands the offer of Chinese pickup trucks in Russia with an option focused on traction, efficiency and off-road operation, and not just on power and dynamics. For some private and corporate clients, it is the Isuzu diesel engine, known for its durability and low-end traction, that can become a decisive argument in favor of the Hunter Plus over its competitors.

Against the backdrop of Changan's plans to localize the CS35 Max and CS75 Plus crossovers and introduce the seven-seat CS75 Pro to the market, the diesel Hunter Plus complements the brand's line-up “from below”, offering those who drive, carry and go off-road a lot an alternative to petrol flagships of Chinese origin. If the price for the diesel modification turns out to be quite competitive, the pickup truck has a chance to become one of Changan’s flagship models in the Russian market of utilitarian, but at the same time comfortable Chinese passenger cars of the pickup format.