• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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2021 Changan Hunter with ‘French DNA’ unveiled in Nigeria

Hunter copy

Changan has unveiled its 2021 Hunter pick-up in the Nigerian market, jointly built by Changan Auto and Groupe PSA, the second largest car manufacturer in Europe.

The pick-up, which the manufacturer says comes at the intersection of competitive price-point and build suitable for the Nigerian terrain, is expected to build on the reputation Changan has over five years of being in the Nigerian market.

With an estimated 1500 units sold of Changan vehicles sold over the years, the brand according to Vijay Singh, Stallion Motors’ head of Sale and Marketing, has been well accepted with minimal need for mechanical work in the years after purchase.

In fuel consumption, he put the new pick-up’s efficiency at 10.5km per litre of fuel in the city and for highway, 11.8km per litre.

The build from ground clearance also makes it suitable for the notorious Nigerian roads, suitable for different terrains across the country.

“When a person comes as a repeat buyer, it is indicative of customer satisfaction,” said Singh, while assuring the new pick-up will also deliver on the quality experienced by buyers of different models under the Changan brand.

Also launched are two trims of eye-catching Changan Mini buses targeted at meeting the needs of commercial transporters as well small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) and logistic concerns.

Dubbed a Chinese truck with strong European DNA, the Hunter midsize pickup and its mini bus variant were unveiled to journalists in Lagos on Saturday.

Singh, who spoke at the launch, said it was aimed at serving the Nigerian business community and Government Sectors with vehicles that combine quality, ruggedness with affordability.

Also available in the country are two trims of Mini buses, namely Star 9 and star 5, each named according to seating capacity.

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The vehicles are positioned to become market leaders for both business passengers and urban logistics, with the star 5 and Star 9 mini buses being new generation of highly efficient commercial vehicles, powered by C10 1000cc engine tuned up to withstand daily rigours of commercial transportation.

Both come with Electric power steering, power windows and Central locking system.

Whereas the new Hunter, which Singh described as a truck ready to charm the nation’s love of quality trucks with make-ups traditionally associated with saloons and SUVs, displays uncommon characteristics, especially stunning design, intelligent safety features and ruggedness, making it the right truck for Nigerian roads.

“Engineered to scale through the PSA-CHANGAN “CA-TVS” dual system verification,” he stated, “the 2021 Hunter did not only meet the strictest European standard, its total galvanized process guarantees ten years anti-corrosion.”

Meanwhile, the Hunter comes with a feature known as forest air purification system, which means, no matter how harsh the road environment outside the van, Hunter will maintain fresh air, thereby providing drivers and passengers with a comfortable and healthy experience.

The Changan Hunter is equipped with a 2.4 Litter Turbo Patrol Engine with Manual and Automatic Transmission, having high end features like Led lamps, premium leather seats, Reverse camera, Cruise Control, push button Start, rear AC vent, 10“ display with touch screen, Bedliner with 226mm ground clearance.

“Being of Chinese-European parenthood,” Singh explained the Changan Hunter was designed and engineered with strict adherence to European standard and EuroNCAP (European Car Assessment Programme) specifications in terms of safety, power, performance, comfort and equipment.

“Boasting of the highest safety technology, Hunter’s outstanding quality and durability makes it your companion for every road,” he said.

There is also an existing financing arrangement with two banks; Stanbic and Sterling, at 18% interest rate, with the Hunter pick-up retailing at N12.3million.