A sunroof is the major visual addition to the JAC Hunter at $1500, but you can also option up dealer-fitted off-road tyres for $1200. The entry-level car misses out on front and rear differential locks, but they can be added to the base Hunter as extras.

Lots of soft-touch surfaces and good looking materials elevate the JAC Hunter from some of its peers. The info screens look better integrated than many manage and the ambient lighting is a nice touch.

A high floor, however, limits how comfortable some drivers will be able to get.

Many functions are menu-driven from the centre screen, although the drive modes and off-road mode selection is via hard buttons on the centre console.

With a 2.0-litre petrol turbo, and a pair of electric motors (one on each axle) the JAC Hunter is not a simple machine. JAC claims 360kW and 1010Nm, numbers which are not borne out by the driving experience. Nor is the claimed fuel consumption figures of 1.6 litres per 100km. Between nine and 10 litres per 100km is a much more accurate number to work with.

A powered driver's seat is standard in the JAC Hunter dual-cab. Spend more on the flagship version and there's also a powered passenger's chair and the front seats become heated.

The three-perch rear seat is a bit flat in the cushion and, like many utes, has a backrest at an odd angle for some people.

The diamond-stitched trim used in the JAC looks great and gives a high-end feel.

Despite the 360kW and 1000-plus Nm claims, the JAC Hunter never feels as brisk as that suggests. We reckon the 0-100km/h time is likely to be around 8.5 seconds, which is decent, but not shattering. Top speed has been electronically limited to 160km/h.

JAC claims that starting with a fully charged battery, the Hunter will cover more than 1000km between charges and fill-ups. We say that number is likely to be closer to 800km, even with the standard 77-litre fuel tank.