JAC Hunter vs Kia Ev3

What's the difference?

The JAC Hunter is not yet perfected, but it’s a big step up from its diesel-powered sibling, the T9. The plug-in hybrid driveline not only has the potential to reduce running costs (provided its tech is used intelligently) but also provides an alternative to owners who are still gun-shy about the perceived problems of modern turbo-diesel engines.

The big improvements have been wrought in the chassis department, where thousands of kilometres of local testing and validation have achieved a much better car to drive than previously.

We still have our reservations about the calibration of some of the safety systems, and some of the ergonomics involved, however.

Of course, in the end, the success or otherwise of many brands like JAC and vehicles like the Hunter will come down to how the market reacts to the sudden influx of new names and badges. And in that context, purchase price will surely be a major factor. At which point the sub-$50,000 Hunter starts to shine a little brighter.

The GT-Line is relatively expensive, yes. The Air Standard Range isn’t groundbreaking even at under $50,000, no. But the sweet spot in the EV3 line-up is being able to pay $53,315 for the Air Long Range and come away with a roomy small SUV that can realistically cover almost 600km in the real world.

And it does everything properly, no big red flags or dealbreakers.

Its steering weight at speed on winding roads being the biggest complaint isn’t the end of the world for how otherwise comfortable the EV3 feels on-road.

Put it this way - I recently spent a few days in a Mini Aceman, a five-door electric SUV not too far from the EV3 in size. It is about as fast, and costs a little more, but it doesn’t have a lot more to offer in terms of features and it’s nowhere near as good on range with about 400km to its longer-ranged versions.

The EV3 might still have a bit of ‘sensible’ about it compared to some other electric small SUVS, but when it looks this cute and can get you an extra round trip out of the city compared to ‘Euro’ brands at the same price, it’s hard not to be impressed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.